13/1/09
Words & Pics: BD

It was yet another great day of racing in the Bel-Ray series.

The event was held at Raymond Lempriere’s spectacular Te Akau property and the Waikato put on an overcast day for the decider.

Fortunately the forecast rain didn't eventuate and conditions were hot, dusty and difficult.

The course was mainly 'fast and flowing' with the occasional trap for the unwary.

One culvert near the paddock area was a real 'crowd pleaser' with a large number of the field hitting the mud whilst attempting the crossing.

Like the previous round the mostly open going was dominated by Paul Whibley on his Kawasaki KXF450.

Mitchell Nield on a Husqvarna TC250 got the holeshot and was in the lead at the completion of the first lap, but Whibs hauled him in and took the lead for the remainder of the race.

Michael Cotter on a Kawasaki KXF450 looked to be in contention at the half way stage and kept the No 2 plate in sight for a while, but was 1:04 behind in second spot at race end.

Mark Penny (Suzuki RMZ450 ) was again spectacular and his third place on the day was enough to take the Bel-Ray Cross Country Championship with 67 points from the three rounds.

Whibley's two first places in the rounds he contested were enough for the series second and Mitchell Neild's fouth place in round three was enough to put him on the Championship podium in third overall.

Callan May

JNRS

KR's Callan May on his Yamaha YZ125 proved the value of consistency when his third place in round 3 moved him to a total of 67 points and the Series Championship.

Charles Alabaster on a Yamaha YZF250 was quickest on the day and won by twelve seconds from Simon Lansdaal on a Kawasaki KXF250.

Boyd Carlson's (Suzuki RMZ250) fourth was good enough for second place in the series and Dion Sheely on a Kawasaki KXF250 was also consistent over the three rounds to take third in the championship.

KR has been proud to sponsor and cover this great series.

From the mini-kids courses to the family atmosphere to the professionals going hard out, the series has been well run and is a great spectacle.

Congratulations to all involved.

KR