Queenslander's Gone AWOL
Story by: Scott Bishop
Photo by: Bud Racing

The list of Queensland riders out there on the world stage just continues to get longer. With a host of Speedway and Road Race heroes already plying their trade in world championship events, the motocross community is also coughing up big numbers. Brenden Harrsion and Daniel Reardon now join Andrew McFarlane and Michael Byrne contesting events overseas.

Not long after the Australian season had wrapped up for 2007, Brenden was invited to take part in a test session with World MX2 team, Bud-Racing Kawasaki. Brenden had already signed a contract with Serco Yamaha for 2008 after winning the inaugural Under 19 Championships at the MX Nationals. Yamaha granted Brenden a release and off he flew to Europe to try out for a spot on the team.

Standing in his way were two other young European based riders but after the sessions were completed, Harrison got the nod. He is now packing his bags and ready to follow in the footsteps of Chad Reed, Andrew McFarlane and Brett Metcalfe, who all cut their international teeth in Europe before establishing themselves as stars of the AMA series in the US.

“I am looking forward to getting over there and racing the 2008 World MX2 Championships. My goal in racing was always to be a professional racer and competing for major championships and this is a step in that direction” Harrison said.

The team will be based in France and Brenden will be faced not only with the challenges of racing for a world title but also the life experience of other cultures, people and lifestyle. It all sounds very exciting, congratulations to Brenden - proof the the system in place here in Queenslnad continues to work.

Daniel Reardon set the pits at the US Open Supercross abuzz with his debut performance at the event, pulling down a 7 – 4 result for the two nights of racing.

Reardon announced to the US that he was there and ready to race. Speaking with his personal mechanic and fellow Queenslander, Mike Ward only hours after the event, he felt that Daniel even had the opportunity to win the second night's racing as he held down third for the majority of the moto, but just didn’t quite get in the groove.

His very first race had him locking bars with Chad Reed as the Aussie boys led a thrilling heat race that had the fans on their feet and the spectators looking through their programs to find out just who #122 was on the Honda.

Chris Urquhart who was also present at the event, said that Reardon was right there both nights and looked like he belonged, from the moment he wheeled his bike to the start gates. Let’s hope this is the start of a long and successful US career for Reardon.    

Meanwhile, Andrew McFarlane has been back on home soil recently resting up after what was no doubt his toughest season. Battling injury and troublesome equipment, the man affectionately known as Sharkey never found his groove in 2007, but with some time off to heal his body and also the news of riding for a new Kawasaki backed team, Andrew is in high spirits when talking about next year.

“Our bikes will have Pro Circuit motors and the team has also enlisted a heap of other great sponsors, so things are looking good. I just need some more time to get over my injuries from the Motocross of Nations and 2008 will be a lot better than 2007, that’s for sure,” McFarlane offered.

Andrew, while moving around, is yet to get back on the bike after his front straight wipe out at the Motocross of Nations. He plans to be back on the track in the next month and looking to contest the East Coast Lites SX and the MX Nationals. While on a flying visit back to Australia, he spent time with his family here in Brisbane and also some time at Chad Reed’s house down near Newcastle.

Michael Byrne has landed on his feet after a so- so season, by his standards, in 2007. His name was linked to several teams for the coming season, but with Ricky Carmichael bowing out of racing, Ivan Tedesco moving to Honda, Suzuki had plenty of budget and secured Byrne for 2008.

They used the last right of refusal in Byrne's existing Rockstar Suzuki contract to have him on board the factory Makita Suzuki team alongside Mike Alessi and David Villiumen.

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Road Racing News
Story by: Tom Williams
Photo by: Tom Williams

30th Birthday Party for Ducati Owners Club of Queensland

The Ducati Owners Club of Queensland is 30 years of age this year and members have been staging celebrations for the last couple of months. And what could be a better birthday president to the Ducati faithful than to be able to also celebrate the first MotoGP championship for their chosen marque?

On Saturday, 3rd November a gala dinner was held with author and previous Ducati racer Jim Scaysbrook as special guest speaker. Jim was interviewed by club member Cameron Benson for the benefit of the night’s guests, and kept the party enthralled as he recounted his experiences here, in the USA and the Isle of Man over the years.

The gathering included many of the club’s early members, some who are still actively involved and others who have been missing in action for some time.
 
A beautiful collection of bikes graced the function room at Ballymore including the NCR Ducati Jim had raced at the Isle of Man and the Ducati 750ss, borrowed from MA’s museum that he rode along with the late Mike Hailwood in the 1977 and 1978 Castrol 6 hour races.

ASC is taking shape already for 2008

Big news in Superbikes is that the Gold Coast based TBR (Trinder Brothers Racing) are entering their MV Augusta F4 1000’s into the Australia Superbike Championship in 2008, with regular World Supersport number 2 Kevin Curtain as their rider.

The second rider in the team is likely to be Queensland’s very own Brendan Clarke, however as yet this isn’t confirmed. Craig Trinder, a past Formula Xtreme Naked bike champion will be entering the Naked bike series on a MV Augusta Brutale. Curtain’s first test on the bike was held recently.

“After that he’s a very happy man. When the season starts we’ll be ready to win races straight up.” said Steve Trinder.

Steve is visiting Italy soon to hopefully arrange for the factory to build them a world SBK spec. bike for wildcard entry at the Australian WSBK event. Following that, Curtain may do a few races in the Italian or German Superbike series. He knows the tracks and is already one of the fastest riders in the world so hopes of success in Europe are high. Kevin is back to full fitness after his season ending injuries earlier in the year.

This is not the first association the team has had with Curtain. He brought them success on Nikon Yamahas back in 2004, and all parties are very happy with the reunion.

There should be bigger grids in the Superbikes next year, with a number of privateers taking the step up from other classes. Two of our locals, Mick McMillan and Alex Buxton have recently been elevated to B grade and are currently preparing bikes for the premier class after having been leading FX class riders this year.

Terry O’Neill of AUSCO, promoter of the ASC has announced that the rules of the FX class have been changed to place the bikes between Superstock and Superbike specs.

“Basically they’ll be a Superbike with a standard motor” said O’Neill.

“It will be open to B, C and D grade riders and control treaded tyres will be used – two sets per meeting” he continued.

Other tyre rule changes will come into force in the series too with wets being introduced on a trial basis to the Superstock class and all control tyre classes being required to have a control set of wets at the first round. When these have expired they can be replaced with any brand. It’s just to ensure that no-one misses out at the start.

