Teddy Shaw won the 9-11 years’ 65cc class at the New Zealand Mini Motocross Championships. PHOTO/ANDY MCGECHAN — BIKESPORTNZ.COM
MOTOCROSS
JAKE BELESKI
[email protected]
A first trip to the New Zealand Mini Motocross Championships brought incredible results for local riders Teddy Shaw and Maddox Swanson over the weekend.
The event was hosted by the Kapi-Mana Motorcycle Club and more than 160 riders competed in different categories across the two days, with a large contingent from the Martinborough Motorcycle Club taking part and doing their club proud.
Teddy competed in the 9-11 years’ 65cc class and it was a tight competition that came down to the final race.
He finished second in that final race to finish with 104 points, seven ahead of the person in second place.
Maddox won four of the five races in the 6-8 years’ 50cc class, which was enough to see him claim first place overall with 111 points, eight points ahead of the runner-up.
Maddox’s father, Jason Swanson, said his son had been racing since he was about three years old, and racing since he was four.
“I’ve been racing ever since I was 12, and I’ve always been involved either with racing or helping out on the Martinborough Motorcycle Club committee.
“My older brother did it too, so it just runs in the family.”
Neither rider had competed at the national event before, making their achievements all the more remarkable.
Jason said an event earlier in the year had given Maddox a clear idea of what he would need to do to be successful.
“There was a boy from Christchurch that Maddox raced against at the start of the year, and he won every race.
“We knew this guy was the man to beat — he was the target.
“We did what we could up here to train, and that boy got third at this event.”
Teddy’s father, John Shaw, said his son had been riding for about four years.
“My brother and I used to ride with him and he showed really good talent.
“He thinks a lot, stays fit, and he’s dedicated.”
Tensions were high as the title was on the line in Teddy’s last race, with John admitting to some nerves setting in.
“I almost blew my heart out.
“He had a bad first race which happens sometimes, but he kept his composure and did it.
“We’re all really proud.”
John said a top-five finish was their initial target, but Teddy’s performance ensured he would achieve that target with ease.
“We’ve been sussing out the competition and we knew if he put his mind to it and stayed focused, he could take the championship out.”
John said the performance would not have been possible without the help of their sponsors: Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha, Hairy Hills Raceway, Fairview Greytown, Nightingale Art and SLR Racing.
Both riders will take part in the Wairarapa Champs event this weekend in Carterton.
