2009 world junior motocross heads to Taupo

Northern hemisphere riders have practically shunned this weekend’s Junior World Motocross Championship in Taupo, New Zealand.

In what is shaping up more as a de-facto Oceania title, Australian and New Zealand riders dominate the entry list with 29 of the 36 riders in the 85cc class, and 29 of the 40 combatants in the 125s.

France has the biggest contingent from Europe, with seven riders across the two classes, followed by the Netherlands with four.

In the 125s, six of the top seven riders in this year’s Australian Under 19s Motocross Championship will compete at Taupo: Luke Styke, Harley Quinlan, Josh Cachia, Ross Beaton, Dylan Peterson and Jason Reed. All the riders other than Reed (Kawasaki) are Yamaha pilots.

“I can't wait to get over there,” said Beaton.

“I raced in New Zealand through last summer and had a great time, but this is a world championship and to do well here is a great way to launch a professional career. It’s going to be tough, but we are all looking forward to the challenge.”

Styke won six of the last 10 races to win the championship in fine style and, if he rises to the occasion in New Zealand, he should take it right up to Tye Simmonds (KTM), who was a spectacular second in the Aussie Pro Lites title behind Suzuki’s Matt Moss.

Of course, the New Zealanders will be doing all they can to beat the Aussies on their home soil, with Cameron Dillon, Mitchell Rees and John Phillips among the stars in the 125cc class.

And just to give the locals a little extra advantage, this year’s NZ junior title was also held at the 1.770km Taupo circuit (in 2006, Taupo also hosted the final day motocross test in the International Six Days Enduro).

The 125cc class also has a single entry from Guatemala, a country which often plays host to Aussie juniors.

But the bloke they could all be chasing in the 125cc class is mercurial American Elic Tomac, who has 60 AMA national junior titles to his name.

In the 85cc class, three New Zealanders shape as the standouts: Micah McGoldrick, Brandon Tipene and Logan Blackburn.

Seven Australians will compete in the 85cc class:

Dale Fear, KTM
Jarred Jeffcoat, Honda
Dylan Long, KTM
Hayden Mellross, Honda
Scott Mann, Yamah
Joel Dinsdale, Yamaha
Jay Wilson, KTM

Dinsdale was second in an 85cc class at last year’s Australian Junior Motocross Championship.

The Australian team will fly out tomorrow, with and practice and qualifying on August 15.

There will be two races for each class on August 16, with the 85s circulating for 20 minutes (plus two laps) and the 125 for 25 minutes (plus two laps).