Details of the rules for all classes can be found on the web at www.formula-xtreme.com.au

For 2008 the calendar is more spread out with mostly fairly equal windows between rounds throughout the year, when the two international meeting support events are taken into account.

There will be a Thursday practice day for privateers only immediately prior to the Symmons Plains, Tasmania round next year. Mr. O’Neill reminds Queenslanders that there is a privateer travel allowance available for those entering the Tasmanian round too. Queensland will host a double header round again, being the only state to do so in 2008. This is a reward for local fans for producing the largest crowd of the series in 2007.

For those wanting a pre season shakedown, there is a state based round at Eastern Creek on 16th February, 2008 which will be the only race meeting at the Sydney circuit before round one. Supplementary regulations are available on the Ausco and ARDC websites.

The provisional calendar for the ASC next year is as follows:
Rnd 1: 14-16th March Eastern Creek Raceway New South Wales.
Rnd 2: 18-20th April Mallala Raceway South Australia.
Rnd 3: 30th May - 1st June Winton Raceway Victoria.
Rnd 4/5: 10-13th July Queensland Raceway Queensland
Rnd 6: 29th-31st August Symmons Plains Raceway Tasmania.
Rnd 7: 17-19th October Eastern Creek Raceway New South Wales

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2007 Queensland Classic Srambles Championships
Story by: Jackie McDonald
Photo by: jackie McDonald

Congratulations to the Brisbane Motor Cycle Club. With all the problems this year due to water restrictions, it was doubtful as to whether the championships would even happen. However, problems were overcome, prayers were answered, and the Championships were held on the 18th November at Raubers Road Nudgee.

The numbers were down with only 52 riders signing on for the day, but in this case, size did not matter. The riders both young and old never left the spectators bored, as they challenged each other relentlessly out there on the track. Included in the Championships this year were a few evolution classes, you know when the evo guys hit this track, it's heart in throat time.

Racing got underway on time and started with the Pre 78 open all ages support class. Up from Coffs Harbour Don Thornton arrived with his Pre 78 Suzuki and his Pre 75 Rickman. He was all set for a good day of racing, but unfortunately, Donny’s Suzuki gave up the ghost before the day even started. Not to worry, Donny still has the Rickman, Ooops! Had the Rickman. Luckily Donny’s a good bloke with a good sense of humour.

It was deja vu veu for Michael Bamford and Doug Sharples who found themselves in the same position they were in at the Australian titles earlier in the year. Now battling it out for the Queensland title in the Pre 75 125 over fifties, Bamford and Sharples were excellent to watch, but at the end of the day, it was Bamford who claimed the title.

Steve Maxwell was taken out of contention in round three of the Pre 75 132 - 250cc open all ages. It was on the first corner where Maxwell collided with another rider and was thrown off the track. Maxwell suffered a deep wound to the leg and a couple of broken ribs, tThis being the only major injury for the day.

Glen Chadwick, aged 21, had all eyes on him as he led the way in all three pre 75 125cc open all ages. There’s no disputing that Chadwick is one to be reckoned with, absolutely no fear, he’s fast and rides with winning in mind. Superb racing all round Brad van Barrello - The Cavell brothers - Kane McGuire - Mitch Semmens, the list just goes on, all brilliant riders, right here in Queensland, it doesn’t get better than this.

Thanks to Club President Lance Winley, the Muirhead brothers, Steve Maxwell, the Skyring brothers, Doug Sharples and everybody else who contributed their time and effort into this track.

2008 is looking good for the Brisbane Motorcycle Club and with water tanks installed, water will no longer be a problem. Sign on for the club will be late Feb/Mar 2008.

QVMX 2008
Sign on for QVMX will be 9th / 10th Feb. For more details you can visit their website on  www.qvmx.com

Race Results for the Queensland Scrambles Championships

Pre 75 125 cc 40 - 49

1st  Jeff Sharples
2nd Brad Van Barrello
3rd Mark Higginbotham

Pre 75 132 -250 cc 50 + years

1st  Steve Maxwell
2nd Don Newell
3rd Gary Semmens

Pre 75 132 - 250cc 40 - 49 years

1st  Tony Cavell
2nd James Moore
3rd Brad Van Barrello

Pre 75 4 stroke all ages

1st  Tony Cavell
2nd Michael Bamford
3rd Steve New

Evolution 125cc & 132cc - 250cc all ages

1st  Paul Hughes              1st  Kane McGuire
2nd Phillip Bell                 2nd Sean Allanson
3rd Paul Bassett               3rd Graham Simeonidis

Pre 78 125cc -132- 250cc and 263 - 1300cc all ages

1st  Kane McGuire                            1st  Mike Norgrove
2nd Tony Capararo                            2nd Steve Forgan
3rd Michael Temperley                     3rd Sean Allanson

Pre 75 263 - 1300cc open all ages

1st  Greg Cavell
2nd Tony Cavell
3rd Brian Marshall
Evolution 263 - 1300cc all ages

1st  Noel Harker
2nd Steve New
3rd Gavin Grayson

Pre 75 125cc 50 + years

1st  Michael Bamford
2nd Doug Sharples
3rd Steve Maxwell

Pre 70 All powers all ages

1st  Greg Cavell
2nd Mitch Semmens
3rd Phillip Bell

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BEN SCHODEL MOTOCROSS COACHING

COOLUM & KILCOY TRACKS

Ben Schodel is a Level 2 motorcycle coach operating out of the Coolum & Kilcoy Tracks. Ben has his privately owned Motocross Track on his own private property near Woodford licenced by Motorcycling Queensland to conduct permitted coaching and practice.

Contact Ben on 0410 690 392 for all your coaching needs.

Kirk brings Gold, AJ silver at ISDE
Story by: Leigh Hutton
Photo by: Leigh Hutton

“[Frenchman and outright winner] Johnny Aubert made the final motocross track – which was all deep sand and huge jumps and resembled something out of any clubman’s worst nightmare – look rideable by a grandma on a postie bike.”

Queensland’s Team Australia members have returned home from this year’s International Six Day Enduro two medals heavier.

Yamaha’s ‘King’ Kirk Hutton and Honda’s Anthony ‘AJ’ Roberts both managed to finish the six solid days of riding through the gruelling South American countryside in commendable position.

Hutton claimed a gold medal and 18th in the E1 class and Roberts a silver at the 82nd annual Six Day, held in La Serena, Chile.

“I was really happy to get another gold, that makes it six golds out of six Six Days, which is hard to do if you have seen how tough some of these races have been,” Hutton said.

