When the crew at Williams Event Management announced their schedule for the MX Nationals there was a nice surprise in the line-up, the Yamaha 125 Gold Cup.
ADB Enduro Editor, Geoff Braico is usually seen threading through trees and railing bush ruts but something about racing a 125 in a motocross event caught his attention so he registered for the three-round event.
You can read all about Braico’s experience in the MX Nats 125 Gold Cup in ADB issue #457 – on sale now but here’s what the riders he competed against thought about the series.
THE WINNER: CODY MACKIE
Why did you decide to ride the 125 Cup?
It just fitted in my program at the time. I still do coaching schools occasionally, so it was a perfect way to keep my name relevant and my skills up.
What did you think of the three rounds?
All the rounds were unique. I would say Port Macquarie was probably the best for the 125cc bikes because of the track and the soil. Our first motos were always after lunch, so we had to race on a very slippery circuit due to the big watering session that goes down in the break.
What’s the best thing about 125 Cup?
It is a very cheap series. Also, it is very low-risk for the rider. Now being a person who has to be fit for work on Monday, I can’t be rocking up all banged up.
Who would you like to thank?
Terraform Equipment Sales is a good friend of mine who lives in Qld. He gave me some funding, which was a massive help. MacTrack, MotoDevelopment, Husqvarna, Ninetwo Decals, CTi kneebraces, Scott Goggles, ODI, Fox, Pirelli, Motul, Moto Kit.
SECOND PLACE: Cam Taylor
Why did you decide to ride the 125 Cup?
I’ve always loved 125’s and have great memories of my early days racing them. I haven’t competed on a 125 since maybe 2001. I still love to race but fitness is always an issue when going up against the younger guys. The 125 doesn’t take anywhere near the strength to hang onto so the 125 Cup sounded like fun. Also, it was a fun project getting my bike up to scratch.
What did you think of the three rounds
I had a great time especially hanging with Powelly [Steven Powell] and Cody Mackie between practice and racing. Plenty of banter. I enjoyed the Port Macquarie round the best, it’s a great track for 125s.
Who would you like to thank?
Huge thanks to Yamaha for the YZ125 and parts to keep me going. Also to Powelly at SPMX for spending so much time getting it up to speed, suspension and motor work. All other sponsors that helped out too; Y-aim coaching, GYTR, YAMALUBE, Fly Racing, Shoei, otviSidi, Zeta-DRC, Bridgestone, The Collective, AMX, DID, Topline. And all the other boys for getting out there on their 125s.
THIRD PLACE: Kerrod Morrissy
Why did you decide to ride the 125 Cup?
Riding a KTM 125 helps improve my riding skills because you have to carry so much more momentum into the corners. I find the KTM 125 nice and light and heaps of fun to ride. This race is low cost, low pressure and just as much fun
What did you think of the three rounds?
All three rounds had great tracks well prepped and had different challenges. I really enjoyed the Shepparton round because it had deep ruts, lots of lines for passing and I found it technical.
Who would you like to thank??
I would to thank WEM for such a great event. Queensland Bike & 4WD for their ongoing support. Barham family for all their help and support. KTM Australia, Motorex and Thor for their sponsorship.
FOURTH PLACE – Steven Powell
Why did you decide to ride the 125 Cup?
The reason for me racing in the 125 cup was simple. The local Victorian MX titles were all on tracks I didn’t really enjoy. So I considered another series I could enjoy and I chose the 125 cup. To be able to catch up with some old racing mates and race on well-prepped tracks on my 125 sounded like a win, win.
What did you think of the three rounds?
The three round series was a good way to start. Another round or two wouldn’t hurt, especially if we can get a good turnout of riders at each race. I love going to Conondale, it’s one of my favourite tracks but I feel I rode my best at Port Macquarie. The track was the best suited to a 125 even over the lites and open bikes.
Who would you like to thank?
Big thanks to my family, the guys at SPMX for getting my bike ready to go, KSP KTM in Wodonga, Topline seat covers, Pirelli, Maxima, Ohlin’s racing and anyone else who supports me.
FIFTH PLACE: Joel Hall
Why did you decide to ride the 125 Cup?
I have wanted a 125 for a few years now. I had sold my bar/restaurant/nightclub a few months earlier after having no work-life balance. So racing in the 125 cup was the perfect time to start riding again and have some fun. After so many years away from racing it was a challenge but one I really enjoyed.
What did you think of the three rounds?
Even though I don’t think I put a whole race together at any of the three rounds, I really enjoyed them. Conondale for its weather and having qualified second.
Shepparton was a bit of a write-off for me as I was still injured from racing The Hattah Desert race a week earlier. Personally, the best track for my riding style was at Port Macquarie, so I enjoyed that track most. The first moto I had great pace and rhythm. I was able to get up front and compete with the top two riders for the championship for 95% of the moto before getting cleaned up.
Who would you like to thank?
Firstly, I’d like to thank the Davey Motorsports team for taking me in, getting my bike to the races, helping out wherever they can and for providing endless laughs. Also, Bruce Linsdale from BLS for my suspension work, Frankston Yamaha, Shane at Hoffmann Motorsport for his ongoing work and my partner Alisha for her continuous support.