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Ben Thomasen Fundraiser
Sunday’s Fun Day at Maddix Park raised $2,540 for Ben Thomasen. Nearly 150 riders attended the hugely successful day organized by friends of Ben’s with the help of Maddix Park and members of the Tauranga Motorcycle Club. Just the right amount of rain the night before plus an early morning grooming and a bright sunny day created tracks in near perfect condition. Riders from all over “had a blast”, to quote but one. Raffles and spot prizes made the day even happier for others.
There was a great turn out of spectators too and a lot of people were blown away by the feature race that was held midway through the day. Not often do most people get to see that level of national rider in Tauranga. Even though a number of national riders are based in Tauranga, it was fantastic to see all these guys turn up (some from Wellington and Palmerston North) and support the fundraiser and Ben. Especially when, amongst others, 5 of the top 10 MX2 riders in NZ appeared.
Tauranga’s Peter Broxholme was unable to race himself due to a recent op but was there to support Ben and report on the race. “A 'Le Mon' start meant riders standing behind their bike holding the rear guard with engines running before taking off at the drop of the green flag. Young up and comer Hayden Clark was first away and led the field with Michael Phillips soon close behind. Having not done any laps of the track before the race Hayden got too close to a tire wall and had a wild ride, saving himself from a big crash but still going down in the process. In the mean time Michael Phillips was all class and speed, showing everyone the form that so nearly won him this year’s national 250cc title.
Tauranga rider Scott Barr Smith held a solid second place for over half the race before succumbing to arm pump, the KTM250 2 stroke proving a handful. Seeing the battle forming behind him Scotty pulled over to let Mason Phillips and Brad Groombridge past. Kicking into gear, the two were locked tight until a mad run through another of the new additions to the track got Brad the pass on the final lap.
Despite being just a fun race it was certainly entertaining and great to see local riders mixing it with the nation’s best.”
Ben would have loved it.
Thanks must go to all those who supported the Fun Day and who donated prizes or their efforts for the event. Thank you in particular to Mike Cotter and Team Kawasaki, Maddix Park, Sheely Enterprises, d’Emden Contracting and Phil Campbell, Moto GB, Mason Phillips, GP Honda, Bay City Motorcycles, Coastline Honda, Bayride Motorcycles, Makz Gear, Transpacific Technical Services, Side Track Café, the Balu Family and the Tauranga Motorcycle Club.