“Chile was one of the hardest ISDE’s I have ever done, Czechoslovakia in 2005 was tough because it rained and it was super slippery, but the sand and rocks of Chile were full-on.

“There was one test we had to do every morning – it was about 30 seconds from the start and we had to go straight into it cold – and every night, right on the sand dunes.

“By the end the whoops in there were so big you couldn’t see over them and it was top gear in some spots, totally pinned on the YZ125.

“Between that test and another test that was in a river bed and was all rock, I will never forget Chile.”

Roberts, who was in the E2 class, just missed out on a gold medal.

To win gold, a rider’s total time from the event must be within 10 percent of the winner's time of their class.

Roberts’ class was won by lightning-fast Frenchman, Johnny Aubert, who easily won the outright for the event.

Aubert made the final motocross track – which was all deep sand and huge jumps and resembled something out of any clubman’s worst nightmare – look rideable by a grandma on a postie bike.

Roberts and Hutton were the only two cane toads on the six man Senior Trophy Team, there were no Queenslanders on the Junior Trophy Team.

Both riders plan to make the trek to next year’s event – to be held in Greece – and hope to again make the Australian team.

Australia finished fourth in the junior rankings, after being just pushed off the podium by the ‘Flying Finns’ on the final day, and sixth in the senior. There were 30 nations represented at the high-level event.

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An awesome three weekends of competition started at Broadford for the Festival of Champions. It’s an awesome track with heaps of tight corners and not much run-off. I loved it.

I qualified 12th for my first ever race on a GP 125 bike and I was pretty happy with that. Now I had my first ever race on a GP 125 bike to contend with and needless to say I was a little nervous (OK a lot nervous).

Every one was telling me how hard to get off the line they are, so I decided to just go for it and do my best. Surprisingly, I had a good start and was 9th into the first corner. I was in a huge battle with Aaron Corish, another junior stepping up to the 125’s for the first time. We battled in almost every race.  I was pleased with my sixth placing overall for the day. A big thank you to Paul Campbell and Red from Redback Race Paint for the opportunity to ride a 125 GP.

Two days later I was on my way to Philip Island for a ride in the 125’s support race at the GMC Australian Moto GP. We stayed in Cowes for a couple of days and relaxed, and I was able to meet up with a couple of riders.

Thursday was the start of an awesome weekend. We had 2 practices and 2 qualifying sessions.

Practice was awesome, so far it is the best track I’ve ever ridden on. The wind picked up when qualifying came and it was a rough session and I ended up 8th on the grid. I was so happy, as my goal for the weekend had simply been not to come last…

The first race on Friday was at 5 30pm and I had a little bit of bad luck with my foot peg breaking off on the third lap resulting in a DNF.

Saturday came and it was awesome, the first time I’ve seen or heard a Moto GP bike. The noise they make is embedded in my brain for ever. I was so excited to be a part of it. Thanks again Paul and Red.

Raelene (Red) from Redback Race Paint said to me before the race “good luck mate get amongst it and have fun”. So that’s exactly what I did, never did I imagine or dream that I would be amongst it at the pointy end.

Our race started at 5.45pm and it was a sweet race with four of us: Mark Wilkinson, Ben Burke, Levi Day and me all locked together in battle royal for 4th place. Ben Burke just pipped me on the finish line of the 6 lap race, putting me back to fifth.

The final race on Sunday was quite simply one of the best experiences of my life, with loads of Moto GP fans watching on.

Our race was at 10.30am, and once again there was a huge battle over 4th place with Sam Heath also joining in this time. The battle for fourth continued the entire race, eventually Ben Burke (4th) and Levi Day (5th) got the better of me, meaning I finished the third and final race in 6th place. I placed ninth overall, which includes a DNF in the first race, and I am really happy with my first Moto GP experience. I can’t wait for Phillip Island again next year.

Back to Queensland for the last round of the Southern Downs Challenge, I won all races in the Junior CBR150, which meant that I wrapped up the junior class.

The very next weekend I was back at Phillip Island for the last round of the MRRDA Series. There was a lot at stake for me with a lead of 6 points going into the last round I needed a great result to have any chance of winning the trip to compete in the Asean Cup in Motegi, Japan later in November.

I didn't really have a plan, other than I knew the slipstream was going to be the most crucial factor for me over the whole weekend. Phillip Island is a long track and the feather weights are going to fly here…

I  qualified in 11th - not the best, but it wasn’t the worst either.

In the first race on Sunday there was a group of about 9 riders swapping on every turn and straight. I came out seventh in the second race as I had a little come together with another rider, I quickly jumped back on to come back to 14th which put me in 10th on the grid for the final.

I knew it was going to be hard but not this hard. I was a little bit nervous knowing what was at stake but I tried my best not to think about it. The lights went and I was able to get an awesome start, but my competitors are just as good off the start and quickly left me behind on the long straight into turn 1.

In a three way battle for seventh I was doing everything I could, although I just wasn’t keeping up. It was the longest race of my life, - 6 laps, 4.2km per lap. I pushed and I pushed but just couldn’t make any headway, then I remembered something Bernie Hatton said to me: “you don’t win a Championship on the dirt, you have to cross the finish line”.

I finished ninth overall for the weekend, I didn’t know whether to scream or cry. I had to finish 5th or better to keep the race points lead and win the Motegi trip. 

I came off the track and was on my way back to the shed when I was told to go to the scrutineering shed. There were five of us kept there, they did fuel tests and everything.

Ryan James and I were still there, my thoughts were that I had still managed to get  a place, then we were asked to pull my bike down for measuring, which we did. Then I was told that  I had won the Motegi prize by 1 point. 1 POINT.  WHAT a weekend!!! What a Month!!!! What a year!!!!!!!!!!!

2007 has been a year to remember, and I can’t wait for 2008 as I will be competing on a 125GP in the Australian Superbike Series. 

Before I go, I want to give a big thank-you to my Mum and Dad for all their support, and also to Redback Race Paint for generously giving me the ride at Broadford and then again at the Australian Moto GP.

Thanks also to Andy from Weldalloy for helping me out over the year, Kevin and Kerry for their help and support at  the Broadford and Moto GP weekends, and Tony Heath and Bernie Hatton.

Finally, I would like the thank the Motorcycling Sportsmen for the time and dedication  they put into Junior road racing in Queensland, and thanks also to Kim Rowcliffe at Motorcycling Queensland for the opportunity to tell the story of a Junior road racer, Jake Horne #99

ps. I’m off to Japan on the 21st of November to ride in the Asean Cup, I’ll be sure to let you all know how I get on in a future edition of Ride! eNews.

