Today was the last round of the Pukekohe MX Winter Series at Mercer and my best ride here so far. It rained early but the track dried out quickly and I was able to take 3 wins from 3 races. My starts were a bit funky because I didn’t fill in the deep ruts on my gate picks but I recovered and rode well. I started this series really unsure of riding a bike with gears and in the last few rounds I have learned a lot. Made my way up to second overall which I am so proud of for my first 65cc event.
Today we headed to TECT All Terrain Park for Tauranga’s first round of the summer series but as we got near the track Mother Nature decided to cancel the sun and make it rain. And rain. The track here is a clay base so it was really slippery in the practise but after a few laps of riding like an old lady I figured out the lines I needed to take to stay upright and avoid the claggy areas. Race 1 was crazy as, we slipped and slid but I got out front and stayed there to take the flag. It got a bit hairy trying to lap people because they would start to zig and zag around the corners trying to gain control. I really enjoyed the ride and was looking forward to more but the day was called off as club officials decided it was getting too dangerous. Hopefully next month it’ll be drier when we go to do this all again.
This weekend was the last round of the Taupo Winter Series. I had another great race day with my first win at this track in Race 1 followed by a fifth and a second. This was the best way to end my season here and the final race day on my 50. Even though I only did 4 of the 6 rounds, and my first couple were pretty bad I still managed to come home with a trophy for 10th overall. I am really pumped to race here again next year on my 65. After not liking the track for so long it has become one of my favourite places to ride. I also got to catch up with Ben Townley and Roydon White today too which was pretty cool.
It seemed that I learned a lot from yesterdays coaching as today I was on fire! My lap times were down by almost 5 seconds and I felt really connected with my bike. I got 4 holeshots (3 races and a restart) and 2 checkered flags. I was clearing jumps and having a great time. Sometimes it can be the little things in your technique that can make a massive difference and the confidence boost that comes with some of NZs top MX and enduro riders telling you that you’re doing good and to keep it up.
Today I got to take part in a fundraiser by MX Timing called Coaching for Casey. Casey was seriously injured in a MX crash in Taupo in June and Ben Townley, Roydon White, Rhys Carter, Brad Groombridge, Micah McGoldrick, Liam Draper and Cody Cooper came together for this fundraiser to help with her rehab costs. It was such a cool day. We broke into groups and got to work with each coach who went through the fundamentals with us and gave us pointers on how to improve our riding.
Today was the last round of the South Waikato MX Clubs Winter Series at Tokoroa. Even though I missed rounds 1 and 2 I finished in 3rd overall for the series in points, although wasn’t eligible for a trophy as you needed to compete at 4 out of 5 club days. My goal at the beginning of winter was to finish in the top 3 at Toke and I am stoked that I achieved that. I’m still aiming for a top 10 finish at Taupo and a top 3 at Mercer for Winter 2017 before packing up my 50s and moving up to 65cc competition.
It was another great weekend of riding this weekend. We stopped in Tokoroa for a couple of hours of practise on Saturday before heading to Taupo for Round 5. I am getting much more comfortable with my riding technique on the Digger McEwen track, getting faster and more consistent. It is starting to be one of my favourite places to ride now. Finished the day in 5th overall which I am happy with given how fast my competition is here.
Today I took part in the first annual Pukekohe Sand Prix event and it was awesome. The Mercer mini track had a facelift with bigger jumps and berms put in and looked really good as we walked the track. I had a strong practice round which set me up well for races 1 and 2. Race 3 was delayed for an hour due to a massive storm but when we were finally allowed to race it was so much fun – it was slippery and messy and required some creative riding. I finished 2nd overall for the day which I am really proud of and am looking forward to competing in this again next year in the 65cc class.
With a bit of focus and a want to win I rode my best on Sunday at Tokoroa. I have been making the most of the winter weather at home and working with Mum in the mud and rain on my cornering, control and positive head space. My starts were strong and my lap times got better with each race. I finished 1st, 2nd, 2nd for 2nd overall and had a great time with my mates. I like how I am making friends from all over the country at the different race meets I attend and if it all works out, it’s going to be awesome all being at the KTM Mini Nationals together in Christchurch in November.
It was -4°C when we got to the track this morning and there was snow on the mountains. All the tracks were frozen and the start time was put back half an hour so the 85s could break up the mini track so we could race. Today was the first time I have really felt comfortable on the Taupo track and it showed in all my races with a fourth overall finish. I got caught in the gates in race 2 and was in 26th at the first corner but rode hard and smart and finished in 6th position. It was good to find my head space again and ride like I know I can after a couple of weeks of not really being in the zone at race meets. Now that my confidence is back and I’m trusting my ability again I’m really looking forward to the Sand Prix at Mercer in a few weeks time.
Soren Staudinger 