Motorcycling Queensland

*Archived 2008 Motocross / Supercross News here
*Archived 2007 Motocross / Supercross News here

Round two of the Yamaha Queensland Motocross Championships blasts into life this Queen's Birthday Long Weekend and a series of recent events means the Championship is wide open in both the Pro Open and Pro Lites divisions.

On paper, the pre season favorites of Ford Dale and Todd Waters were shoe-ins for a Championship.

But with Dale’s crash in Townsville and then with Waters injuring his ankle at the Mackay round of the MX Nationals, the battle for the Championships just may have gotten a little more interesting.

Also take into account that Robbie Marshall, who is running third in the Lites and fifth in Opens, won't be at Emerald this weekend as he will be doing FMX demos as part of the Pink / Hart and Huntington Tour.

In the Pro Lites Harley Quinlan has the points lead and the form on the board. He has won the last three events he has contested and is fighting fit.

You don't have to look far to find the challengers though with Brenden Harrison currently in fourth and looking to kick start his season, Brock Winston and Simon Thompson are right there and ready to pounce or maybe even local boy Richard Egerton might break through for a win at what is more or less one of his ‘home’ tracks.

In the Pro Opens, Thompson currently holds down third, behind Waters and Dale while only six points separates 4th to 10th after the first round. The Open Championship is there to be won and a Queensland Motocross Championship does hold weight within the industry and is certainly worth winning.

In the juniors, Shaun Redhead has just returned from Europe and looking to show everyone what he has learnt while away. Jake Wright was a model of consistency at round one and will need to continue that if he wants to walk away with a Championship.

Jackson Richardson will be missed as he had a nasty fall recently resulting in a broken leg that will see him off the bike for a few months. His injury will open up the 14 to 15 years 85cc class and make things interesting in the 125 and 250cc classes.

The younger guys are also in the thick of things with only one point separating four riders in the 12 to 13 years 85cc class, the 9 to 11 years are also tight, as are the 65cc divisions.

This will be the first trip to Emerald for many of the South East Queensland based riders and the first time a major event has been held at the circuit in a long time. It’s great to see a new club putting their hand up and want to host a big race on the Queensland Motocross calendar.

Australia’s best motocross riders are preparing to tear up the track when round 4 of the Emeco Motocross Nationals is held on Sunday May 24th.

Having completed round 3 further south at Toowoomba's Echo Valley circuit, the riders head north to Central Queensland for what is a truly exciting spectator event, to be hosted by the Gum Valley Veterans and Natural Terrain Motorcycle Club in Koumala, on a motocross track that has been rated by many as the best Motocross Track in the country.

Featuring all of Australia's full factory sponsored teams, this event will attract spectators from across the nation to see super fit athletes put everything on the line.

John Hand race director said the hype from the previous Australian title held in 2007 has spread nation-wide with many well-known riders and motorbike supporters keen to attend and that tickets available from Bullet Bikes, John Donnelly’s the Good Guys and Redline Honda are proving popular.

“Prepaid tickets will be fast tracked at the gate to ensure quick entry and corporate tickets entitle you and nine mates to bus travel to and from the venue, food, drinks and some of the best seats in the house for just $150 a head.”

The naturally shaded areas of the Gum Valley venue create the ideal natural viewing platform to watch the most talented riders in the country race for the championship and the provision of rides, go karts, a jumping castle and face painting will ensure a great family day out.

Prior to race day there will be a Meet and Greet with the riders to be held at John Donnelly the Good Guys on Friday May 22nd at 3:00 pm.

There factory teams including the Craig Dack Racing Team and riders such as Cairns young gun Todd Waters and Daryl Hurley who is travelling from New Zealand for the event, will be signing autographs.

Tickets are selling fast for this fully catered (esky free) event, and those keen for a day of world class spectator sport for themselves, or their families, in a picturesque rural setting should secure their tickets quickly to avoid disappointment.

More information on the AUstralian Motocross Championships is available from www.ozmotox.com.au

Motorcycling Queensland is pleased to be able to confirm the five venues to be for this year’s South East Queensland Junior Motocross Series as:

Round 1 – 11/12 July, Echo Valley, Toowoomba
Round 2 – 25/26 July, Bundaberg
Round 3 – 8/9 August, Glenfern Park, Kilcoy
Round 4 – 22/23 August, Mundubbera
Round 5 – 5/6 September, Tivoli Raceway (near Ipswich)

Patricia is currently working with Motorcycling Queensland and the MQ Junior Subcommittee in preparing the Supplementary Regulations & Entry Forms for this Series.

