KTM Kiwis Lead the NZ Charge at World Champs

KTM Kiwis Lead the NZ Charge at World Champs

AUGUST 27, 2018: The motocross career of New Zealand’s James Scott has reached new heights – he is now the junior motocross world No.7.

The 16-year-old from Oparau was the best-performed of the Kiwi contingent at the annual Junior Motocross World Championships at Horsham, in Australia, at the weekend.

He qualified 11th fastest on Saturday and then lined up on Sunday alongside the cream of the motocross world – the best in Australia and fellow Kiwis, as well as top riders from the United States, Japan, South Africa, Spain, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Hungary, France, Great Britain, Slovakia, Sweden and Italy – the track rough, rutted and heavily watered.

But then life got truly difficult for the young KTM rider, all of his own doing, as he had a shocking start in the first of his two championship races in the premier 125cc class.

From 30th position as the bikes exited turn one, Scott went on the charge, powering through to 22nd by the end of the first of 15 laps. He continued to work forward and eventually claimed seventh at the finish line.

He also crossed the finish line seventh in race two, this time after a thrilling battle with French European 125cc Championship (EMX125) leader Thibaut Benistant, and those combined results gave Scott the world ranking of seven.

“That terrible start in the first race was my own fault. I just didn’t commit and shut off the throttle too soon down the start straight and everyone went by me,” said Scott.

“Benistant only passed me right at the end of both races actually, which I think was pretty good from me because it showed I was able to run at his pace. When I got back to Europe I can hopefully match him again like I did this weekend.

“This was not really the result I was hoping for this weekend,” said Scott, perhaps his own harshest critic.

Scott now heads to Assen, in The Netherlands, to race at the final round of the EMX125 series and he hopes “to finish there in the top five”.

Tauranga’s Brodie Connolly was equally impressive at Horsham.

The 14-year-old was one of the youngest riders at the event was the next best of the Kiwis in the 125cc class, taking his KTM 125SX to finish 13th overall.

“I wasn’t really expecting to finish up so high in the world championships,” said Connolly.

“I have learned heaps from this weekend and will take that away with me. I got a little tired near the end of the races, so will need to work on my strength and fitness.”

Taihape’s Hayden Smith ended up 14th overall and Rongotea’s Zac Jilling finished up 31st overall in the 34-rider 125cc field.

In the 85cc class, best of the Kiwis was Rangiora’s Cobie Bourke (KTM 85SX), who finished 12th overall.

Rongotea’s Rhys Jillings claimed 28th overall and Darfield’s Tyler Wiremu finished 31st in the 39-rider 85cc class that lined up at Horsham.

Best of the Kiwis in the 65cc class was entrants was Waitoki’s Cole Davies (15th overall), with Nelson’s William Harvey finishing 32nd, Cambridge’s Harrison Findlay ending up 34th and Palmerston North’s Lachie Barr 35th.

Meanwhile, it was Australian teenager Bailey Malkiewicz who made the most of home turf advantage to win the 125cc class title, United States rider Caden Braswell was the top 85cc class rider at Horsham and Australian Braden Plath took the 65cc class honours.

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