With 118 riders representing 27 schools, the recent Hauraki Plains College Nailing The Peat Motocross Competition was a huge hit.

True talent was shown at Nailing the Peat II, hosted by Hauraki Plains College on Friday, October 17.

“Yes, it’s hard work and, yes, you learn a lot, but, hey, isn’t that what it’s all about? – Experiencing something different and encouraging kids to ride for fun on a flat paddock, could almost say a perfect day – but nothing is perfect but it certainly felt like it and to top it off we found the weather switch,” said HPC event organiser Amanda Fitzpatrick.

With 118 riders spread over the eight classes spectators were treated to some awesome racing, not forgetting the supporters’ race with Bjarne Frederiksen and Shane Tunnicliffe racing for HPC the other supporters certainly had their work cut out, but some awesome skill was shown on the track.

“The supporters’ class is always a lot of fun to watch and for us it’s great to see ex HPC MX team members coming back to ride and help set up the track,” said Fitzpatrick.

“We encourage new riders to come along and just have a go, it’s flat, it’s soft and the classes are designed so there is even, fair racing.

“Commentator Neil Ritchie said he had watched the times all day and felt we nailed that, it was good even racing and there were no burglars, which is always great to hear, I think now after hosting seven school events of which four have been on the peat, I can say loud and clear in my opinion this gives the kids coming through a chance to shine but also caters for all levels of riders, the races are absolutely fantastic to watch and the venue is awesome for the spectators as they can see the whole track. This venue is free from the Wenn Family which means we can keep the entry fee down.

“To have 16 girls entered is outstanding and what a display of talent they gave us, I admire these girls in a male dominated sport they certainly shine on the peat, as well as on the podium, this year the HPC MX team donated 11 extra trophies to acknowledge the girls and just to show how awesome they are the three Bouzaid sisters; Caprice, Yvette and Lillian won the “WOW” Trophy for outstanding sportsmanship and looking after each other on the track – that trophy to me beats any other trophy hands down.

“Not to take it away from the boys, there were some very fast riders in the competitive class and they nailed the peat, to see thumbs up and smiling faces is what it’s all about. All the classes had great even racing and that’s what I want to see along with some very new kids to riding having a go in the beginners class, this to me is how you grow the sport, encourage them to have a go, if they fall off on the peat nine times out of ten they get back up and keep riding.

“Great memories I hope are built on our tracks and I guess the proof is in the pudding when we have our ex HPC riders coming back supporting us along with Gisborne and Wairoa school teams that hasn’t missed a HPC event yet.

“In the HPC MX team we ‘Pay it Forward’, hence the reason why we ride with pink mohawks, not just so we can see them on the track but to recognise breast cancer, the team do a sterling job of paying it forward, they are awesome at supporting The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. Over the years they are also donated money to a number of different things which is all part of paying it forward and I have huge respect for them in doing this. $330 was collected for NZBCF the HPC team will match this and donated $650 to NZBCF.

Hauraki Plains College Deputy Principal Stephanie Harford was at the track and presented all the trophies, her take on the day was “Nailing the Peat is an excellent example of where students are encouraged to always try their best with a ‘give it a go’ attitude! An enthusiastic crowd of supporters where at the end of the day, everyone’s a winner. A great event to be involved in – bring on 2015.”

Results were as follows for the school teams, all results can be found on MX Timing Ltd:

Hamilton Boys High 1st, Thames High 2nd, Matamata College, Paeroa College, Wairoa College 3rd equal, St Pauls College and St Johns College 4th equal, HPC and Mahurangi College 5th equal.

There are some outstanding photos on the HPC Facebook page

Photos courtesy Racheal Coldicutt

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