We are hoping to have these Supplementary Regulations & Entry Forms approved within the next couple of weeks, and once approved will be available from the MQ website – www.mqld.org.au

At the invite of Yamaha in the Netherlands and their biggest Yamaha dealer, Gebben Motoren, Queenslander Shaun Redhead (pictured) has arrived in Europe for a month long stint to combine a range of races with plenty of testing and training in another huge step forward for his career.

Redhead, just 15 years of age, impressed the Yamaha people in the Netherlands immensely on his previous trip back in August last year that was unfortunately marred by a broken wrist. But his attitude off the bike and his skills on it, had the locals asking for more and with a month long break in his Australian program, Redhead is able to take the time and return.

“I had a great time while I was there last year and the people there was so nice to me. I have been desperate to get back over, but my injuries late last year, then the busy start to racing in Australia meant finding the right time has been difficult."

"I can't wait to get there and go riding. They have the coolest sand tracks and everyone at Gebben Motoren looks after me so well,” Redhead said before flying out.

Whilst there, Shaun will compete in a couple of high profile European events and as well a round of the German Junior Motocross Championship. There will also be several test and training days and will come under watch from leading European motocross teams and coaches.

“Shaun certainly can ride a bike. When we first saw him last year, we didn't think physically he was strong enough to ride a bike in the deep sand, but he soon changed that the moment he took off. He is s determined racer who rides with a big heart. We are more than happy to assist Shaun in achieving his goals,”states Emile Gebben.

It was only six months ago that Shaun crashed and broken three bones in his neck leaving him flat on his back in a Perth Hospital. His return to racing has been nothing short of amazing and while not back to his brilliant best yet, he has still managed to win 15 out of the 19 races he has entered in so far. His now recovered fully from his neck injury and looking to really get stuck into his riding and racing over the coming months with the European trip all part of his big picture.

“I just watch in amazement as Shaun rides,” offers Yamaha Motorsport Manager Ray Howard.

“After what he has been through the past few months with his injuries and to return to racing the way he has shows what a determined racer he really is. This trip is also a credit to him as the relationship he struck up with Yamaha in Europe as been the reason for this return trip and we wish Shaun the best as his career continues to grow.”

Shaun will return in June, just in time for round two of the Queensland Motocross Championships to be held at Emerald.

SHAUN REDHEAD RESUME
1st - 2007 Australian Championship (85)
1st - 2007 Queensland Championship (85)
1st - 2007 Sunshine State Series (85)
Motorcycling Queensland - Junior Achiever of the Year

1st - 2008 WEM Development Series (125 and 250)
1st - 2008 Queensland MX Championships (125/250)

1st - 2009 Tivoli Sunshine State Series (250)
1st - 2009 Hervey Bay Sunshine State Series (250)
1st - 2009 Echo Valley Sunshine State Series (250)
1st - 2009 Munduberra Sunshine State Series (250)
1st - 2009 Round 1 Queensland Motocross Championships (250)

The 5 round Thunder X Motocross Series will kick off on 21 June, 2009 at Hervey Bay. The Thunder X series is also known as the Queensland Natural Terrain Motocross Championship and it will be conducted entirely on natural terrain circuits, including a brand new venue at Beaudesert.

Competition will be fierce with Junior and Senior riders already lining up to compete in this very popular series on the motocross events calendar.

All rounds will carry full points for juniors and seniors. However the last round held at Kingaroy does clash with the Australian Junior Motocross Championships in Victoria. Due to the clash, juniors will count their best 4 out of 5 rounds and drop their worst round in the series championship. Seniors will be judged on 5 out of 5 rounds.

For more information and regular updates regularly visit this website or contact the Race Secretary, Rachael Hern on 0433 208 241. Supplementary Regulations will be released soon.

The states best motocross riders will be ready to be unleashed when round 1 (of 3) of the Yamaha Queensland Motocross Championships roars into life in Townsville this weekend (2nd and 3rd May 2009).

The three round Championship takes in Townsville, Emerald and Tivoli tracks to determine the best riders for 2009 and the all important 1 - 10 number plates for 2010.

The Championship has been moved back a few weeks this year in a slight rescheduling of the Queensland calendar and it is also good to see that a new venue in Emerald has been utilized for a major event.

