Junior worlds rider hopes luck will kick in at Taupo

Joel Johnson loves the thrill of riding motocross bikes. He can't think of a better thing to do, except maybe win while racing motocross.
The 14-year-old has ridden since he was 4, and this weekend will get his first shot at  the World Junior Motocross Championships at Taupo.
Not only is it the Whangarei Motorcycle Club member's first time competing at the international event, it is the first time the annual junior worlds have  been staged in New Zealand.
Johnson has not had the best of lead-ups to the event - aside from winning Whangarei's Dash for Cash in June - but once he is on-course at Digger McEwan Park at Taupo, he is hopeful his luck will change.
"At nationals in July another kid crashed into me while we were in the air going over a jump," he said.
"I was slightly concussed and had to pull out, but I still finished 22nd after two from five races."
Around 200 competitors from NZ, Australia and Europe are expected to contest the junior worlds.
Johnson's 85cc under-15 class should attract around 40 riders, and Johnson's goal is to be among the top-20.
"The competition should be good - I've raced against some of the Aussies coming over for it and although they are not out of this world fast, some of the Europeans coming are supposedly very good," he said.
Originally, Johnson did not make the NZ Junior Motocross team cut, but was called in at the last minute to rejoin the squad of riders he has been racing against most weekends this year.
Ruawai's Jake Stewart, 13, will also be racing in the 85cc under-15 class at the junior worlds.  He represents both Maungaturoto Motorcycle Club and Whangarei Motorcycle Club.
The event  begins on Saturday with  practice and qualifying rounds, where the fastest riders will  choose what gate they start from during the final two races on Sunday. Starting from the inside is better at the Taupo track, Johnson said.
"It's probably the best track in NZ and it's good to ride - it's pumice-based and has big jumps.
"I've ridden there a few times - I like it," he said.
The nerves were starting to kick in when the Northern Advocate spoke to Johnson, but he was  excited to be representing his country at such a great event.
There will be no rest for the talented youngster after the junior worlds.
On August 23, he will line up for the first Battle of the Dunes races at Kaitaia, followed by a race at Te Koporu and Ruakaka.