Western Bay riders will be up against the country’s top talent next weekend when the annual Taupo motocross festival kicks off the season in Taupo as they race for a share of $15,000 in prize money.

Tauranga’s Ben Townley and Taupo’s Brad Groombridge, will go head-to-head in the new Speedcross segment of Labour Weekend’s motocross action at Taupo. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

Among those excited about the first major event of the calendar is former world MX2 champion Tauranga’s Ben Townley

“This is going to be huge,” says Ben, commenting on the revamped event which is now running under the name Huka Honda MX Fest.

The event, now in its 29th year, will run during Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26, when hundreds of the country’s top riders battle for the finish line in mini, junior, women’s, senior and veteran race events.

“It will be the biggest thing in New Zealand this year,” says Ben. “It will be exactly 12 months since we first introduced the concept at the Taupo track last October and now we’re having the first official Speedcross event in New Zealand.”

Ben himself will go head-to-head in the new Speedcross segment of the competition, while new Western Bay signings Aaron Wiltshier, riding for Honda Shop Racing Team, and Te Puke’s Logan Blackburn, Bel Ray Pro Rider Suzuki Team, are aiming to make a strong a start as possible.

Logan, who is still recovering from surgery at the end of the season which has only see him return to the bike a month ago, is excited about competing in his first MX 2 event but will be playing his riding safely to avoid any accidents or injuries.

“I know I’m not quite ready [to give it everything]. The real goal is the nationals,” says Logan, who is determined to be in his best form when the series starts in the New Year.

Along with Ben, other top riders expected in Saturday night’s Speedcross event include Josh Coppins, John Phillips, Scott Columb, and Brad Groombridge, along with the highly-favoured visiting American rider Brett Cue, who is also rated top chance in freestyle jump ‘Whip Competition’.