The format is the same as ever with three 20 minute races per round over the three rounds. So nine races all up and almost no leeway to drop one race.

Home renovations, increased work commitments and the impending arrival of his first child (wife Tammy is 16 weeks pregnant), means that defending Pro Open & Lites Champion - Adam Cini wont be there to defend the crowns he won last year. So who are this year's contenders...

The Pro fields look strong this year with the biggest threats coming from the Honda duo of Ford Dale and Todd Waters. Both have been on song early in the season and are carrying good form and fitness in to the championship.

Other riders well in contention will be Yamaha pair of Simon Thompson and Robbie Marshall and 2009 Sunshine State Series winner, Stephen Smith. The local North Queensland crew will have Peter Liddle to cheer on.

The Lites field will have more of the same, but you can add Harley Quinlan, Brock Winston and Dylan Peterson. The Lites race should be one of the highlights of the championship with several riders doing a good speed and a moto win can go one of five or six ways.

Current Senior Women's Motocross Champion Tamara Gray will be looking to get off to a good start in her efforts to add another state title to her already bulging trophy cabinet. Those looking to challenge her will be local girl Keira Smith, Gray's team mate Brooke Thiemann and Renae Evans.

Another strong field of juniors will hit the track as Queensland boasts arguably the biggest and brightest field of young warriors. Shaun Redhead, Jacob Wright, Jake Wright, Jackson Richardson, Scott Mann, Joel Dinsdale, Blake Colleton, Wilson Todd, Caleb Ward and a heap more can all present good arguments for taking home the number 1 plate at the end of the championship.

Townsville motocross track is located at Lang Park Woodstock, off Bucks Road, Woodstock, with racing on both Saturday and Sunday.

Y-AIM's Level 2 Queensland Agent - Chris Urquhart will be conducting a 2 Day Motocross School at the Echo Valley Motocross Track, Toowoomba on Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May.

I was wondering if Motorcycling Queensland can get the word out about one of our club member's Dylan Steel who had his Honda CRF250 '08 model taken from his backyard in the Cairns area early Sunday morning 13th April.

This bike was Dylan's pride and joy and all the more special because he worked very very hard and bought it with his own money.

I have attached a photo of the bike so if you can circulate this email to everyone in motocross world would be fantastic.

Please forward this email to as many people as you can so we can get the word out. It would be absolutely fantastic if we can track this bike down before Round 2 at Ravenshoe in North Queensland, stranger things have happened.

If anyone out there has any information which could help Dylan find his bike they can contact the club at motocrosssports@bigpond.com or phone me on 0418834043 or 07 40993201.

2009 Queensland Motocross Championships

The 2009 Queensland Motocross Championships, being held over 3 Rounds, will showcase some of the country’s most talented riders.

Round 1 will be held at Townsville on 2 & 3 May, Round 2 at Emerald on 6 & 7 June and Round 3 at Tivoli on 4 & 5 July, 2009.

Lindsay Granger, Motorcycling Queensland’s General Manager, keenly encourages all of Queensland’s up and coming talent to sign up and do your best as the competition intensifies.

“The series has been getting better and better every year” said Granger.

With riders travelling from every state to compete, the line up so far has excellent representation from Queensland.

The series is proudly presented by Yamaha and Race Secretary Rachael Hern commented “Yamaha have been extremely supportive of the series and without valuable sponsor support quality race series such as this cannot continue”.

Download the supplementary regulations and enter via mail or visit www.nominate.com.au to enter online. Riders are encouraged to enter online for the best chance of securing your spot.

For more information, contact Race Secretary Rachael Hern on 0433 208 241 or rachaelhern@iprimus.com.au.

Suzuki Queensland Junior Women’s Motocross Championships

The 2009 Suzuki Queensland Junior Women's Motocross Championships were held at Tivoli Raceway over the Easter long weekend, Saturday 11 April and Sunday 12 April, 2009.

This is the second year these championships have been run and in 2009 it was a single round, two day event. Competition across the two days was intense.

The weather for each day was contrasting with Saturday fine and dry but overcast most of the day and Sunday started wet after overnight showers and early morning misty rain. Dust control was excellent due to cloud cover however the meeting was delayed an hour on Sunday to allow some water to drain away. Practice and racing started with a wet track that got better as the day continued.

