Rotorua’s John Phillips will join the Kiwi-managed Dirtbike-gym/Eastwood Honda Team for 2013.

In 2011 John gained excellent results with rides in the top 10 in the British ACU Championships and finished 3rd in the MX2 pro class in the UK’s AMCA series.

Phillips will train in Belgium and ride Dutch and Belgian events as preparation for the British ACU rounds. We will then look to some Grand Prix events in the FIM world championships as the season progresses.

“Phillips is a hard worker and rides well. He is a tough character as well and 2012 back home has made him ready for another period of time away in Europe,” said team manager Rex Michau, formerly from Hawke’s Bay.

“I want to reduce riders on the team to focus on the bikes performance this year.

“For 2014 we have (Elsthorpe’s) Kieran Scheele and (Takaka’s) Hamish Harwood again lined up and maybe one other.

“A year home will do them no harm at all.  The 2012 season was a huge year for both Kieran and Hamish with all big races, GPs and a lot of hard work,” said Michau.

Michau will be at the Whakatane Summercross, so potential riders please come and speak to him about the opportunities our team provide in the UK and Belgium. He will be wearing the distinctive black Dirtbike-gym apparel, so please do speak with him if interested.

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com