Motocross racer Rhys Carter is on the fast track in more ways than one. Pictures / Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
Motocross racer Rhys Carter is on the fast track in more ways than one. Pictures / Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
Carter proves doubters wrong in eventful year, reports Andy McGechan
When Mount Maunganui's Rhys Carter was selected to represent New Zealand at the Motocross of Nations in Germany late last year, he knew all his hard work and dedication to the sport had been recognised.
But questions were also posed about the decision to list him as New Zealand's MX1 class entry in the three-rider squad.
Traditionally an MX2 (250cc) class rider, the Bel-Ray Pro Rider Suzuki Team member seemed an odd choice to campaign the mighty Suzuki RM-Z450 bike in the MX1 class at an event often referred to as the "Olympic Games of Motocross".
But he soon proved the doubters wrong, putting in two solid rides and muscling up to such high-calibre riders as American multi-champion Ryan Dungey and seven-time world motocross champion Antonio Cairoli, from Italy.
Though Team New Zealand finished only 20th outright of the 40 nations entered -- the Kiwi trio finishing just one point behind Norway, but ahead of Puerto Rico, Ireland and Canada -- Carter had proved himself a competent big bike racer and returned home with fresh confidence.
He hopped back on the smaller Suzuki RM-Z250 to crusade the four-round New Zealand Motocross Championships at the start of this year, putting his fresh international experience to good use as he challenged for the No1 spot in the MX2 class.
However, a few too many crashes meant he eventually had to settle for seventh overall. It was a bright spot that he did win the final race of the series.
Then, no sooner had the dust settled on his domestic campaign, than Carter was again looking off-shore.
Following his MX1 class debut in Germany, there was less of a surprised reaction when he headed across the Tasman at the start of this year to tackle the MX1 class in the 10-round Australian Motocross Championships.
The Australian series has reached the halfway stage, with the next round set for Swan Hill, in Victoria, in just over two weeks. Carter is the best-performed of the Kiwi riders in the MX1 class, eighth in the championship standings just seven points behind Australian rider Hayden Mellross.
"I set myself a goal of finishing top-10 in Australia, so I'm pretty happy with how things are going at the moment," said Carter.
"I was fifth overall after round one and that was pretty mind-blowing. The trouble with racing the 450cc bike is that, if you don't pay attention and stay sharp, it can bite you. There's a lot of power there.
"With the 250cc bike, you're wringing as much out of it as you can, but the 450 demands more respect and it can beat you up pretty quick.
"Jay Foreman, my team manager in Australia, is very happy with how I've been performing and I'm only nine points off sixth place overall.
"I had a bad weekend at the last round in Australia, blowing up the bike and then having brake problems, but there are still five rounds to go, so anything can still happen.
Mount Maunganui's Rhys Carter.
"The big difference between racing in Australia, compared to at home, is that there might be 10 or 12 riders at the top pace, while in New Zealand there are really only three or four. There's just so much more depth of talent over in Australia.
"I've learned a lot about racing the RM-Z450, like riding it in a higher gear and not being so aggressive.
"I certainly hope I can get another chance to represent New Zealand at the Motocross of Nations this year [the event set for Latvia in September]."
Carter has confided that he will stick with the RM-Z450 when he returns home, the 24-year-old's phenomenal rise from MX1 rookie to contender in less than 12 months now complete.
