Mangakino’s Maximus Purvis made the most of his Labour Weekend, racing to outright victory on both days of the big annual MX Fest motocross in Taupo.

He took his CNC Redline Yamaha YZ125 into battle in the junior 15-16 years’ 125cc class on Saturday, registering a 2-2-1-2 score-card over the four races and ending the day nine points clear of his closest rival, Taihape’s Hayden Smith (CML KTM 125SX), with Oparau international James Scott (Kiwi Rider KTM 125SX) claiming the final podium space.

Smith won two of the four races and Scott won one, but it was consistency that gave Purvis the points advantage.

It was interesting to note that, even though Purvis did not win all three junior 125cc races on Saturday, he was still the quickest rider on the track, each time setting the fastest lap of the race.

“I had to battle through traffic to finish runner-up on three occasions,” said the 16-year-old Purvis.

“I just need to do some more work on my starts. I didn’t have any problems … I just need more practice.

“But it was my first serious ride on the Yamaha YZ125 and I loved it,” he said.

Obviously a quick learner, he then he stepped up the pace on day two and was simply unstoppable, impressively winning all three senior 125cc races and again finishing ahead of fellow rising stars Smith and Scott.

“I only picked up the YZ125 last Thursday, although I’ve got a YZ250F now too and got that about three weeks ago.

“I will be concentrating on the 125cc class for now, but it is nice to have the 250cc four-stroke so I can get used to that and build my speed ahead of the junior nationals (in Taranaki in April).

“I did have my debut ride on the YZ250F at the New Zealand TT Championships (near Kuratau three weeks ago) and won my first title for Yamaha that weekend.

“I’m pretty happy with the bikes straight out of the box and looking forward to the nationals.”

© Words and photos by Andy & Bridget McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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