The Hauraki Plains College Motocross Tournament is all set for a blast off on May 4, 2012.

Round one will be at Slater MX Park in Huntly.

Round two is planned for Patetonga in October.

The MotoX team at HPC are trying very hard to grow the sport in schools and have been for the past six years, by hosting these events and encouraging kids to give it a go.

A large number of the team are trail riders but, with some coaching and tips, they manage the tracks at their own ability and grow into confident riders.

The school says ‘you don’t have to be an awesome rider; you just need to have an awesome attitude’.

Hauraki Plains College spokesperson Amanda Fitzpatrick said: “Without kids, we can’t hold these inter-school tournaments, we need the support to grow this sport that so many of the kids love.

“Yes, it takes some effort but it all rolls on to growing the MX clubs, MX publications and retailers selling MX bikes and gear so the more people we have supporting us the benefits will be numerous for everyone to enjoy.

“It is a fun, safe and fair competition with MNZ backing, plus all the kids get a ‘goodie bag’. Neil Ritchie will be commentating.

“(Leading national-level rider) Kent Morley (pictured above) is part of the HPC MotoX team and is a huge inspiration to the team.”

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com