KIWI RIDER 07 2018 VOL.2 | Page 86

BLAKE ROSS 2ND ROUND ONE Heading into the season I was excited but nervous to be trying something new. With just a few trackdays under my belt, Round 1 was here and the nerves were really starting to kick in as I was sitting on the start line for my very first race. Just as the nerves were at an all time high, the start lights went out and I popped the front wheel up, not giving me the very best start. I somehow came away with 3rd place and was over the moon! Race 2 finished with me in 6th position, leaving me 3rd overall for the weekend, making me one happy chappie. ROUND TWO Heading into Round 2 at Manfeild I was still pondering if the 3rd at Taupo was just a fluke, but we quickly realised it wasn’t after I qualified on pole position. Managing to take my very first win in Race 1 and a 2nd place in Race 2, I was left with the overall win for 86 KIWI RIDER the weekend! I also managed to set the track lap record for the Gixxers which was a great bonus. ROUND THREE Due to age restrictions I wasn’t eligible for the round at Whanganui’s Cemetery Circuit, which meant I had to drop that round. ROUNDS FOUR & FIVE Heading down south for the next rounds we joined Rounds 1 & 2 of the Nationals and, having only been down South once before, I was pumped to see the rest of the country... with the massive bonus of being able to race my motorbike at the same time. At Round 4 at Ruapuna I came away with 2nd overall along with another track record and Round 5 at Timaru left me with 3rd overall for the weekend. >