DIRT NEWS
NO SOUTH ISLAND ROUND FOR NZMX CHAMPS
By Andy McGechan
T he dates and venues for the 2021 New Zealand Motocross Championships were announced this week by the sport ’ s governing body , Motorcycling New Zealand . The big news to come out of the announcement is that New Zealand ’ s biggest stand-alone motocross – the traditional Honda New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville – will not be a stand-alone event in 2021 because it will now also incorporate the first round of four in the national championship series . It is already a huge weekend every year , but it will be even more massive next season , two days of racing scheduled for January 30-31 and with even more motivation to be there . In addition to the Woodville event holding GP trophy status , just as it has every year , but it will also kick off the New Zealand senior championship title chase for the MX1 , MX2 and MX125 classes , as well as staging the first of four rounds of the inaugural 2T Cup ( for two-stroke bikes ) and the first of two rounds for the Women ’ s Cup .
“ The majority of New Zealand motocross riders compete at Woodville each year and , because we were uncertain what might be happening with the COVID-19 pandemic and with us wanting to keep down the costs for riders , we have decided to combine these events ,” said Motorcycling New Zealand motocross commissioner Ray Broad . “ Unfortunately there are no South Island rounds on the New Zealand Motocross Championships calendar , however we are resurrecting the travel subsidy scheme for South Island riders who commit to two or more rounds . It will be paid out on a pro-rata basis ,” he said , “ We will be working closely with South Island Cubs to ensure a return in 2022 .” After the Woodville opener , New Zealand Motocross Championship rounds follow at Rotorua on Sunday , February 21 , with round three at Pukekohe on Saturday , March 20 ( with a junior and mini open event on Sunday , March 21 ), and the fourth and final round at Taupo on Sunday , March 28 .
14 KIWI RIDER