MotoSouth Cross Country Series Rd4 (Final)

The final round of the series took place at Peter Gows Belmont Station in Blackmount in conditions that can only be described as perfect.

The racing was awesome, as the series had not been decided yet for many classes. In the junior ranks Johnny Racz ran away to another race win sealing the series for him, but you could have thrown a blanket over 2nd 3rd and 4th for much of the race. Fergus Brock, James Titter and Zac Robertson were at it all race long keeping the Mums and Dads chewing on their finger nails. They finished in that order on the day. Richard Mouat rode exceptional edging out Conrad White to claim the series junior 85 title.

The senior race was a turn of fortunes for Justin Shaw, who had been battling a wrist injury all season sustained at this same venue last year. From the start hooter Shaw seemed determined to wipe the past demons from his mind and once he was in the lead was never headed off. Robin Blake also showed what he was capable of winning the unders class comfortably.

Unfortunatly numbers were down at the final, which has prompted the organisers to scrap the dropping a round in favor of all rounds counting for points next year - probably to the delight of consistent performers who gather plenty of points in their class over the four rounds only to be demoted once everyone discarded their worst result.

MotoSouth and the Southland Motorcycle Club would like to thank all competitors, family and friends, volunteers and landowners who have made the series possible. We hope we can have everyones assistance and support for next season!

MotoSouth Cross Country Series Rd3, and South Island Champs Rd3

Round 3 of both the MotoSouth and South Island Cross Country Champs was held on the 27th of March at Mararoa Station near Te Anau. The track was marked out on a beautiful Southland's Autumn day on the saturday and ground conditions were primo. Come race day however and the heavens opened up turning the conditions to very challenging.

Some competitiors rose to the challenge and others simply felt it got all too much. It became a matter of survival and clicking laps off while trying to minimise errors. Dean Goodwright had the track mastered and came from being lost on the first lap to taking the overall honours at the checkers. Jol Hennessey came in second place with early race leader Jason Duff coming in at third. A few competitors shone on the day, obviously loving the mud, so it was no surprise that Ryan McKenzie took out the Unders class and Jason Nicol came an excellent 2nd place in the Vets.

Johnny Racz is on a roll this year, clinching the junior 125's with Nightcaps rider Zac Robertson in hot pursuit taking a well deserved 2nd. Richard Mouat also shone through taking the junior 85 class win and will be looking for another this coming weekend at the final to take out the series win.

A big ups to all the competitors who braved the conditions, and not to forget our sweep riders who were out in it all day. Also massive thanks to Balir Racz, Brian Bickley and Tim Smith who marked the track out, and all our other helpers who kindly volunteered their time.

MotoSouth Cross Country Series Rd2

Round 2 was held on the 6th of March at a brand new venue near Tapanui. The track had everything in it you could imagine there would be in a cross country course. A big shout out has got to go to the Blue Mountain Motorccle Club who marked the track out for us, they did an awesome job so thanks a lot boys.

Johnny Racz once again showed some real pace in the Junior 125 class leading the field home, and Richard Mouat can out after a break from riding, dusted his Kawasaki KX85 off and demonstrated that he hasn't lost any speed, leading home round 1 85 class winner Conrad White.

Senior racing ended up being a battle between Jol Hennessy of Dunedin and Jason Duff from Gore. The two battled it out to the bitter end with only seconds separating the pair. Hennessy got the nod for the day, later cammenting the the track was bloody awesome. Well Jol, it certainly looked like you were enjoying it! Duff rode extremely well, obviously feeling comfortable with the track.

Next round is at Mararoa Station on the 27th March which is also incorporating round 3 of the South Island Cross Country Champs. If your going along to do the MotoSouth round, step it up and do the SI round at the same time! Hope to see you all there.

MotoSouth Cross Country Series Rd 1

Round 1 of the now Famous MotoSouth Cross Country series kicked off at Chimneys Station, 20kms north of Wrey Bush in Southland. The senior track was 18kms long and consisted of farm tracks, rocky sections, open paddocks and the odd wet spot. The junior loop was 8kms and used the easier part of the senior track. When competitors were arriving at the venue it was about 28 degress at 8:30am in the morning, which is unusually warm, and the forecast had rain later in the day.

Juniors raced first in hot, dry, dusty conditions with Johnny Racz showing the rest of the field his rear fender. Zac Robertson chased hard and Conrad White put in a strong ride on his little 85.

On completion of the junior racing the seniors lined up for their shot. The race started hot and dry but by the time the first lap was completed the rain had started. Dean Goodwright led the field around for the first lap closley followed by Liam Taal. After a few laps the course become very slippery which must've suited Taal as he took the lead over and never looked back.

It was a great day, unfortunate that it rained some would say but its the same for everyone on the day. Awesome to see so many keen riders, and we hope to see everyone back for round 2 at our brand new venue in the Blue Mountains near Tapanui in South Otago.

Also a big shout of thanks to all our wounderful volunteers who help make the day run like clockwork, and of course Dion and Nicky White of Chimneys Station for being so accomodating.

See below for points and laptimes.