50cc Auto 7&8 Years       Athena Messer
65cc 7/9 Years               Olivia Sippel
65cc 10/12 Years            Josee Adamson
Mini-Lites 9/11 Years       Cheyene Taylor
Mini-Lites 12/15 Years     Alexa Whyte
150cc 2/- 13/15 Years     Danni Loader
250cc 4/- 13/15 Years    Courtney Knight

Without the valued support of sponsors race meetings such as this cannot continue. Motorcycling Queensland congratulates the following sponsors on a highly successful Championship:

Suzuki Australia
MII Racing (Major Industrial Inspection)
Quality Excavations (David Knight also prepared the track)
Eyes on Brassall
Motorcycle Country
City Yamaha
Bling Trailers
Rod Evans Chubb Fire
Mickey Moose Motorsport
Loose Kid Industries
Cancer Council Queensland

Moreton District Motocross Club did a fantastic job running the meeting along with Motorcycling Queensland’s Women’s Sub-committee and Race Secretary Kevin Mortimer.

Courtney Knight Newly Crowned Queensland #1

QLD Yamaha Girls Team (QYGT) rider Courtney Knight emerged as supreme victor, both at claiming her third state title in a row, but also the honor of
Queensland’s number 1 junior female rider, picking up the prestigious F1 plate at the weekends Suzuki QLD Junior Women’s Motocross Championships.

Knight rode to perfection aboard her Pro Yamaha YZ250F over the two days of racing at the Tivoli circuit near Ipswich, claiming five wins from five starts in the 13–15 years 250cc four stroke class.

Track conditions could not have been better for the 15 year old on Saturday, but it was Sunday where her emerging talent shone. Over night a deluge of rain turned the groomed track in to a slippery mess. Knight took it in her stride, riding the track as if little change had been made overnight, where other riders were struggling to make it around the circuit.

The Currumbin Valley resident was elated about winning her third championship, but was even more delighted about finally grasping for her, the illusive state’s junior number 1 plate.

“For the past two years I had missed out on the F1 plate, just by a few points."

"Although I had won my class, I hadn’t taken maximum points to beat other riders who had done so in other classes.”

“This was my final shot at it this year as I move in to senior later in the year, and it was the support from my family and my Yamaha team that just gave me the edge I needed to get the job done.” A beaming Knight concluded at day’s end.

Supporting the team, team mate and current QLD senior women’s number 1 plate holder Tamara Gray (City Yamaha) cleaned up the Senior Women’s A Grade support class completing the QYGT domination.

QYGT would like to thank their sponsors: Yamaha Motor Australia, Pro Yamaha, City Yamaha, Fox, Alpinestars, Kustom MX, GYTR, Motul, Iceotonic Slush, RK Chains, JT Sprockets, Polisport , Hiflofiltro and Quality Excavations.

2009 QLD Junior Women’s MX Championship Overall Results

Female Junior 250cc 4/ 13-15 years

1st Courtney Knight 125 points
2nd Taylah Powell 98 points
3rd Patrice Hearne 86 points

Senior Women’s A Grade Support

1st Tamara Gray 100 points
2nd Renae Evans 88 points

Aussie MX Champs at Gum Valley - get involved
An open invitation from Gum Valley MCC President - Howard Zelenka

As you may be aware Gum Valley MCC is hosting a round of the 2009 AUstralian Motocross Championships on Sunday the 24th May at our Koumala track.

This is the third time that Gum Valley has been allocated a round of the MX Nationals (1988 & 2007), both previous events having been very successful as a spectator event and also due to the strong involvement of the community organisations and service clubs on the day.

Organisation of the event is well advanced and we would like to invite your club to be a part ensuring the success of the day. In particular we are seeking assistance from people who have experience, and would be interested in undertaking Flag Marshalling or Race Official duties during at this year's event.

Interested persons should contact John or Ann Hand on 4950- 3737.

This is a great opportunity to get close to the race action at Gum Valley’s picturesque track. There will be limited numbers so get your name in early.

Also, corporate packages will be available shortly so get your mates together to have a great time in the corporate area.

Note: people accepting the role of Officials/ flag Marshall will need to be at Gum Valley Track on Sat 23rd May at 2.00 pm for a compulsory briefing and again by 07.00am on Sun 24th May through to approx 4.00 pm for the event.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR OFFICIALS – JOHN or ANN HAND 4950-3737 www.gumvalley.com.au

In appreciation of any assistance,
Yours truly,
Howard Zelenka
President

Queensland Junior Women's Motocross Championships

The Queensland Junior Women’s Motocross Championships are being held Easter Saturday and Sunday, 11 & 12 April, 2009.

