On Saturday June 25th a team of City Honda sponsored riders travelled to Taupō to compete in the 2022 Battle of the Teams. Riders came from as far as Pukekohe and Southland to compete, with the likes of Cody Cooper, Courtney Duncan and Rhys Carter joining the ranks. A total of 33 teams took to the Senior track and 22 teams on the Mini track it made for a very competitive field! Each year, the event is a fundraiser to send a team of Kiwis to the USA to race MX of Nations.
This year, City Honda put together an experienced team consisting of: Jesse Donnelly, Hannah Powell, Stu Rackham, Travis Taylor , Toby Winiata, and Travis Winiata.
With top riders from across the country competing for the top spot meant every class was extremely competitive. A special mention goes out to our MX1 rider, Jesse Donnelly, who came away with some very impressive top 10 results. MX2 rider, Toby Winiata also coming away with top 10 places against the likes of 3 time world champ, Courtney Duncan.
Above: Toby Winiata ready for the next gate drop (Photo: CD Photography)
In Vets, Stu Rackham rode strong and consistent all day to come away with a respectable top 30 finish. These awesome results allowed our senior team to qualify into the A group filled with the fasted 13 riders from each team.
Above: Stu Rackham charging on his CRF250R (Photo: CD Photography)
Our Junior team got off to a rough start with injuries early on in the day. Despite the setbacks they all rode really well considering the fierce competition. 250 rider, Hannah Powell was busting it up with the boys for a top 20 finish. Hannah was 1 of only 3 girls racing in the 250 class and was the first one home. Travis Taylor showed us what his 105 could do in the 125cc class with a mid pack finish before later having to pull out due to injury. Travis Winiata proved what the CRF150R can do in the 85cc class with an 8 second lap time improvement over the day!
Above: Travis Taylor racing in the 125cc class (Photo: CD Photography)
Huge shout out to the families of our riders for traveling and supporting our riders so that we can put together a team like this. It was an awesome day enjoyed by all. With a 13th overall finish for our seniors and 33rd for our juniors who missed out on a few points due to injury, our overall result was 27th.
Above: Jesse Donnelly dominating the sawdust on the CRF450R (Photo: CD Photography)
Above: Ryan Winiata giving some wise words of advice to CRF150R rider Travis Winiata (Photo: CD Photography)
Above: Hannah Powell charging on the CRF250R in qualifying (Photo: CD Photography)
A special mention goes out to Ella Shannon for organising the City Honda Team! We're hugely appreciative of the effort that went into making it happen in a short space of time. Thanks also go to Taupo Motocross Club and the team behind this event, CD Photography for the photos of our riders and everyone else that made the event possible.
We really enjoyed putting the team together and getting involved with the battle. It's awesome to see so many people come together to support our international riders! Stay safe on the tracks out there - we look forward to seeing everyone out there at the next event!
