with Stratford’s Josh Hunger (Husqvarna
TE300) and Wainuiomata’s Jake Whitaker
(KTM 350EXC-F) rounding out the top five.
Although he won more rounds than any
other rider, the two Hokitika race days
were McDonald’s only appearances in New
Zealand this year and so he was never likely
to be a title contender.
It was a similar story with several of the
other event winners too.
Helensville’s Tom Buxton (KTM 350EXC-F)
won round one of the series near
Whangamata in March, Cambridge rider
Dylan Yearbury (Husqvarna FE250) clinched
the win at round two near Porirua in April,
Thames rider Chris Birch (KTM 300EXC)
topped the podium at round three near
Tokoroa two weeks later, Reardon won round
four near Martinborough on June 9 and
Rotorua’s Bradley Lauder (Husqvarna TX300)
KING
won round five near Masterton on the last
weekend of June.
However, overseas riding commitments
meant neither Buxton, Yearbury or Birch
could mount a full domestic campaign this
year, virtually ruling themselves out of New
Zealand title contention.
Masterton’s Philip Bly (KTM 300EXC) won the
A Grade (intermediate) title, finishing ahead
of Thames rider Natasha Cairns (KTM 150XC-
W) and Omihi’s Ethan McBreen (Husqvarna
TE150).
In the battle for manufacturer honours,
Husqvarna motorcycle riders led the way,
accumulating 614 points over the season,
while the KTM factory took the runner-up
spot with 549 points, and the Yamaha brand
completed the manufacturers’ podium in
third place, with 268 points.
HURLEY & TOWNLEY
KIWI RIDER 33