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2007 Australian Supermoto Championship wrap
Story by: Drmsby Middleton

The 2007 Australian Supermoto Championship was thoroughly dominated by KTM Australia’s Angus Reekie.  Both the premier S2 class and the unlimited-capacity S1 championship were won by Reekie, placing him firmly at the top of Australia’s Supermoto racing elite.  The KTM star’s superb performance at the double-header round in Queensland proved just how capable he is. 

Rounds 4 and 5 of the Aussie Championships were held at the same venue as last year’s Queensland's visit; the highly-challenging Ipswich Kart Track at Willowbank, with its tight, twisty bitumen section and multiple jump dirt component.  Intermittent rain affected the start of the weekend, but the conditions were quite hot by the end of proceedings, giving the track great grip which allowed competitors to push their machines to the limit.

Angus Reekie was on top of the time sheets all weekend, but it was his Saturday S2 SuperPole time aboard the KTM 450 that first announced his winning intentions.  With only the single flying lap that determines start positions for race one, Reekie qualified nearly a whole second ahead of his nearest rival, Honda’s Rodney Taplin.  Linden Magee started from third on the Kawasaki, with Yamaha’s Cru Halliday rounding out the front row. 

From race one onward Reekie did not put a foot wrong, winning every one of the weekend’s four Premier S2 races in fine style.  Ultimately, with his huge points lead he claimed the Australian S2 Championship victory by the end of the event, with the final Victorian round still yet to run. 

“I felt very confident with the setup coming into this round, and my fitness has been great lately, riding two bikes has helped a lot with that.  But also I wouldn’t be as fast as I am without Tapo [Taplin] and Magee pushing me all the way; Tapo has really come on strong lately” he remarked.

Both Taplin and Magee kept him on his toes and made sure he never had it easy, but neither was ever close enough to challenge for the win by race end.  Taplin finished the Queensland round in second place, and carried that through to take second in the Championship, whilst Magee grabbed third.  According to Taplin, who has also been racing - and winning - AMA Supermoto races in the USA this season:  “The pace is really fast here in Australia; the top three guys here would make the top five in the USA.” 

When asked about his Queensland round performance he said “I had jet-lag coming into this round, and we struggled a bit at the start, but made some big setup changes overnight and dropped nearly two seconds.  The lap times here this weekend are much faster than last year, so we still need to find a bit more speed”.

Angus Reekie’s command of the Premier S2 class only tells half the story however, as he also took control of the unlimited S1 class at Ipswich Kart Track.  Although he took the S1 round win, he was denied a perfect score after falling and remounting in race two, allowing Team Husqvarna’s Graham Cheney to defeat him by a mere quarter of a second.  With Reekie taking the win in all other S1 races, it was left to Cheney and Aprilia Australia’s Josh McFarlane to fight for second place over the weekend.  Cheney finished the meeting ahead of McFarlane on points, and held his advantage to take second in the Championship.

Cru Halliday gave Yamaha the 250cc S3 Championship, thanks in part to his brilliant effort at Ipswich where he took victory in all but the first of the six S3 races, finishing rounds 4 and 5 with a healthy points lead.  Halliday looks certain to be a stronger force in S2 next season, as the premier class will be his main focus in 2008.  Jake Magee took second spot on the podium both at Queensland and in the series overall, with Joel Whitaker in third.

There was some great racing in all of the support classes at Ipswich Kart Track throughout the weekend, and the Queensland round results determined many of the Support class champions. 

Ben McInnes was triumphant in the Junior Championship, defeating Ethan Webster and Kurt Maybury.  Greg Timmins narrowly beat Gary Kasch for the Clubman title, and Cody Jurd maintained his points lead from the QLD round to wrap up the hotly contested Novice class.  The Veterans class was taken out by Phill Lovett over the venerable Peter Cox, whilst Rebecca Bateman finished first in the Women’s Championship.  The Quads were not run at all rounds; however they were run at the Queensland double round, with Matt Coulter proving unstoppable. 

The 2008 Australian Supermoto Championship looks certain to be even more competitive than 2007 has been, and will return to Queensland bigger than ever.  Can Reekie retain the S2 title, or will the likes of Taplin, Magee and Halliday get the better of him? 

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A Racer's Perspective
Story by: Drmsby Middleton
Photo by: Osella Photographics

Winning, of course, is always the ultimate goal in racing.  However until recently I had never actually approached a race with full intentions of winning.  That all changed at Round 5 of the Southern Downs Challenge at Morgan Park Raceway, as I entered the round quietly confident of performing better than ever.  The class I race in is called Formula 2 Unlimited, which is essentially C/D Grade Superbikes, with Formula 1 being the A/B Grade class. 

My main aim in qualifying was to get on the front row of the grid.  I left the pits behind Guy Kirkman, and we both set about passing some of the guys who came out in front of us. 

The traffic made it very hard to get a clean lap in, and I only managed one good one.  I did not think it was a particularly good one, but it turned out that some of the others had trouble with traffic as well.  I qualified second on the grid, behind Kirkman.  Stephen Morfett was third, and Dale Hovey rounded out the front row in fourth.  Starting on the front row was a great confidence booster, and I could hardly wait for the first race.

Race 1, Saturday Afternoon, 10 laps:
Formula 1 and Formula 2 were combined on track for the first race due to an unexpected delay, which was caused by a major oil spill.  The grid was split, with the Formula 1 guys on the first two rows, and then Formula 2 starting from row three.  The red (start) light was only on for a split second and then it was out, which caught me (and a few of the other competitors) a little by surprise.  I was therefore a little late getting off the line, but got an otherwise good start.  The bike did not wheelie too high on the run down to turn one, and I passed one or two guys around the outside of the first two corners.  I then found myself behind Stephen Morfett, and as it turned out I was to see a lot of the rear of his bike throughout the race. 

I went to pass him a few times, but just never actually managed to get fully alongside him, and we were both pushing too hard for anything other than a completely clean pass.  The two of us, however, passed a number of the Formula 1 guys during the course of the race, as some of them were unfamiliar with the track prior to morning practice and qualifying. 

It was chaotic at times, as we were also lapping some slower Formula 2 riders, and I often came upon them quite quickly and did not know if they were on the same lap as me or not.  With nearly 25 bikes on track there was never a dull moment.  Sometimes Morfett would get past a couple of lapped riders busy in their own battle and I would get stuck behind them for a few corners, and emerge to find him two or three seconds distant; but then he in turn would run into traffic and I would catch up again. 

