Racing ahead in motocross
A mini motocross rider says she loves to race, but the best thing about competing in her sport, is beating the boys.
Five-year-old Hazel Lang was recently placed second in New Zealand in her age group (four-tofive-years) at the New Zealand Mini Motocross Champs in Pukekohe.
She races in the 50cc intro trail class. Held annually, it is the biggest mini motocross event in New Zealand.
As of round one of the Pukekohe Summer Series, the Matamata Primary School student is also leading in the 50cc trail class.
She started motocross earlier this year riding around a paddock of her nana and poppa’s farm, with sister Penny, 8, who is also a competitive motocross rider.
Hazel’s first motocross event, held early this year, was in the Matamata Motocross club champ rounds at the Hinuera-based Wilson Sands.
Since then she has placed second in her age group (four-to-fiveyears) in the club champs for South Waikato Motorcycle Club in Tokoroa and placed first in the Waikato Minicross Champs in Tokoroa for four-to-five years.
She also placed first for her age group at MX Fest 2016 at the Taupo Motorcycle Club one day event over Labour Weekend.
Mum Melissa Lang is very familiar with motocross. As a child she rode in motocross events.
‘‘It’s a sport you hope they will commit to, but also just try their best,’’ she said.
‘‘There are no limits as to how far you can go in this sport.’’
Penny became interested last year after the family attended a motocross event in Taupo. Hazel soon took an interest as well.
The sisters will race in the summer series with Pukekohe and Tauranga Motorcycle clubs.
At only three-years-old, little brother Percy is too young for motocross, the minimum age is 4-years-old, but practises on a quad bike with the girls on their grandparents’ farm.
‘‘He really wants to get into it,’’ said Melissa.
Coming up for the young rider is the Auckland champs this Saturday at Pukekohe, Summercross on December 28 in Whakatane and the January Mini Under Lights in Tokoroa. The Chronicle will follow Hazel through the summer series, and keep you informed of her, and Penny’s progress.