Race meet shows young riders’ talent and determination

The Woorree Park BMX Club held its second race night on October 27, with 69 riders from each category and a few extra State riders participating.

Club president Stefan Van Staden said the night went well, with a few young racers moving up a level.

“We had Millie-Ann Garraway, Josie Drummond, Mikayla Carr, move up from the mini wheelers to five-and-under sprockets where they race the whole track and they did really well,” he said.

“Corey Taylor also made his comeback after his shoulder injury that left him out for 12 weeks.

“It’s good to see him back. He raced in all five of his categories and won all five of them. That kid is in a category of his own.”

Mr Van Staden said the riders were enjoying the new track and he was happy to see a good turnout, including the men’s age group with the oldest rider on the night aged 44.

The next race night will be on November 3.

Rather than taking their break during the off-season, 30 or so dedicated riders raced in Bull Creek for the 2017 State Championships on October 5-7.

Mr Van Staden said besides a few unfortunate bumps and falls, they all went well.

On day two of racing Jana Van Staden placed second for WA in the 12-and-under girls’ cruiser division. In the 11-12 boys cruiser division, Lachie Taylor also placed second for WA.

Caleb Long placed second in the men’s 17-24 cruiser division and Sianel Darcy placed fifth in the men’s 25-39 cruiser division.

On the final day of the championships a few riders took out another category win in the 20-inch divisions.

Lachie Taylor took seventh place, Jana Van Staden placed fifth and Darcy placed seventh making it two wins for each of them.

Sarah Battilana also reached sixth in the 20-inch division.

The 2018 State championships will be held in Kalgoorlie and Van Staden said he hoped to get even more people attending.