TEENAGER Hayden Matterson headlines a Port Macquarie quartet looking to take make an impression at this weekend’s Australian Motul Motocross National Titles.
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It will be the first time in almost 10 years that Port Macquarie has hosted the event.
After performing strongly at junior level, Matterson will make the step up to the senior competition at the Hastings Valley Motorcycle Club.
He is in good form, having won the East Coast MX Series in Cessnock last weekend in the 15 years, 125CC division and the 13-under 15 250CC division.
Matterson is looking forward to the challenge of competing at a senior level.
“It’s going to be tough, but it’s very important to get a good start,” he said.
“Instead of having four really fast riders that you’re up against, you have 15 or so.”
Fellow club members Shannon Moore, Geoff Wallace and Ethan Burgess will join Matterson for the eighth round of the 10-round series.
Club president Daniel Hargy said it would be a challenge for Matterson to step up to the senior class, but he was confident he could achieve a top 10 finish.
“It’s a huge step up to the pro class where he’ll take on some of Australia’s best, but he has competed against some of those kids only a few years ago,” he said.
12 months ago, Matterson was pipped by just 10 points for the junior state title after suffering mechanical issues in all three races which determined the title.
But he knows the transition from juniors to seniors this year will mean the challenge for a top 10 finish will be far greater.
On Sunday, more than 100 of the best riders from around the country will compete in four different classes including MX1, MX2, MXGP and the 125 Cup.
“It’s a proud moment for us to host an event such as this in this area,” Hargy said.
“We have come so far in such a short period of time so it is massive for us to hold a stature of this event in our own backyard.
“We couldn’t have done it without the commitment of our committee members and volunteers.”
Hargy said in the MX1 (open class) Dean Ferris was in good contention to claim back-to-back titles, although Kurt Gibbs could make an impression.
Motul MX Nationals Series promoter Kevin Williams said his team was excited for the event’s visit to the area and shared that the first of three championships will be decided as part of round eight next Sunday.
“It’s been a long time coming, and we’re very excited to finally be heading to Port Macquarie for the eighth round of our championship on Sunday,” Williams said.
Action starts at 8am on Sunday with practice sessions with the racing to start from 10am.
Tickets will be on sale from 7am Sunday at the gate.
