Super X success . . .
Motorcycling New Zealand’s goal of developing young motorcycling talent has started to pay off going by the results at the Super X Championships in Winton on Saturday.
The South Island junior category was won by Southland rider Jack Symon, 13.
Jack has been riding since he was five years old, and thanks to a good result in Tokaroa, was only four points away from taking the national title on Saturday coming in second overall.
Jack’s mum and dad, Corey and Mel, had taken him to events in Tokaroa and have supported his development, even building a track at their home for him.
‘‘We’ve been to seminars and coaching workshops, it’s a tough ride.
‘‘It’s a young mans game peaking at about 18,’’ Corey said.
Jack hasn’t come from a motorsport family, but when they put him on a bike at five years old it was a natural fit, he said.
Although tired after Saturday’s event, he also took home the top honour at the Southern Dirt Bike Riders championships 125-250 class yesterday.
This event was the final stage of the New Zealand Super X championships, where riders compete in three races across the country in late November and December.
The day began with a freestyle display by Nick Franklin and Steven Smith performing stunts over a large jump.