Reardon the enduro frontrunner
Time running out for elite dirt bike riders with title ambitions as day of judgment looms with three rounds left
The day of judgment is coming for the Kiwi dirt bike elite as the 2019 New Zealand Enduro Championship speed towards a conclusion. The fifth round of seven in the Mitas tyres and Yamaha-sponsored series is scheduled for farmland near Masterton this weekend and time is perhaps running out for riders with title ambitions.
Racing on Saturday could be pivotal in determining where the silverware goes this season.
Reardon at the previous round of the series near Martinborough two weeks ago. Because this was Whibley’s first and only appearance in the series this year, he is not in contention for the title, but he has proved capable of winning.
Points from only six of the seven rounds are to be counted towards the championship, with riders to discard their one worst result, so the race for the outright win, and the various class titles too, could remain wide open right until the double-header final showdown near Hokitika in July.
Round five on Saturday takes riders to the Callaghan property, 366 Mangarei Rd, off the Te Ore Ore Bideford Rd, about 26km east of Masterton.
“The course is steep farmland and will be moderately challenging,” said Motorcycling New Zealand enduro commissioner Justin Stevenson.
“The course will be similar to what the riders encountered at Martinborough, with a bit of forestry thrown in. It will be something for everyone, certainly a very interesting ride, with creek beds to deal with too.”
The 2019 Yamaha NZ Enduro Championships are supported by Mitas tyres, Macaulay Metals, Best Build Construction, Silver-bullet, Kiwi Rider magazine,
magazine and Moto Events NZ.