MINI MOTORS: Four-year-old Cooper Prior (No.21) rides on the Canobolas Motorcycle Club’s modified junior track at ‘Newhaven’ on Sunday.
THE Canobolas Motorcycle Club is experiencing a boom in junior talent.
Junior track co-ordinator Brad Tom said the club’s junior grades, the high power pee wees, the junior pee wees (ages seven to nine) and the nippers (ages four to six) have experienced a 50 per cent increase in numbers for season 2012.
Tom believes the club’s hard work behind the scenes has attracted more numbers, with 25 riders set to contest races throughout the junior pee wees this year, while an additional nine juniors will compete in the high power class.
“Parents are travelling to come to Orange because you get a full day of riding,” Tom said.
“We’ve had huge numbers this year. The club has put in a big effort to upgrade the track and the facilities.”
Part of the upgrade has been the addition of a junior track.
In work for the last eight years, the track hosts junior riders in a staggered formation, meaning there’s no jostling for positions at the start.
Tom said the separate track gave younger riders the time to get used to their bike before they were old enough to compete alongside the big boys on the main track at the club’s circuit at ‘Newhaven’, Clergate.
“It enables the club to provide juniors with a competitive day of customised riding,” Tom said.
“What’s marvellous about it is the track provides competitive riding for junior riders. It’s not challenging to the point of difficult but it’s still enjoyable. It’s a safe family-friendly environment and all of the juniors love it.
“It’s a great little track.”