We both made a few hairy passes during the race, but nothing too bad.  The speed difference sometimes meant that I would close up on a rider quicker than expected, and on other occasions Morfett would put a pass on someone and I would follow him through the rapidly narrowing gap, as I did not want to lose him. 

The race had a very busy, ‘rushed’ feel to it.  I made some minor errors, mainly running a little wide after pushing too hard under brakes trying to close up on Morfett, and also spinning the rear tyre too much when getting on the throttle too early, but I did manage to get very close to him on the final lap.  I went for a pass under brakes going into the last set of chicanes but pulled out of it when I realised he had also braked late, and at this point I knew he would beat me over the line.  I finished just behind him in 5th overall, and 2nd in class. 

Race 2, Sunday morning, 15 laps scheduled:
Even after getting less than my usual insufficient amount of sleep the night before, I was still very excited about this race, as I knew I was in with a chance of winning it.  I made another late start, and both Kirkman and Morfett were in front of me early on. 

The front wheel came up quite high through second gear, but not high enough that I had to back off.  I was vaguely aware of other bikes around me but concentrated on the two in front of me going into the first corner.  I passed Kirkman on the inside and tried to go around the outside of Morfett.  I stayed on the outside of him through turn 2, and on the exit of the corner I opened the throttle as early as I dared.  Morfett had a problem coming out of turn 2 and fell back before we tipped into turn 3.  I was now leading a race for the first time in my life! 

I was so excited I could hardly breathe, and my mouth was exceedingly dry.  I found myself mentally talking to myself in an effort to calm down and settle into the race, but it was not working.  Coming out of a tight left hand corner around the back part of the track, I felt the rear tyre sliding and spinning, but in my eagerness to get away from the pack I kept twisting the throttle, and nearly high sided.  The bike slid out, bucked, then slid again as I still had the throttle wound on.  This time it kicked harder and threw me out of the seat, and then tank-slapped with my weight over the front wheel a couple of times.  I had enough time to curse myself for throwing the race away before realising I hadn’t actually fallen off.  As it came back under control it spun a bit more but the bike was now upright, so I covered my line into the next corner as best I could, and set about trying to pull away from the pack again. 

Dale Hovey was right behind me for the first three laps, and I could hear his bike at certain parts of the track.  It caused me to ride tight for the first part of the race.  Once I loosened up and relaxed a bit however, I started pulling away, and never looked back.  I set the fastest lap of the race on lap five, and pulled a six second gap on the field.  Even though I had a reasonably secure lead I wanted to keep pushing harder, but on lap nine Bevan Coleman crashed heavily from 4th place, and the race was red-flagged.  The race was declared half an hour later, and I had won my first race!  I felt not just elation but also relief, as I really wanted to get a win under my belt.  I was now looking forward to the final race with great anticipation. 

Race 3, Sunday afternoon, 8 laps:
With my newfound confidence I wanted to get to the front of the field as soon as I could.  My start was again a little late, but Kirkman was very slow off the line, so I only had one bike in front of me. 

Morfett had made a blinding start, and was a few bike lengths in front of me in the race to turn one.  He even had time to look back to see where the rest of us were.  I closed up on him through the first two corners, and considered passing him on the inside of the entry to turn 3, but thought better of it as it would have been a dangerously late pass.  I stayed close to him through the corner, but he did get a better exit heading down the hill into the tight right-hand turn 4.

I was quite keen to get past him, so I left my braking very late, and as I out-braked him into the corner my bike at first backed in a little sideways and then chattered heavily as I tried to turn it in.  I ran a little wide, but dropped it in as fast as I could and turned the throttle early as I knew Morfett would try to get back past me.  Despite the rear tyre spinning and skipping across the uneven surface I did manage to hold him off through the following left hand sweeper.  I ran very wide a few corners later but again covered my line to retain the lead. 

It was harder to pull away this time, I was pushing even harder than the previous race, but so was Morfett.  I managed to eke out a precious 3 second gap, and although I again set the fastest lap of the race it was much closer this time.  Just like the previous race, whenever I would see a back marker up ahead I would start to worry that they would slow me down, but once past them I would think of them as a barrier between myself and the rest of the field.  Then I would come across the next one and the process would repeat. 

Coming up to lap other riders sure is more nerve wracking when leading a race!  I was passing them almost as soon as I came upon them, and they did not actually affect my lap times greatly. 

Upon seeing the last lap board I initially wanted to back off a little, but dared not slow down in case it upset my rhythm.  I was conscious of potential crash areas, and although I was still pushing hard I became extra careful as I just wanted to cross the line without the danger of that last lap.  Coming onto the front straight to take the chequered flag felt terrific, and once again I was simultaneously ecstatic and relieved to get my second win, and also the round win.  The words of encouragement and congratulations from my competitors on the cool down lap and afterwards showed what a great bunch they truly are. 

Although I am uncertain of exactly what direction I will take for the 2008 racing season, one thing is for sure:  It can’t come soon enough!

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Go Girls Series comes to a close
Story by: Tamara Gray
Photo by: Tony Taylor

After a seven-month break, the Husqvarna Go Girls Off Road Series was back for the third and penultimate round at the Chinchilla circuit, some 300km west from Brisbane. 

The girl’s hadn't been resting over this time though, and had been getting plenty of riding in with the Queensland Motocross Championships, the Australian Motocross Championships, the ThunderX Series as well as their local club and interclub events all to contend with. 

The senior women’s A Grade class was a-wash with interstate talent. New South Wales’s Ashlea Bates continued her winning form from earlier in the series, taking another clean sweep, this time over South Australia’s Steph Cutler.

Since round two of the Series, Bates has made it known that she is in fact Australia’s fastest female motocross rider. She finished an incredible second behind the now two-time World Champion - New Zealander Katherine Prumm at the Australian Women’s Motocross Championships.

Kirsty Donpon is a vastly improved rider, showing her class by winning the Female Senior B Grade Class with three wins over a field of 17 riders.

Interstate lightning bolt Tori Dare came to Queensland on a mission, outriding current Queensland Junior F1 plate holder Sarah Guthrie in all three motos of the Female Junior Lites class. Guthrie did her best to hold off an injury recovered Taylor Jones by one point to take second place.

Up and comer Patty Hearne showed her speed, winning the Female 85cc 12-u16 years class with three convincing wins.

