May Hits the Big Time

May Hits the Big Time

Andy McGechan

JULY 27, 2012: Auckland’s Callan May is in perhaps the most sparkling form of his career.

It is appropriate that his recent performances have been both crackling and powerful, the 20-year-old from Titirangi races a 125cc two-stroke motocross bike and he is also an electrician by trade.

May (Yamaha YZ125) produced another stunner at the weekend, racing at the fifth and final round of the Yamaha New Zealand Enduro Championships near Taupo on Saturday and humbling many of his rivals on more powerful 250cc, 300cc and 450-cc machinery.

He finished fifth overall in the Expert Grade on Saturday, that result easily enough for him to secure fifth outright for the series and also to win the under-200cc two-stroke class title.

“It’s my first New Zealand title and I’m naturally thrilled,” said May, who is supported by Kiwi Rider magazine, Graphic MX Creation, BikesportNZ.com and North Harbour Yamaha.

“It wasn’t easy to win either because I had problems when I cracked my bike’s radiator in a crash at round one of the series and scored no points, so I was playing catch-up after that.

“Riders only count four of the five rounds for class and can drop their worst result, but I couldn’t afford any more bad luck. Thankfully, I finished runner-up (in the class) at round two in Northland and then won all the three rounds that followed.

“To be honest, although it’s great to win my class title, finishing fifth overall, against all the bigger bikes, is a bigger buzz for me.

“The track at Taupo was pretty fast, so I had to go a little bit crazy through the bush to beat the big bikes. I also had to ride carefully, to make sure I finished and didn’t throw it all away.

“I’ve been racing the YZ125 for a few years now and I love it, but I will probably move up to the 250cc class next season. I haven’t decided yet whether I will race the YZ250F four-stroke or YZ250 two-stroke.”
ends

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