THE BEST FOR LAST | Bikesportnz

Mangakino’s Kayne Lamont competed in the final round of Maxxis British Motocross Championships at the weekend and saved his best to the last.

After an average qualifying of 17th, Lamont went into his final three races in the UK wanting to put in performances that he was well capable of and finish on a high after being injured and having some disappointing results during the earlier part of his UK campaign.

Hawkstone Park, one of Britain’s most physically demanding tracks, had been deep ripped and the sand-based track was in pristine condition, which was a pleasant change from the hard pack tracks.

With a change to paddle tyres, Kayne was looking forward to the challenge and in moto one he didn’t disappoint with his best result of the series finishing in ninth spot.

Moto two was going well and he was in 10th place and moving forward when disaster struck, his front brake line burst, leaving him with no front brake and he almost crashed after a jump because he couldn’t slow down fast enough.

Unfortunately he had to retire from that race because Hawkstone is no place to race without brakes.

Although disappointed, Lamont was still very enthusiastic and was very comfortable with his bike set up which showed in his speed.

Moto three was an epic battle as he worked his way up to seventh.

He was then entrenched in a massive battle for sixth with MX2 GP rider Jordan Booker. They swapped positions over several laps having the crowd and commentators cheering with excitement.

This continued until the final lap when Lamont put in another push to get into fifth, when he lost the front end and went down. Getting up quickly, he managed to finish 12th.

Even with the disappointment of a DNF (mechanical) and the 12th placing in his final race, Lamont showed the British MX fraternity that he has the pace and the ability to run within the top 10 of one of the hardest domestic championships around.

He leaves the UK on a positive note and wishes to thank his team Maxxis Apico Suzuki and the team sponsors along with Rob Hooper for the opportunity; also the people that stood by him and encouraged him through the tough times.

A massive thanks goes out to the Finch family, Gary, his mechanic and all round “family guy”, Sharon, his UK mum, Jessica (stealing her bedroom for the past five months), Danny and Billy, for welcoming him into their family home. Alan, Carol and Lewis Gregory for their support and the training spent with Lewis has paid off. Dad’s training of Alan on BBQ cooking was well received by all (no more burnt steaks). A special thanks to Josh Coppins for giving guidance and a shoulder to lean on when things weren’t going to plan as racing in the UK is very different to racing at home. It is an extremely tough competition.

Finally the support he received back home from the Mangakino community, from his family and from BikesportNZ is greatly appreciated.

Upon his return home, Lamont is looking forward to racing back in New Zealand with a busy schedule in late October competing at Taupo’s Labour Weekend Extravaganza, Queen’s Birthday Champs in Tokoroa the following weekend and then the Auckland Champs in November.

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