BCP Pro Circuit Honda Junior Development Team rider Benny Novak has claimed himself valuable points at the opening round of the ‘Rising Stars Rookies’ series over the weekend. The event was held at the Broadford MX circuit just north of Melbourne in conjunction with the MX Nationals series which also hosts three rounds for the young Rookies as a support class throughout the year. The opportunity for Australia’s best juniors to race on the toughest, most technical circuits on the Australian national calendar is crucial to the development of our young up and coming racers.
After a disappointing time qualifying session gave Novak 12th pick of the grid for moto number one, the New South Welshman came out firing in the first race with a good start, battling right the way to the chequered flag with current national champion Blake Fox to finish a close fifth place. A first corner mis-hap in moto two had Novak battle his way from the back of the pack to finish 8th by race end. When points were tallied at the end of the day Benny Novak had earned himself a top 5 finish overall, just one point off fourth place.
“It has been a tough leadup to round one of the nationals,” said Novak.
“But I’m really happy to have still scored solid points and to still be in the title hunt when I’m nowhere near up to pace yet.”
Novak fractured his leg (tibia and fibula) in late February and made an early return to racing to be able to participate at round 1 of the Victorian State Championships on the 23rd of March.
“I did everything in my power to be able to get out of that moon boot the day before the Vic titles at Colac just so I could score some points. It definitely set me back a little bit in recovery but the leg is now finally starting to feel good and I’ll be able to get back into my regular training on and off the bike,” continued Novak.
Benny Novak’s team mate Dominic Walker started the day exceptionally well. Logging a fast time in qualifying which gave him fifth pick of the grid in race one.
Moto scores of 12-9 gave Walker an overall position of 11th for the day.
“I’ve been really happy with my sprint speed in recent weeks, but in that first moto I just plain and simply over-rode the bike,” said Walker!
“And after a couple of laps I had that much arm pump that I was just a passenger on the bike. After a good talk with Lee (Hogan) after moto one I realised that I needed to keep calm and stay focussed. And the second moto was a huge step in the right direction. I didn’t pump up and my lap times were a lot faster than in the first race. I know what I need to work on!”
Round two of the ‘Rising Stars Rookies’ heads to Moree in NSW on the 28th of July.