KINROSS Wolaroi School student Lauren Coates showed plenty of grit and determination to claim a podium finish at the NSW Junior Dirt Track Championships.

Racing on an unfamiliar surface at Kempsey, Lauren competed in the first 100cc two-stroke to 250cc four-stroke 13-u16 years girls' state dirt track title at the two-day event.

After falling in a high-speed crash in the second last race, Lauren finished third overall behind local riders familiar with the challenging oil-based surface.

Lauren’s father Steve said she had only ever ridden on a dirt track until taking to the Kempsey circuit.

“It was a totally different ball game - the track didn’t slide like dirt and the bike’s set-up was also new for Lauren, but she put in some good, strong rides against some healthy competition,” Steve said.

Lauren’s crash and resulting injuries mean she will miss competing in the national dirt track titles to be held at Kurri Kurri at the start of July.

Sponsored by Silkolene and Torque Motorcycles, the year 9 student will now train for the Central Coast Cup in August and the NSW and Australian junior longtrack championships in September and October respectively.