Women’s Motocross is experiencing high growth in Queensland and this event will showcase some of the state’s best riders as they battle it out in what is set to be a spectacular event!

Where:

Tivoli Raceway, Ipswich.

When:

Saturday 11 April, 2009 – 9.00am
Sunday 12 April, 2009 – 10.00am

Admission:

Adults: $5.00 Saturday, $10.00 Sunday or $10.00 both days
Child/Pensioners: $2.00 Saturday, $5.00 Sunday or $5.00 both days

To register as a competitor in this event download the supplementary regulations or visit www.nominate.com.au to register online.

To view a poster for this event please click here.

For further details please contact the race secretary Kevin Mortimer on mobile: 0408 705 606.

Rescheduled dates confirmed for Rd1 & 2 of TNQMX Series

Motorcycling Queensland would like to advise that new dates have been confirmed for the postponed round 1 (Mareeba) and round 2 (Cairns) of the Tropical North Queensland Motocross Series.

The new dates will be Mareeba on Saturday 22nd August (now round 6) and Cairns on Sunday 23rd August (now round 7).

Nominations recieved from the postponed rounds will carry over to the new dates.

The first round of the Series will now be Mt Isa on the 12th of April.

Supplementary Regulations for this Series can be downloaded from here.

Remember nominations close Wednesday - 11 days before the event and nominations accompanied with the $40.00 late fee will be accepted up to 9 days before.

QYGT pick up where they left off: WINNING

The Queensland Yamaha Girls Team (QYGT) working together put their professionalism and perfection on display on the weekend, taking all major placing’s at Round one and two of the Go-Girls Women’s Off-Road Series with Tamara Gray topping the seniors, and Courtney Knight the juniors.

The Go-Girls events in Queensland are renowned for catering for all classes in women’s motocross right from the youngest 50cc rider right through to fully graded senior categories, thus attracting riders from far and wide in record numbers. This year’s series took on a new format, incorporating round one on Saturday at Reedy Creek on the Gold Coast and round two on Sunday some two hours drive north at Glenfern Park Kilcoy.

Enduring sweltering heat, Queensland Champion Tamara Gray (City Yamaha) took the overall on both days in Senior Women’s A Grade, despite having mellissa Holmes all the way from the Northern Territory down and charging
hard. Gray’s only blemish on a perfect score card was a small crash early in her second moto on Saturday, which saw her sidelined for a few moments restarting her bike, Gray remounted to finish 4th with the short amount of time she had to work with.

“I wasn’t sure quite what to expect this early in the year from myself, but I am pleased with how I rode on the weekend. There were a few moments where I really had to race hard to get back towards the front after my crash or a bad start. So it was a great indicator to show where I am at, especially with our state and national titles a couple of months away.” Gray commented.

Queensland number 4 Brooke Thiemann (City Yamaha) backed up Gray’s performance in Senior Women’s A Grade with a 3-2 on her overall positions. Thiemann rode strong all weekend, and as ever continues to find more speed and confidence with each outing.

“I felt great this weekend, some of our race’s were longer than usual and I handled them easy. I had a narrow escape in my final moto for the weekend, I was nearly brought down in a pile up. I am sporting some nasty bruises from that incident but, fortunately I avoided that and other obstacles to stay safe this weekend, and keep up the front with the front runners where I belong.”

Queensland Champion Courtney Knight (Pro Yamaha), had a perfect five from five wins in the Female Junior Lites class despite a gutsy, calculative comeback in her last moto of the weekend after a small crash.

“I was really hungry for good results this weekend, so I had been working extra hard over the past few weeks to really ready myself, and it paid off.”

“In the last moto where I laid the bike down, allowing second place to slip by. I admit I was flustered, but I really made an effort to calm myself down and just focus to get the job done. That was my most satisfying race of the weekend by far.”

The girls will now head in separate directions to race the minor meetings around South-East Queensland before the team re-joins for the Queensland Junior Women’s motocross Championships scheduled to be held at Tivoli over the Easter long weekend in April.

