Riders aged between 4-11 years bashed handlebars in the series of high-intensity races at the 2026 New Zealand Mini Motocross Nationals in Tokoroa at the weekend.
There is little doubt that some of the riders who featured at the weekend – and riding bikes with engine capacities anywhere between 50cc and 140cc – will now go on to carve national or even international careers for themselves in the future.
Run by the South Waikato Motorcycle Club and sponsored by Craig Stevens Motorcycles, the 2026 New Zealand Mini Motocross Nationals at Amisfield, on the outskirts of Tokoroa, featured three races for each class on Saturday and then two more for each the following day.
The event produced the highest calibre of racing and the large number of spectators in attendance certainly appreciated the entertainment factor.
There was plenty of inspiration on hand at the weekend, with the pit zone bristling with a handful of former superstars of the sport, all now the proud parents of today’s rising stars in mini motocross, considered a nursery ground for those starting out in motocross.
Today we bring you just a small selection of some of our photos from the weekend.
© Words and photos by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ
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Stratford’s Jack Bunn gets airborne as he chases down the trail 8-11 years’ title at Tokoroa. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
North Shore’s Royce Bush, winner of the premier 9-11 years’ 65cc class this year. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
Milton’s Mia Manston was superb in winning the Mini Girls class at the weekend. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
Morrinsville’s Lukas Baker enjoyed an almost perfect run on way to winning the intro MX50 class at Tokoroa. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
Stratford’s Oakley McGechan held off stern challenges in a tight battle for victory in the intro trail 50cc class. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
Huntly’s Jackson Slater leads the way at the start of this 7-8 years’ MX65cc class race on Saturday. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
North Harbour rider Karter Tupaea was untouchable in the trail 7-9 years’ class at the nationals. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
The riders blast out of the start gates in this trail 7-9 years’ class race on Saturday. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
LEADING FINAL STANDINGS:
Final leading overall standings in the 2026 NZ Mini Motocross Nationals in Tokoroa at the weekend:
9-11 years’ 65cc class: 1. North Shore’s Royce Bush; 2. Wairoa’s Dante McConnell; 3. Turangi’s Arnand Rothe.
7-8 years’ MX65cc class: 1. Huntly’s Jackson Slater; 2. Hastings’ Finnian Gillies; 3. Te Awamutu’s Knox Gibson.
6-8 years’ MX50cc class: 1. Huntly’s Jackson Slater; 2. Owhango’s Corbin Wind; 3. Pauatahanui’s Oscar Lampe.
8-11 years’ trail bike class: 1. Stratford’s Jack Bunn; 2. Taupo’s Brax Lee; 3. Taupiri’s Kieran Dobbs.
7-9 years’ trail bike class: 1. North Harbour’s Karter Tupaea; 2. Helensville’s Jett Schmidt; 3. Whanganui’s Charlie Dowman.
4-7 years’ intro MX50cc class: 1. Morrinsville’s Lukas Baker; 2. Gisborne’s Mac Speirs; 3. Invercargill’s Max Welsh.
4-7 years’ intro trail bike class: 1. Stratford’s Oakley McGechan; 2. Whakatane’s Cooper Whyte; 3. Hamilton’s Jack Annals.
Mini Girls: 1. Milton’s Mia Manston; 2. Gisborne’s Unique Niania; 3. Owhango’s Libby Wind.