A double title defence will not be possible for Cambridge motocross ace Damien King this season.

The 33-year-old won both the MX1 and 125cc titles in last season’s New Zealand Motocross Championships but a new format for the series this year means it is virtually impossible for him to tackle both categories and defend both titles.

He attempted to race both classes at the series opener near Timaru on Sunday but ended the day a spent force.

“Damien was intending to ride the MX1 and 125cc classes and defend both titles this season,” said King’s elder brother Darryll, the Subway Yamaha Team boss.

“However, the longer races, hot weather and very demanding track conditions meant he had completely worn himself out at the end of the second round of racing in Timaru.

“He finished with two sixth placings in the MX1 class at Timaru and finished first, third and second in the 125cc class.”

Damien King said it was realistically quite impossible for him to survive the day at that pace.

“It was a very tiring day. Track conditions were very tough and I was out of my league trying to ride two classes and over three hours of racing. I will put all my energy into the 125cc class for the next three rounds, in Rotorua, Patetonga (near Morrinsville) and New Plymouth,” he said.

“It was not the best start to the championship for our team,” said Darryll King.

“We were caught out with a track that was rougher than we imagined and all the riders were a little under prepared for the demanding conditions at Timaru. The next tracks will really suit Damien and Keiran (Leigh), so I believe things will pick up for the Subway Yamaha team. Second place for Damien is a great starting platform for him to build from and he will only get stronger from here.”

The four-round series continues with round two near Rotorua this Sunday.

RESULTS from round one of four:

125cc class:

1              Ethan Martens         70     20         25         25

2              Damien King          67     25         20         22

3              Hayden McKay       62     22         22         18

4               Mike Cotter            56     18         18         20

5              Cam Negus            45     16         14         15

6               Kayne Lamont       43     13         16         14

7               Tom Managh          41     15         13         13

8              James Ainsworth             36         12         12         12

9               Michael McCarthy     32     11         10         11

10              Isaiah McGoldrick    31.053         0.053         15         16

Under-21 class (incorporated within the 125cc class):

1               Ethan Martens            75     25         25         25

2               Kayne Lamont          60     18         22         20

3               Tom Managh             58     22         18         18

4               James Ainsworth                48     16         16         16

5               Isaiah McGoldrick       47     5         20         22

6               Michael McCarthy       44     15         14         15

7               Roydon White           42     20         8         14

8               Joshua Jack               40     14         13         13

9               Elijah Manson             35     13         11         11

10              Joel Hansen             33     9         12         12

Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com