With three wins in the Female 85cc 9-u12 years class Micayla Aitken, who represented Australia earlier this year in New Zealand, showed the crowd at Chinchilla all of her skills.

Patty Hearne again looked set to storm her second class the Female 65cc 10-u13 years class with two wins at the start the day. A mishap in the final moto however, saw her cross the line in fourth place, relegating her to a second overall.  Alli Jan who sat on Hearne’s back wheel all day took the win overall after capitalising on Hearne’s misfortune in the last race.

Maddison Hold did indeed take hold of the Female 65cc 7-u10 years class with three dominant wins over her competitors.

The Female Division 2 class was hotly contested.  These little girls ripped it up with Olivah Sippel taking the overall win with two firsts and a third. Maddie McGee ran three consistent seconds for the overall. Allie Hicks put down a remarkable effort in her second moto with a win, to go with two third place finishes, putting her on the bottom step of the podium for the day.

The Sseries then came to a finale for 2007 amongst the hills of the Mundubberra track at the fourth and final round.  There had been some close racing throughout the series.  There are some girls who have been putting in some hard work this year, their speed and style is really showing.

2007 Australian number two Ashlea Bates added another fine result to her resume, showing that travelling from Coffs Harbour to compete is worth the drive, dominating the senior women’s A grade class and winning every single moto of the series.

In the senior women’s B grade class Kirsty Donpon had a successful series winning round three at Chinchilla and going on to claim the overall which may see her move up into the A grade division for 2008.

The Female Junior Lites has been hotly contested this year with quick, soon to turn senior, contenders like Taylor Jones and Renae Evans.  But it was Jessie Westaway who narrowly took the series win over Husky Chix rider Courtney Knight. Both riders had some consistent placings throughout the series.  Renae Evans rounded out the top three only 15 points behind the leader.

Courtney Hirst in the Female 85cc 12-u16 yrs fought hard with Patty Hearne and Ashley Gradey to win all four rounds and to go on to the win the overall.

Micayla Aitken was untouchable in the Female 85cc 9-u12 yrs division winning every one of her motos for a perfect points score this year.

Bettina Korpi showed that consistency pays off when riding against riders like Patty Hearne when she won her division the Female 65cc 10-u13 yrs division.

Another girl with an untouchable set of results, Maddison Hold won the Female 65cc 7-u10 yrs division.

In the Female 50cc Division 2 class Allie Hicks took the final round win and the overall win this year.

The series, now being run for the third consecutive year, again showed growth in numbers, with 103 female riders entering throughout the series, continuing to show women’s motocross continues to shine in the Sunshine State.

The popularity of the series is attracting girls not just from south east Queensland, where the rounds of the series are held. But attracting competitors from sometimes thousands of kilometres away.  Riders have hailed from far north Queensland, New South Wales and even South Australia.  It's a testament to the reputation of great women’s racing that the series retains.

With the series entries now as high as they are, the traditional Go Girl Series is bound for a profile lifting transformation in 2008. 

The previous interclub sanctioned series has been upgraded to the Queensland Junior Women’s MX Championships, offering senior women’s and male support.  The lack of appearance from the junior girl’s at the current state title format has prompted the move to their own state title.

The hunt for the junior F1-F10 plates is pencilled in for later in 2008, the three round series dates are:

28th September - Gladstone
12th October - Goondiwindi
26th October - Tivoli

Congratulations and thanks goes to event organisers Bevan, Jo and Kelly Judd and all the respective sponsors for putting their time and support behind women’s motocross here in Queensland.

2007 Husqvarna Go Girl’s Series Results Overall:

50cc Division 2
1st        Allie Hicks
2nd        Maddie McGee
3rd        Olivah Sippel

65cc 7-u10 yrs
1st        Maddison Hold
2nd        Sharni Farnell
3rd        Elisha Bates

65cc 10-u13 yrs
1st        Bettina Korpi
2nd        Patrice Hearne
3rd        Alli Jan

85cc 9-u12 yrs
1st        Micayla Aitken
2nd        Danni Loader
3rd        Alli Jan

85cc 12-u16 yrs
1st        Courtney Hirst
2nd        Ashley Grady
3rd        Patrice Hearne

Junior Lites
1st        Jessie Westaway
2nd        Courtney Knight
3rd        Renae Evans

Senior B Grade
1st        Kirsty Donpon
2nd        Jamie Hargie
3rd        Naomi Carlson

Senior A Grade
1st        Ashlea Bates
2nd        Steph Cutler
3rd        Brooke Thiemann

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The General
Story by: Lindsay Granger (Motorcycling Queensland General Manager)

How about promoting Supermoto?
The development of supermoto racing in Queensland has been hampered by a lack of new venues and promoters. Although the number of supermoto bikes and riders is on the increase, the only club to take up the promotion of this specialised discipline is The Motorcycle Sportsmen. The club has based most of its events at the Ipswich Kart Track which has proved to be an exciting venue for riders and spectators.

For supermoto to move up to the next level in Queensland it is essential that other clubs or private promoters look seriously at this discipline, particularly in North and Central Queensland and on the Darling Downs. Motorcycling Queensland will provide advice on track development, so if you have a good relationship with your local kart track operator, get in touch with us.

New National Supercross creates Queensland Opportunities
The announcement by Motorcycling Australia that Rush Sports and Chad Reed will begin promoting the Australian Supercross Championship as a 7 round series in late 2008 has led to the development of a new Supercross and Stadium Motocross Development Series for Queensland.

To help prepare our best riders for the Australian series, Motorcycling Queensland will be developing a series of regional events featuring Supercross and Stadium Motocross tracks combined within the one venue. Early indicators are that there will be a series of these events along the Queensland coast around the July to September period.

These events will help riders to get their supercross accreditation and to get valuable experience at stadium venues.
Although the Australian Championships are likely to be a seniors – only affair, the Queensland series will feature all classes for juniors and seniors.

If you or your club are interested in promoting a round of this series in Queensland, give me a ring at MQ office. We expect to have the full series schedule finalised by January 2008.

MQ takes the next step to sell Tivoli Raceway
Motorcycling Queensland has signed an option agreement with a property developer to sell the Tivoli Raceway property. One of the conditions of the sale is a requirement for the developer to locate and purchase on MQ’s behalf, a new property for us to relocate our sporting activities to.

The agreement is also dependent on the developer gaining approval to develop the Tivoli site for residential use. The contract could take up to three years to finalise. More details will be provided in Ride! as information comes to hand.

