Postcard weather and pristine track conditions set the precedent for Wonthaggi’s Round 1 of the Pro MX Championships over the weekend!
BCP HAS Factory Honda Junior Team rider Seth Shackleton came into the weekend carrying good momentum from a strong pre season and didn’t disappoint, starting the day with a strong P2 in his MX3 group qualifying ending up with fourth pick of the grid for moto 1.
A good jump out of the gate in moto 1 of MX3 saw the young Western Australian run up in the top 5 throughout the entire race despite a small mistake on the final lap dropping him back to 6th place.
Moto 2 saw Shackleton climb his way from the back of the pack after a first lap track excursion all the way up to an impressive 5th place as the chequered flag came out, earning strong points for sixth place overall and the highest placed junior rider in the field.
“This track has always proven to be a bit of a thorn in my side for some reason,” said Shackleton.
“So it’s great to tick this one off with a decent result and we’ll set our sights now on Round 2 in Horsham.”
Shackleton’s team mate Leah Rimbas also from WA was able to have her first taste of the senior National Outdoor Championships with the new ruling allowing junior girls to participate in the EziLift WMX Women’s Championship.
The young 15 year old was not daunted by the opportunity and came out swinging finishing an impressive 8th place in moto 1! Then backed it up with a strong 10th place charge through the field after an early race tip over in moto 2.
Leah Rimbas would earn herself a well deserved 8th place overall and highest placed junior girl in the class out of a strong 20 plus rider field.
“I’ve never really come across a track quite like this,” said Rimbas after the final race.
“I sometimes have a habit of riding a little over my head and I really wanted to be smart this weekend and make it through without any major dramas, so I’m really happy with how my first Pro MX experience has gone.”
Team manager Lee Hogan is excited for upcoming rounds after a strong start to the series.
“The first round is always a tough one, but this round in particular was exceptionally tough with both of our riders and their families not even sure they’d be able to get their bikes, tents etc over from WA as all roads East were closed due to floods,” said Hogan.
“There were a few tense days there just trying to piece everything together but I’m so proud of the team and how they handled round 1! We’re all looking forward to Horsham in three weeks time and the first of our hard pack rutty tracks.”
Round 2 of the Pro MX series heads to Horsham in Victoria April 7th in three weeks time.
Photo Credit: Foremost Media