According to Cooper Young, motocross racing in a paddock is “way different” compared to on a groomed track.
“I have to use a different technique when racing,” the 15-year-old motocross racer told The Profile.
However, it didn’t stop him from achieving a podium placing at a recent motocross event.
The year-10 motocross rider from Hauraki Plains College competed at the New Zealand 2-Stroke MotoX Nationals across September 13 to 14 in Otorohanga and landed a second place position for the Youth 125cc and fifth place in the Seniors 0-200cc category. The top rider was stoked with both results, especially because the weather was so bad.
“Races had to be cut out, so over two days instead of five races we were only able to do three,” he said.
His placings earned him some prize money too: a cheque of $100 for the Holeshot Award, which is awarded to the first rider in the Youth 125cc group to reach each of the corners, $150 for second place and $50 for fifth place.
The young athlete was keen on other sports too, and said he put some of his winnings towards a golf membership at Waikere Golf Club, and saved the rest.
When asked what his achievements meant to him, the young racer said it was that he could race on the flat paddocks and use a different style of racing which was cool.
The next event Cooper’s eyes were set on was working towards MX fest in Taupō over Labour Weekend.
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