Go-Girls Women’s Off-Road Series

Senior Women’s A Grade - Round 1 Results

1st Tamara Gray
2nd mellissa Holmes
3rd Brooke Thiemann

Female Junior Lites – Round 1 Results

1st Courtney Knight
2nd Briony Hendrickson
3rd Brooke Wicks

Senior Women’s A Grade – Round 2 Results

1st Tamara Gray
2nd Brooke Thiemann
3rd mellissa Holmes

Female Junior Lites – Round 2 Results

1st Courtney Knight
2nd Patrice Hearne
3rd Briony Hendrickson

Confirmation that a new date has been set for the previously postponed Round 2 (Middlemount) round of the Central Highlands Motocross Series.

This round will now be held on the weekend Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March 2009.

Entries for this rescheduled Middlemount round only are to be sent directly to the Middlemount Motorcycle Club, C/- Lyn Thompson, PO Box 129, Middlemount Qld 4746.

Updated Supplementary Regulations & Entry Forms for this Series can be downloaded from here.

Due to the ongoing 'wet' throughout much of North Queensland, round 1 - Mareeba (Saturday 28th February) and round 2 - Cairns (Sunday 1st March) of the Tropical North Queensland Motocross Series have been postponed.

A likely alternative weekend for these rounds to be rescheduled to is 28th & 29th March - however this new date is still to be confirmed.

Pre-entries received for round 1 & 2 will automatically be transferred to the new date/s (once confirmed), unless otherwise advised.

If you have any queris with any of the above please contact the Race Secretary - Tracey Grinham on mb: 0438 531 309.

Whilst racing at the top of his game at Tivoli Raceway in Queensland, GMR Motorex KTM racer Sam Duncanson (pictured) from Cleveland, Queensland, crashed out hard over a triple section, taking him off the bike and out of racing for a number of weeks until he recovers from some major breaks and bruising.

In true championship spirit, the Australian Junior Motocross title holder (13-14yrs 250F), isn’t letting his accident bring him down, instead Sam Duncanson is more determined than ever to return to racing stronger and faster.

“I can’t really remember crashing, I only really started to realise what had happened the following day. I definitely felt disheartened as anyone would when I was in such a good place with my racing, but on the positive side, I know that this has happened to many great racers in their careers who come back fitter and more determined to win.

“I ended up fracturing a few spurs on my spine, breaking a few ribs, and breaking my collarbone. I know it sounds harsh, but it could have been a lot worse.

“A big part of my recovery process mentally has been the support from family, friends and GMR Motorex KTM Racing. My dad has hardly left my side, and some of my mates and my brother have come to see me just about every day, which was cool when I was in hospital because it got pretty boring in the ward, although some of the nurses were cute!

“My GMR Motorex KTM Race Team Manager, Glenn Macdonald has also been really supportive and wants me to take all the time I need to recover both physically and mentally. He knows what this feels like; being a former racer himself, so he can totally relate to how I feel and also gets my anxiety to want to race as soon as possible.

“I know my return to racing will require a lot of physio and strength work, and I’m looking forward to starting all necessary rehabilitation as soon as possible, so I can return to racing hopefully by round two of the National Motocross Championship in April. This will be a qualifying race for the junior world team, so I’m pretty anxious to be fit and well for that, but I’m also not silly to rush my recovery.

“I’ve had some major setbacks with injuries in my racing career, going back to 2007 when a knee injury required a full reconstruction, and then in 2008 I fractured my leg, and was sidelined again. I recovered from both of these accidents and went on to win a NSW State Motocross Championship in the 125cc class, and topped the season off with an Australian Junior Championship title in the 14 -15 years 250F class.

“It’s unfortunate that this recent accident came at a time when I was recording lap times on both stadium and outdoor circuits that rivalled some of the top senior Pro Lite contenders, which I felt was pretty good when I’m only 15 years old.

“Anyway, with all the support family and friends are providing I’m in a positive mind frame to be race fit and ready for competition as soon as possible. It’s great to have so much support even from fans of the sport so I’m really thankful to everyone for that.”

Updates on Sam Duncanson’s return to racing with GMR Motorex KTM Junior Racing Team will be posted at www.ktm.com.au

Ann Hand from Gum Valley, Koumala checked in with the Motorcycling Queensland office this morning (Tuesday 17th February) advising that everything looks 'good to go' for this weekend's Gum Valley 2 day motocross meet.

The weather is holding nicely, and track preparations have continued unabated. If you are unable to ride on this newly scheduled date, please contact Ann at gumvalley@mcs.net.au by this Friday (20th February) to organise a refund.

