Entries Open To Find The World'S Best Junior Rider

For immediate release

3rd April 2009

Entries Open To Find The World'S Best Junior Riders!

The hunt is on to find the world's best junior riders with entries opening for the 2009 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship which will be held in Taupo on August 15-16, 2009.

The event host, the innovative Taupo Motorcycle Club, is well-renowned for its ability to host international events at the highly-regarded Digger McEwen Park.

"This will be the first time the prestigious event has left European shores - it is a real coup for New Zealand and for Taupo," said Geoff Hall, President of the Taupo Motorcycle Club.
Over 120 junior riders, their families and mechanics are expected to flock to the scenic North Island town to compete against New Zealand's best juniors.

Speaking from his home in America, 2004 FIM MX2 Champion Ben Townley who hails from Taupo is thrilled about the opportunities this presents for motocross in New Zealand:

"It is a huge privilege for New Zealand motocross to host an event like this in our back yard and I'm sure will be a huge highlight for the New Zealand junior riders," said Townley who also claimed the 2007 AMA Supercross Lites East championship and twelve New Zealand titles.

"The NZ kids will have a lot to learn from the international riders - their intensity and raw speed will give our top NZ juniors a real insight into what the top level is and our riders will have the home track advantage," said Townley.

"Due to their location, many international junior riders benefit from the opportunity to compete at events like this regularly - this Championship will help our junior riders lift to the next level, which fits with the Taupo Motorcycle Club's commitment to provide opportunities for New Zealand's junior riders to compete at the highest level," said Hall.

66 junior riders are currently participating in a Motorcycling New Zealand training squad - after intensive physiological, fitness and motocross testing, a final New Zealand team of 30 will be selected.

The sandy Digger McEwen Track is expected to challenge the world's leading junior riders and work continues at the track to ensure it meets the strict FIM regulations.
Changes include a new underpass for spectators to allow access a superior viewing area; an exciting new sand rhythm section for the riders; adjustments to the start and pit lane areas, the installation of timing screens and the movement and installation of all the fencing and safety barriers.

"Over the coming months we will be also installing a communications centre, funded by the Lion Foundation, which is necessary for safety and race control purposes, and increasing the size of the wash bays," said Hall.

New Zealand has a proud history of delivering riders at world championship level such as Townley, Josh Coppins, Daryl Hurley, Cody Cooper, Darryl & Shane King and Katherine Prumm.

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