Junior riders steal the show

Bundaberg’s Caleb Turner competes in the Junior Lites at the Rum City Motorcycle Championships at Bingera.

MOTOCROSS: Bundaberg pro rider Casey Turner decimated his competition again at the Rum City Motorcycle Championships but it was the juniors who stole the show.

A record number of junior riders took to the starting blocks, with spectators being treated to 40 pint-sized daredevils taking to the Bingera Weir track and flying the flag for Bundaberg motocross.

Turner came back from a rare defeat in the last Rum City Motorcycle club meet, caused by a flat tyre, to win the senior open and open light classes.

Racing on a Honda CRF 250 in the senior open, Turner’s tight cornering and effortless pace helped him stay ahead of rivals on more powerful bikes.

Mundubbera dirt speedster Lee Voss led the stragglers, finishing in second place, and was closely followed by Jason Larocca.

However, Rum City Motorcycles president Chris Small said it was little Jack Ellis, 8, who raised the loudest cheer, for taking first place in the 50cc division two in his first race.

“He had a grin from ear to ear, which was great to see,” Small said. “That’s what motocross is all about.”

Ellis showed natural talent and has been ear marked by Small as one to watch.

“It’s not often you see someone win their first race,” he said. “He pushed that little bike to the limit and fared well in difficult, wet conditions.

“The way he hit the straight and worked the ruts on the corners was exceptional.”

Also impressing motocross veterans was Zac Small, 12, who competed up a grade to beat 16-year-old competitors in the mini lights.

The current crop of budding talent was proof motocross was alive and well in the Rum City, Small said.

“It’s great to see some new blood in the sport,” he said. “They’re still young, so they have a few spills and a few mishaps but it’s all in good fun.”

Juniors Zac Small, Brodie Downes and Jack Larter will accompany Turner to the Queensland championships in Mareeba on April 3.