Round Three of the Victorian Junior MX Titles were held in perfect conditions over the weekend at Mildura in the state’s North West. With plenty of water put down on the track for Saturdays racing the track conditions were muddy and extremely technical for the first half of the days racing.
BCP Pro Circuit Honda Junior Development Team rider Benny Novak had ironman duties for the day riding two classes aboard his Honda CRF250R and CRF150R machines. And after copping a bout of food poisoning less than two days prior to the event it was always going to be a struggle just to complete the six races on hand.
To his credit, Novak dug deep and stormed to a solid seven point win on the day in the 85cc/150cc A grade class against some of the best 85cc riders in the country, solidifying the reemergence of this potent four stroke weapon in the small bore class here in Australia, and making it two wins in a row on the CRF150R.
“I’m really enjoying my time on the150,” said Novak.
“For the first time in 2019 at a major event I rocked up injury free and feeling so well prepared for the weekend. I couldn’t believe it when I got food poisoning! But I’m hoping that now we can have a smooth run throughout the business end of the season.”
Novak also raced the A grade 250cc class on Saturday and finished a credible fourth place in moto one. The final two 250cc races of the day would see Novak finish sixth and ninth respectively as he did everything he could to complete the day. A tough showing of character for the National Champion on a day that put him through his paces.
Novak’s BCP Pro Circuit Honda team mate Dominic Walker continued his top 5 impressive run of results in the A grade 250cc class with another 5th overall after moto scores of 7-5-5! Showing he has the speed to run with the best of them while rocketing out of the gate in all three motos.
“I felt really comfortable today and I’m starting to be able to sprint without feeling that I’m going to pump up,” said Walker.
“I’m hoping to keep this run of decent results going and even try to hop up onto that podium by the years end.”
Madi Healey’s unbeaten run of moto victories in the girls class continued Sunday as she once again qualified in first place before going out and dominating to the tune of 40 second wins in each of the three motos. That brings her tally of wins to nine out of nine with just three motos still to be completed at the final round in Ballarat.
“My bike is awesome! I feel great out there on the track and my confidence is at an all time high at the moment,” said Healey.
“We’ve got some big races coming up and of course you never lose sight of the big one coming up in October (National Junior Titles), but I’m just happy to be riding my bike and enjoying my racing.”
Team manager Lee Hogan is over the moon with his riders efforts at Mildura.
“All three riders really impressed me this weekend,” said Hogan.
“Dom is starting to find his groove which is great to see! Madi is on a role at the moment which is a pleasure to be a part of. And Benny continues to blow me away with how he can tough it out in adverse conditions. But all we can do is keep working as hard as we can because you never know what next weekend will bring.”
The final round of the Victorian Junior MX Titles will be held at Ballarat’s Monza Park June 29th 30th