MINI MOTOCROSS - Happy as pigs in ... mud

DECEMBER rain and muddy tracks were not enough to deter more than 80 members of the North Harbour Mini Motocross from their recent competition in Waimauku, Auckland.
The event, held at the property of club secretary Craig Wightman, was appropriately named the Wightman Extravaganza. It was conceived two years ago when Wightman first offered to open up his farm for the event. He shifted sheep the day before the event and prepared a 500-metre track for the children to race on.
"Children aged 4 to 12 and their families come from places as far north as Whangarei and as far south as Onewhero with their quads and dirt bikes, ready to put their skills to the test under the most challenging conditions," Wightman said.
It was one of those riders, Troy Taylor, an 8-year-old from Whangarei, who came first in the trail class ahead of Shaun Vickers in second place.
Another Northlander, Matakohe's Locky Sidwell, came first in his section - the 9-11 year 65cc trail class - with Carl Brett in second place and Cameron Blackie third.
By the end of the day, after many skids and spills, children and machines were unrecognisable.
The only people who had any doubts about the success of the day were parents, who had the job of washing caked mud from clothes, small bodies and their beloved machines ... and maybe the sheep who had to watch from neighbouring meadows as their pasture was transformed into a sorry mudbath fit only for pigs.
"The kids and parents have a great time and the winners receive great trophies, but every participant who attends the day receives a spot prize," says Wightman.
Among those prizes on the day were fishing lines, skateboards and safety gear from the event's sponsors. For club info, see: www.northharbourminimotocross.co.nz