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FEBRUARY 1, 2007: They came, the saw … they almost conquered.
Visiting Australian motocross stars Tom Jones and Bronte Holland, new recruits to the Yamaha camp across the Tasman this season, arrived at the 46th annual New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville last weekend unsure about what to expect.
They were both first-time visitors to New Zealand and the Kiwi fans didn’t know what to expect from the likeable Yamaha pair either.
But, after a sun-baked afternoon of racing at the Hawke’s Bay end of the Manawatu Gorge, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind – Jones and Holland mean business this season.
Jones, from Adelaide, finished third-equal in the 500cc class at Woodville, locked on points with fellow Yamaha international Kasper Jensen (Denmark), but getting the nod for the yellow sash on a count-back. The class was won by Mount Maunganui’s Cody Cooper (Honda), with Hamilton’s Darryll King (Subway Yamaha) runner-up.
And, with Paraparaumu’s Jesse Donnelly finishing the day fifth overall, that made it Yamaha for five of the top six positions.
But, results aside, the 23-year-old Jones declared he was just happy to get in some time on a bike.
“There’s not much happening in Australia at the moment, so this was a good chance for a little bit of practice.
“I love the New Zealand terrain; it’s perfect for racing motocross. And the people here are great too, so friendly.”
He returns to Australian where he’ll team up with Holland in the Team 07 Yamaha outfit for the coming supercross and motocross series across the Tasman.
The 19-year-old Holland raced a Yamaha YZF250 at Woodville and, like his mate Tom, has few expectations about his whistle-stop Kiwi campaign and was just happy to get time on the bike.
“I haven’t raced since round four of the Australian nationals last season but I love it here at Woodville. It’s probably one of the best tracks I’ve ridden and the atmosphere is awesome.”
Holland finished 13th in the first MX2 outing, but had problems later in the day and didn’t score any more points. Even with just the one good result, he finished 20th in the intense 38-rider class.
He also took his small-engine bike to 13th overall in the all-capacities International Feature class, the sixth highest-placed MX2 rider.