2008 fees and charges
For the third year in a row, Motorcycling Queensland has been able to avoid any increase in our fees and charges for Queensland riders and clubs.

Motorcycling Australia has announced that there will be a small increase in the cost of club and national competition licences. This rise will take the cost of a Senior National licence to $265 (it’s currently $255.50).

The rise is due to a large increase in the personal accident claims paid to riders in 2007. This was partly due to the fact that MA provided a 50% increase in the amount of benefit which riders and officials are entitled to in the event of a claim. However there was also an extraordinary increase in the number of claims in 2007 and a total of $1.25 million was paid to riders this year.

All the best for 2008
2007 was a record year for Motorcycling Queensland with more licence holders and more riders at our events than ever before. I trust that 2008 will be similarly successful and I thank you all for being part of this success story. Best wishes for the Christmas period and I hope that 2008 is a great year for you.

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Vintage Motocross at Rocksberg
Story by: Jackie McDonald
Photo by: Jackie McDonald

QVMX provide four excellent natural terrain tracks for vintage motocross, and on the 14th of October, it was Rocksberg's turn to host the show.

Half an hour north of Brisbane you take the Morayfield exit, and then it’s only 12 kms west along the Caboolture River Road. Almost like a natural amphitheatre, this is one track definitely favored by the riders.
 
All geared up and set for a good day of racing, 73 riders passed through scrutineering. At riders briefing, they were informed that due to lack of officials, a practice day would be held instead. Sure, there was disappointment in the pits, but as the saying goes ‘out of every negative comes a positive’ and in this case a good outcome.

After brief discussions on the need for officials, at least 20 members committed themselves to do the next available Motorcycling Queensland training seminars.

This will make a huge difference to the club, giving everyone a chance to ride. Good for you guys, if anyone else from the club is interested in participating in the next course, see details below.

With riders briefing out the way and disappointment forgotten it was time to get on with the day, and it turned out to be a ripper. Faces not seen on a track together for a while, like Grant Black and Steve Gosage got together and had a friendly run with each other, soon joined by a few others. It was really good to watch them as they manoeuvred their bikes through a tight twisting track, and over a couple of trick gullies, one of which had a serious drop off.

Bad luck for Glen Wollenweber who came down hard after over jumping the access road at the base of the hill on his 1983 - 125 Husky. Glen said he felt something go in his leg and X-rays the next day revealed Glen had cracked a bone, so it’s in a brace for six weeks and no riding for three months…Ouch! 

Back after a three month break due to a collar bone injury, Brett Downes was glad to hear it was a practice day, with three bikes on board and a full day of riding Brett approached the track with caution, favoring his 400 YZ Yamaha which he shared with fellow rider Brian Marshall.

Once again, the Evo riders put on an excellent display of riding. Brad Van Barrelo on his CR Honda appeared to be at home here, also looking comfortable out on the track Doug Sharples on his newly acquired YZ 125. Thanks to Steve Pierce, the volunteers and everyone else for another great day.

If you would like to participate in the MQ training seminars, please contact either Grant Black on 0408 073 400, Trevor Perren on 0400 679 218, or Kim Rowcliffe at MQ on 3281 2255.

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Spedway Briefs
Story by: Gavin Elmes
Photos by: Gavin Elmes

Dave Booth Memorial
The accent lay heavily on the future of the sport as young riders from Townsville to Victoria converged on Mike Hatcher Park, Labrador to contest the Dave Booth Memorial meeting on Saturday 13th October.

Jason Crump won the inaugural staging of the Dave Booth Memorial Shield last December, with proceeds of the meeting going towards the purchase of a 350cc Jawa for youth development.

This bike was ridden in this year's meeting by Booth's nominated rider, current Australian 125cc Dirt Track Champion Tyson Nelson, and the Memorial Shield was contested by eight 14 and 15 year-olds in this new and exciting transitional stage of speedway.

The sheer speed and talent of these youngsters was awesome.

Todd Kurtz (NSW - pictured above), who won the Australian 250cc Dirt Track Championship at the same venue a week earlier, added his name to the shield. Highest placed Queenslander was Clinton Dennis who finished fourth. Local whizkid, Darcy Ward, who won the NSW Open 350cc Championship a few weeks earlier, had an indifferent night which included a fall.

Twenty juniors competed on the smaller inner track for the Dave Booth Memorial Trophy, with some of the 350cc riders doubling up.

Mason Campton (NSW) overcame a first race crash to take the honors, with last year's winner, Clinton Dennis, following him home.

Senior solos provided most of the thrills and spills, with the tricky track conditions early on catching out some of the less experienced riders. Despite the numerous falls, the only injury was a broken collarbone to Townsville youngster Aaron Stewart, who clouted the fence in his first outing and was pitched headlong across the finishing line.

Veteran Alan Rivett showed he still packs a punch and qualified for the final, after not having ridden since the corresponding meeting last year. Electric North Queensland duo Josh Grajczonek and Mitchell Davey were in scorching form with Grajczonek winning the final.

Sidecars completed three rounds before their number was reduced from six to three, and their final cancelled. At that stage, Dave Oliver/Derek Richter and Craig Mitchell/Troy Packman were level pegging on points.

North Queensland Sidecar Masters
Jason Aldridge, with younger brother Joel as passenger, won his third North Queensland Sidecar Masters at Pioneer Park, Ayr, on 20 October.

The pair recorded a comfortable win in the final after a close first lap in which they fended off the challenges of teenagers Josh Sinnott/Hamish Golding, Queensland Champions Gary Moon/Duane Dennis and Australian Champions Darrin Treloar/Justin Plaisted, who finished in that order.

The meeting attracted a strong field of local and interstate riders and proved a good warm up for the FIM Gold Trophy international sidecar championships in Adelaide on 24th November.

Josh Grajczonek followed up his previous week's success at the Gold Coast speedway by taking out the solo final. Dylan Blain was unbeaten in the junior solos and also rode pillion for Clinton Dennis as the pair dominated the junior sidecar section. 

North Brisbane
Bushrangers ran another successful meeting on 20th October, with honors going to Robbie Wilson/Cameron Bell (sidecars), Dan Keppell/Cameron Killen (650/750cc sidecars), Wayne Andrews (evolution solos), Craig Hyde (solos) and Nick Morris (junior solos).

Jason Crump
Third place in the final Grand Prix of the 11 round series held in Germany secured Jason Crump's overall third placing in this year's World Championship. 