For the Queensland Yamaha Girls Team (QYGT), the preparation has been done and they are hungry for the start of their 2009 Motocross Season.

2008 saw the QYGT conquer Queensland dominating virtually all women’s motocross events, picking up 2 state titles and even a runner up in the Australian Dirt Track Championships on their way to becoming arguably the countries best all women’s team.

So it is no surprise that the trio of; multiple QLD Champ Tamara Gray, regular front runner Brooke Thiemann, and young gun Courtney Knight are eager to start their 2009 campaign again with Yamaha on their new 2009 YZ250F machines.

Entering her third year with the team, City Yamaha rider Tamara Gray will be seeking to retain her Queensland #1 plate. With her strong desire to build on last year’s performance, the 25 year old is keen to get her teeth in to the Australian Women’s Motocross Championships, an event which she missed with injury last year.

“2008 was a building year for me, a valuable step for getting over the serious injury I had the year before.”

“I did what I set out to do last year, and achieving that has given me the confidence boost I needed.”

“I can now really look at 2009 with confidence about the new goals that I have set myself.” Gray commented.

Brooke Thiemann, also riding for City Yamaha is another three-year veteran to the team and with each season this Sunshine Coast rider finds even more speed and confidence. The 27 year old provided the left hook after the Tamara Gray right punch last year, but this ‘tough chookie’ in her own right is capable of winning anything she puts her mind to this season.

“I had a great year last year, and the success and extra confidence has helped to motivate me over the off season.”

“I know that I can continue to build again this year and I am definitely looking forward to getting out and doing some racing soon.” Thiemann adds.

15 year old Courtney Knight, is the newest addition to the team. Riding for Pro Yamaha, Knight is contesting her final year in the junior ranks. Already a multiple QLD Junior Women’s MX Champion, the Gold Coast girl is most looking forward to her Australian Championships campaign later in the year. Knight’s attributes of incredible fitness, a smooth riding style and a new Yamaha team means she is one tough competitor.

“The support we have gotten from Yamaha so far has been amazing. I know that it was the last piece I needed in the puzzle to get the results that I want.”

“I am determined this year to leave the junior ranks on top, so that I can be the best I can when I enter senior competition late in the year.” Knight finishes.

QYGT is that keen and ready to race, they will be missing their chocolates and flowers this weekend. Instead trucking down to Oakdale, NSW for their first event the Oakdale Valentine’s Cup which caters for both junior and senior women’s classes.

QYGT would like to thank: Yamaha, GYTR, Fox, Alpinestars, Kustommx Graphics, Motul, RK, Polisport, JT Sprockets, Hiflo Filtro and new sponsor Ice-o-tonic Slush for all their support.

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New Race Secretary for the 2009 Shell Advance Sunshine State Motocross Series - Rachael Hern, checked in with the Motorcycling Queensland office today to advise the following with regards to this year's Series:

*"Entries in all classes are filling quickly, with a number of classes already full";

*"Any rider who is thinking about / needs to withdrawal from round 1 is asked to make their decision and notify the Race Secretary - Rachael Hern on mb: 0433 208 241 as early as possible as a courtesy to those riders who are on the reserve list";

*"The ever-professional Coolum Club, has been working tirelessly in preparation for round 1 of the Series set to be held on 7th & 8th February. The Coolum Club will also be hosting the 6th (and final) round on 18th & 19th April";

*"The Supplementary Regulations and Entry Forms for round 1 of the Series can be downloaded from here, alternatively riders can choose to enter online at www.nominate.com.au";

*On time entries for Round 1 close on Wednesday 28th January, late entries (mail only) close 8 days prior to the round".

More information on the 2009 Shell Advance Sunshine State Motocross Series is available by contact the Race Secretary - Rachael Hern on mb: 0433 208 241.

June 2009
State Championships wide open heading into round 2

May 2009
Moto Mania Set to Grip Gum Valley
2009 SEQ Junior Motocross Series venues confirmed
Shaun Redhead Jets to Europe

June 2009 State Championships wide open heading into round 2

May 2009 Moto Mania Set to Grip Gum Valley 2009 SEQ Junior Motocross Series venues confirmed Shaun Redhead Jets to Europe

June 2009
State Championships wide open heading into round 2

May 2009
Moto Mania Set to Grip Gum Valley
2009 SEQ Junior Motocross Series venues confirmed
Shaun Redhead Jets to Europe