I really wanted to push hard to
win the series again, especially
as my dad won it 25 years ago
-DICKEY
2019 BEL-RAY WINNER – JASON DICKEY
Over the years the Bel-Ray cross-country series
has always been a highlight on most racer’s
calendars. I competed in my first series some
12 years ago as a junior, and have raced it every
year since. I won the Junior series twice before
stepping up to Seniors where the competition is
strong. It took a couple of years to start getting
consistent results at the top before clinching two
series wins in 2015 and 2016.
Coming into this year, and with it being the 25th
anniversary, I really wanted to push hard to win
the series again, especially as my dad won it 25
years ago.
I was pretty lucky with there being four round
this year because I was able to drop the first
round due to being on my honeymoon. Because
of missing the first round I knew I had to make
the other three rounds count.
At the second round at Suttons Farm in
Bombay I got off to a good start, taking the
lead within the first couple of kilometres and
managed to ride consistently to take a decent
win after the two hours.
The third round was held at a combination
of our property and the Te Uku windfarm in
Raglan. I knew the start was going to be crucial
60 KIWI RIDER
as it was severely dry, hot and dusty. So I set my
sights on the first corner and got a good start,
settling into the top ten. I pushed hard through
the dust to gain the lead on the opening lap and
rode mistake free for two hours on the rocky
challenging track to bank a first place.
The fourth and final round was at the Eyre’s
Farm in Naike. The absence of rain meant
another dry and dusty race ahead. This time
I got a better start and was competing for the
holeshot and settled into third. As we headed
into the dust I got onto the tail of the leader and
just had to bide my time in the dust until I could
safely make a pass and take the lead. I had one
low-speed crash in long grass which sent me
over the bars. I managed to remount in second
place and nab the lead back quite quickly. With a
clear track ahead I pushed on to secure the win
for the final round.
Maximum points from all three rounds meant
I grabbed the win for the 2019 25th anniversary
Bel-Ray series. It’s an honour to race in the Bel-
Ray Series, which is still thriving some 25 years
after it first started. I’m looking forward to racing
many more.