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Both boys ended their day early at the 7th WAJMCC points round. Following two weeks of record rainfall, the Chidlow track proved once again to be a significant challenge. Mitchell crashed twice during his first (and only) practice lap, resulting in a sore leg and a bruised ego. He was frustrated and upset by the resulting twisted handlebars, and was extremely reluctant to take part in the first race. After some considerable coaxing, he took to the start line only to be let down by a spark plug problem. Given he wasn't overly-enthused by the conditions that lay ahead, the bike found it's way back onto the trailer. Curtis successfully completed practice but drew a bad gate for his first race, being placed in a large, muddy puddle. After being frustrated by stalling on the line, Curtis raced (like never before) in an attempt to catch the field. Unfortunately, Curtis was riding faster than the track conditions and his skills permitted, crashing heavily on the down-ramp of the first jump. With a broken brake lever and sore shoulder, he left the track for the day. While the day certainly wasn't a success, important lessons were learnt by all. |
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With some turmoil surrounding the suitability of some 50cc bikes racing in Division 1 looming on the horizon, the decision was made to avoid the potential headaches and move the boys to their larger bikes mid-season. While we sacrificed points earned to date, this stage of the boys' careers is all about experience and fun, and not about trophies. These photos show the first serious practice session at a friend's property. Soon after, the boys practiced at their home track and competed in the WAJMCC 5th points round aboard their new rides. Curtis looks more stable and confident than ever, while Mitchell took to a clutch and gears with little problem. |
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The boys' confidence took a battering in the unfamiliar bog that was Chidlow during State Round #4. With even the most experienced riders finding the going tough, and the last 2 races of the day being cancelled because of weather and track conditions, it was a real effort just to take to the track. Mitchell managed a first place in his second race of the day, and Curtis put on a good show in a large field. The following week (WAJMCC points round 4) proved almost as tough in places with much of the mud persisting. Mitchell struggled a little, but still managed to finish consistently in the top five. Curtis' day was cut short by machine failure, as his Cobra consumed a head o-ring and angrily vented the contents of it's radiator onto the ground, via the cylinder and crankcase. Thanks to the flag marshall who had enough smarts to have Curtis stop the bike, avoiding serious and expensive damage. |
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At this stage of the boys' riding careers, podium finishes are the last thing on our minds; developing solid techniques across a variety of terrains remains our focus. With this firmly in mind, the family ventured to the Lightweight MCC at Byford on Sunday 14th June for one of the clubs' regular points rounds. The Byford circuit is vastly different to Chidlow, with a surface that tends to hold more moisture and which forms deep ruts through the course of the day. Neither Mitchell nor Curtis were daunted by this, and both achieved solid results in their respective classes. Both boys are also entered to participate in their first ever state round at their home track on 28th June, racing against the best that WA has to offer. |
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