Victoria's Leigh Adams finished as the World No 2, while Denmark's Nicki Pedersen is the new World Champion.

The European season has now drawn to a close and Crump has confirmed that he will be relaxing at his Gold Coast home this summer and not defending his Australian title.

"I'm at a stage where I need to have a break and a complete rest from riding," said Crump, who has been hindered by shoulder and knee problems.

"I haven't been in great shape this year because of the injuries. I need to get sorted and get a bit of hunger back for next year," he added.

Still, Crump managed to finish a very close second behind Adams in the British Elite League averages for the season. The US$100 000 purse for winning the German Grand Prix went to Swede Andreas Jonsson. American Greg Hancock crossed for second with Crump third.

Dave Watt
A crash in Poland at the start of October brought Dave Watt's season to premature end.

He suffered head and neck injuries and has been making regular visits to a physiotherapist, acupuncturist and chiropractor. "I'll be staying in England through the winter. My main goal is to get better, get fit and prepare well for next season," he said. Watt expects to sign a new deal with Eastbourne for next year.

He finished a creditable twelfth in the Elite League averages.

Ivan Mauger Golden Helmet
Scott Smith (pictured with Ivan Mauger) added his name to an illustrious list of previous Golden Helmet winners as he rode to victory at Gold Coast Speedway on 3rd November.

Smith was the only Queenslander to reach the final of the competition and led home Ty Proctor (Vic), James Holder (NSW) and Ty Platt (NSW).

The program featured plenty of very fast, close-quarter racing on a somewhat slick track. Smith didn't have it all his own way in the qualifying heats where Holder and then Proctor defeated him in two of the night's best races.

Mitchell Davey was right on the pace and finished as joint top scorer with Proctor. However his third place in the semi-finals eliminated him from the big one. Tyson Nelson won each of his four encounters with Darcy Ward in the 350cc solos. Kade Smith topped the support solos, but not without dropping his first race to Harley Horwood.

Sixteen junior solos (125cc) fought out eight qualifying places in the 2008 Queensland Championship with Nick Morris finishing on maximum points. They will be joined by eight North Queensland youngsters who qualified at Pioneer Park.

Sidecar honors went to Steve Taylor/Daniel Newman, whose first round defeat by Robbie Wilson/Cameron Bell was followed up with four straight wins, including the final. Here the two riders fought tooth and nail, as Bob Hill/Nick Bain gained a trouble free third place after Craig Mitchell/Troy Packman pulled infield.

FIM Sidecar 1000cc Gold Trophy
Queensland Sidecar Champions Gary Moon/Duane Dennis were runners-up in the FIM Sidecar Gold Trophy at Wayville Showground, Adelaide on 24 November. They finished their five heats level on 13 points with South Australians Mick Headland/Paul Waters.

In accordance with FIM regulations, there was no final for the top four on points, so a run-off was contested. In this, Headland won the start over Moon and increased his lead over the four laps, to take the trophy. Third place, with 12 points, went to Mark Plaisted/Sam Harrison (SA), who but for an exclusion at the start of their second race, could well have won the event.

Queensland was also represented by defending champions, Scott Christopher/Trent Koppe and brothers Jason & Justin Aldridge, making up a  trio of Townsville entrants.

Christopher's early strong challenge, in which he dropped only one point in three races, fizzled out when engine failures resulted in two non-finishes. He came in sixth with 8 points. Aldridge never really got into contention, finishing ninth with 6 points.

Pre-meeting favourite and reigning Australian Champion Darrin Treloar finished seventh, level on points with Christopher. Matthew Tyrrell and Ivor Mathews, both of Great Britain, filled fifth and eighth spots respectively. Out of the nine overseas contestants, they were the only ones to finish in the top half of the table.

Queensland Open Solo Championship
Five years after winning the Queensland Championship for the first time, Brisbane solo high flyer Scott Smith has done it again!  And this year's win is a just reward for the heartbreak of last year's championship final, when his motor blew while leading the run to the chequered flag. Rounding off a night of spectacular racing at Gold Coast Speedway on 8 December, the final more than lived up to its promise.

Joining Smith at the tapes were Kozza Smith (NSW), who was undefeated at that stage, Trent Leverington and surprise packet, Steven Reid. An eventful first lap got no further than the bottom bend. With Scott Smith shooting from last to first on the back straight, the other three bunched together and came down.

The referee deemed it a racing incident and all four were reinstated in the rerun. Again Scott took an early lead as Kozza fought tooth and nail with Leverington for second place. The latter gained the upper hand after two laps, with Reid in fourth.
Mitchell Davey finished fifth overall, with a consistent run of second places through the heats. Mechanical troubles wrecked the aspirations of Queensland Under 21 Champion Josh Grajczonek and James Holder (NSW), who were looking potent and leading their respective races when their engines failed. North Queensland newcomer, Damien Koppe, impressed until he too became mechanically disabled. Kozza Smith has just picked up a team place in the Kings' Lynn "Stars" for the 2008 British Premier League, while Leverington has be re-signed by the Glasgow "Tigers".

A nasty accident in the support races caused a long delay as Hector Crespo was attended to and taken to hospital with a broken pelvis, broken wrist and internal injuries. He picked up drive coming through pits bend and launched head on into the fence at high speed. He'd earlier brought the ambulance out after getting out of shape and being thrown over the handlebars on the main straight. 

Qld Solo Championship Points: Kozza Smith (NSW) 15, Scott Smith 14, Trent Leverington 13, Steven Reid 12, Mitchell Davey 10, Sam Masters (NSW) 9, Ashley Cathcart 8, James Holder (NSW) 7, Jon White 7, Todd Groves 6, Aaron Stewart 4, Josh Grajczonek 3, Nathan Apps 2, Damien Koppe 2, Adam White (res) 2, Harley Horwood 1, Dennis Hall (res) 1.
Qld Solo Championship Final: 1. Scott Smith, 2 Trent Leverington, 3 Kozza Smith, 4. Steven Reid.

Queensland Open Under 21 Solo Championship
Seventeen year-old Josh Grajczonek of Townsville won the Queensland Under 21 Championship at Brandon, just north of Ayr, on 17 November. In second place was Mitchell Davey and third was Scott McKenna.

Things fell apart at the end for defending champion, Kozza Smith (NSW). Having beaten Grajczonek in the semi-finals, Smith's chain snapped as he was being pushed away for the start of the final. 

A support rider came to his aid by lending his bike, but it was to no avail and Smith watched the others draw further away from him. It was Smith's second broken chain. T