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Castrol Honda Red Riders - Press Release:
Round 1 of the SsangYong New Zealand 2004 Motocross Championship kicked off on Sunday 8 August at Pleasant Point, 20 minutes drive from Timaru, right in the heart of limestone country.
Although consistent rain for 3 days made the circuit slippery it wasn’t long until the track dried out allowing top quality racing.
“The track was amazing” commented Shayne King after securing the overall 500cc class win. “This is a dream track for Moto-x, one of the top tracks anywhere in the world.”
500cc Class:
A big crash in the first corner of race one created mayhem allowing Corrie Sargent (Honda CRF) to jump clear leaving the chasing pack to hunt him down. Daryll King (Yamaha) and Shayne King (Honda CRF) pursued him aggressively, however Sargent held his nerve to win by 10 seconds.
In races two and three Shayne King (Honda) showed the class that has made him multiple World Champion by dominating from start to finish. Brother Daryll (Yamaha) and race one winner Sargent rounded out the top three in the 3rd Moto.
250cc Class:
Shayne King (Honda CR) continued his excellent form from the 500cc class to dominate the first two races, winning each by a comfortable 25 seconds. Difficulties in the third race meant a DNF for King, allowing Danny Ham (Suzuki Australia) to improve on his two second placing and take the win and overall points lead.
Peter Broxholme (Honda CR) rode consistently to end the day in second overall in the class. “Being the first round I came into the event to get a solid result, which is what I’ve achieved. The bike and my form are great so I’m happy” said Broxholme.
125cc Class:
Another first corner pile up involving all the top riders allowed a select group to get away. Cody Cooper (Honda CRF) showed superb corner speed and skill in his pursuit of the leaders, with the hard work securing a podium finish.
Consistent finishes in the second and third races have Cooper well placed in second overall, tied with Scott Columb (Suzuki). “I thought the track was awesome. I did not have the best of days with my starting but was pretty pleased overall with my performance. I’m looking forward to round 2 at Rotorua”, comments Cody Cooper.
Womens Class: The women demonstrated some excellent riding skills under the conditions and while Mary Perkins rode her CRF250X consistently throughout each race, it was Katherine Prumm who dominated and took all three wins.
The Honda Team riders cross the ditch this weekend to take on the Aussies in the final round of the Australian Nationals, before returning for round 2 of the New Zealand Motocross Championship in Rotorua at the end of August.
