Close racing in BMX summer series

File picture

RACING was close across most age-groups as 58 riders contested another round of Gisborne BMX Club’s summer series on Tuesday night.

StridersZara Law and Sophie Foss led the pack over their five motos, with Tenzing McKinnon, Braden and Travis Foss, and Ivy Lasenby following in their wake.

Half-track ridersJackson Young was quick off the line but Ada Lasenby quickly caught up. They raced off, with Anna Spence, Ben Petterson and Alex Kelly in hot pursuit. William Johnston-Priest started another half-straight behind, in front of the five-and-unders, and got faster each race.

Five-and-undersZavier Iremonger had a good night out on his new bike, claiming his first win in the last moto with four other consistent racers. Walker Wallis had two wins and Brad O’Connell-Bacon, one, with Seton McKinnon challenging for the minor places.

Results: Zavier Iremonger 1, Walker Wallis 2, Brad O’Connell-Bacon 3, Seton McKinnon 4.

Six and sevenKyran Lasenby was another rider having a good night out with a couple of first placings and three second placings. Louie Sanders, Matt Hills, Aliyah Lardelli and Leroy Hill had a win each. With 11 riders in this class, the racing was over two heats. Joshua Day and JD Stairs were two other riders to impress with good results.

Results: Kyran Lasenby 1, Louie Sanders 2, Matt Hills 3, Aliyah Lardelli 4, Joshua Day 5, JD Stairs 6, Leroy Hill 7, Jorga Rogers 8, Sam Lloyd 9, Liam Spence 10, Auric Pocock 11.

Eight and nineSeth Iremonger had it all his own way, although Kaitlyn Priest tried hard to catch him, closing the gap on the last moto. Thora Pocock came home in third place never giving up.

10 and 11Dane Berry was the one to beat with Cate Hills getting close in her cameo apperance. Ruby-Anne Smith tried hard to keep up and gained four second placings, while Mark Day, Breanna Iremonger and new rider Lucy Hill rounded out the field

12 and 13Hayden Pragnell claimed all five moto wins, with Cjay Ingram chasing hard in a close second. Ben McCosh was a slightly distant third with Noah Warman, Max Law and Jacob Priest all battling hard.

Results: Hayden Pragnell 1, Cjay Ingram 2, Ben McCosh 3, Noah Warman 4, Max Law 5, Jacob Priest 6.

14 and 15After a slow start, Dylan Lardelli rode to the head of the pack with plenty of speed and high flying. Gemma Hills raced hard to pick up two wins and three seconds. Taylah Pragnell picked up third overall, with Krystal Smith and Kate McCosh rounding out the field

16-plus A GroupThese speedsters put on a good show with all of their races having them four or five wide down the front straight. Races were often decided on the last jump. Justin Nepia managed to top the group with three wins, with Phill Gill and Troy Greaves picking up the other two. David Parkes and Daniel Brimmer had good races behind the fast guys.

Results: Justin Nepia 1, Phil Gill 2, Tim Smith 3, Troy Greaves 4, David Parkes 5, Daniel Brimmer 6.

18-plus maleJason Lasenby again was the man to beat but Shane Pragnell wasn’t letting him have it all his own way, and often the result was in doubt until the finish line. Rob Graham and Bryce Kelly rounded out the field.

16-plus femaleThis division was down to two riders this week, with Sharyn Lardelli too fast for the improving Leah O’Connell.

The club’s next meeting is on Tuesday, with sign-on from 5.30pm and racing from 6pm. The Gisborne bmx Facebook page will have any updates.

The club’s 30th anniversary meeting will be on Saturday, November 21.

Organisers would like as many as possible of the club’s past riders to help celebrate at the track during racing and afterwards with a meal.