Inaugural Aussie foray into World Junior MX a success
Australia’s attendance at the 2009 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship represented the first time Motorcycling Australia (MA) has sent a team to the event, and the result has been nothing short of astounding with Australia claiming the Nations Trophy at the Championship by virtue of having the combined two fastest riders from both the 125cc and 85cc class.
Jay Wilson’s victory in the 85cc class was Australia’s first ever Motocross World Championship and certainly a moment to savour, while Tye Simmonds’ second placing in the 125cc class – and his fierce battle with eventual Champion Eli Tomac - hopefully lays the foundation for what could become an enthralling rivalry for many years to come.
Australian Team Coach Greg Moss was ecstatic with the overall results in Taupo.
“Things couldn’t have gone much better,” a delighted Moss said.
“I felt for Tye with the arm pump in that first race, but he went out and showed them [in the second race] – he beat the World Champion in that race and you’re only as good as your last race.
“So I feel a bit for Tye and other than that it would have been a clean sweep – but we’ve won as a team, so Aussie Aussie Aussie!”
Motorcycling Australia President Ron Kivovitch was another MA representative on hand at Taupo’s Digger McEwen Motocross Park over the weekend, and he was equally as thrilled with the outcome.
“What a great day – not only did we get a World Championship, we got second place in another one as well,” Kivovitch said.
“I’m very pleased for the team because they put it together very well indeed.
“We got a World Champion and that’s great, but every rider out there today deserves credit because they all rode well, from the fastest to the slowest, and it was really good to watch.
“The Juniors are our future and if we don’t look after Juniors now we won’t have Seniors in the future, so they are a very important part of the sport.”
Junior Development has certainly been a major focus for MA in the recent past, and Cameron Schueber is currently the Chairman of MA’s Junior Development Commission.
“We’ve put a lot into the development of Motocross in probably the last 14-15 months, and the work in the lead up has paid off,” Schueber said.
“A huge thank you goes to the Australian Government and Motorcycling Austraila for backing us and getting our team here.
“I was hoping for a podium so that funds could potentially be put aside for future years and teams, but this result has just blown me away,” Schueber concluded.
All of the news, results, photo galleries, videos, interviews and more from the 2009 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship can be found on the Motorcycling Australia website at www.ma.org.au/2009worldjuniormx.
