The annual New Zealand Junior Motocross Championships are all about new beginnings and farewell performances and this coming weekend will be no exception.

This year’s Dragon goggles-sponsored three-day junior nationals hit the Taranaki region this weekend (April 26-28), with the steep Barrett Road Motorcycle Park facility sure to be a stern test for the riders.

Hundreds of the sport’s elite young racers will cram the pits at the hilly venue, just outside New Plymouth, some as young as eight arriving to make their junior motocross debuts and others coming to sign off their junior careers before they turn 17 and head into the senior ranks or even to begin professional careers overseas.

Perhaps they will follow the example of Otago’s former national junior champion Courtney Duncan, currently racing in the United States, or Rotorua’s John Phillips, now carving a career path in Europe.

A couple of the riders expected to feature this weekend include young men who have recently dipped their toes into the senior cauldron – teenagers such as Atiamuri’s Hadleigh Knight, Levin’s Billy Frank, Rangiora’s Dylan Walsh, Tauranga’s Aaron Wiltshire and Taupo’s Cohen Chase – and they will be favoured to dominate one or other of the eldest of the junior categories, the 15-16 years’ 125cc class and the 14-16 years’ 250cc class.

Hamilton’s Josiah Natzke is another talented youngster who should feature at the weekend and he will bravely tackle two classes, the 12-14 years’ 125cc division and the 14-16 years’ 250cc class as well.

Others to watch for include BikesportNZ.com ace Xavier McBrydie, of Taupo, who has also been contesting the national cross-country championships in recent months, Te Kuiti’s Sean Kelly, Opunake’s Taylar Rampton, Motueka’s Kairyn ‘Chathams’ King, Onewhero’s Jayden Turnwald and Blenheim’s Reece Walker, to name just a few

Australian champion Jesse Dobson will cause a stir in the 14-16 years’ 250cc class and easily rates as one of the title favourites.

Former 500cc motocross world champion Shayne King, of New Plymouth, and former 250cc motocross world No.2 and current Australian MX1 champion Josh Coppins, of Motueka, will attend to offer guidance and support over the weekend.

Taranaki’s King is the main sponsor of the event, “putting something back” into the sport that has meant so much to him over the years.

“In terms of sheer numbers, this is perhaps the biggest event we have eve r run in Taranaki,” said King. “We have hosted a round of the senior nationals in the past but this event will bring many more riders, plus mums, dads and supporters too.

“We have had to completely redesign the parking facilities and install extra fencing for safety. We have constructed walk-through tunnels for spectators and built a new timing shed. The Taranaki Motorcycle Club committee has done a fantastic job.

“Being a major sponsor is special for me,” said King. “It is great to be able to give something back to the sport.”

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