The Conondale 125 Cup!
125 pro winner Joel Rizzo
So, thanks to Bris Vegas flights being about the cheapest there is, and the hospitality of the Maher household. Even a tight ass moto nerd like me could
afford my first trip to the Sunshine State.
The plan was for our Nic to ride the event aboard a borrowed Husky TC125, complete with custom Christian Craig racing graphics. Squaring off against rival 125 pilot and Aus ProMX truck driver of the year nominee, Serco Yamaha’s Jonni Row. I was to be Nic’s official man friend or “Hype Guy” but in Moto, as in life, things sometimes don’t go to plan!
In the week leading up to the event a couple of issue’s arose, the first being the lack of our star rider being entered! The finger of blame was pointed in several directions, and there was some hope of late entry. But then problem number two, our Nic unintentionally chewed on a large piece of steel, resulting in a mouthful of stitches and a big dentist bill.
I had some issues of my own. Bloody Jetstar….. Now I’d heard that Jetstar was the MAV TV of airlines, but I don’t fly much and well, they were cheap. First problem, my departure flight gets changed to super early, like alarm going off at 1:45am early!
I made it safe to Brissy though, and to the awesomeness that is Conondale. What a great looking track and facility. It made me think of Millville, I’m not talking soil or layout, but the aesthetics of the place with the hills, the creek, the house. Everything about the track just made we wish I was riding. Fantastic prep, fast but old guy friendly and what looks like maybe the most fun step up a 125 pilot could ever wish for.
Aesthetically pleasing!
A really great event so I hate to criticise anything, but the car park was full on Saturday and no racing until Sunday, so that’s maybe something that could change. Saturday did however have some fun things going on, rut limbo, go to woah and a foot race in full riding gear for gate picks. Trent was on the mic for all of these events and was still on well into the night calling trivia and the like. After seeing Trent in his element, I told him, quote “I’m not pissing in your pocket, but you are bloody good on the mic” And he is. Watch out Hoges!
By now, Nic’s absence from the gate drop is confirmed. Although in his weakened state he did come and mingle with the fans on Saturday night.
Race day, I headed straight to the step up, camera in hand and it didn’t disappoint, I’ll take a 125 on full song over any bike sound ever and they were on! The full results are on Speedhive, but here’s the highlights.
125 Pro was taken out by Joel Rizzo, he put on a clinic. MotoGP star Jack Miller in 2nd and Luke Davis 3rd . Jack also won the over 250 class, he has an interesting and unusual style, you can really see the road racing influence in it and he is loose!
The 3 hour Battle of the Bush team event was won by the trio of Rhys Budd, Ford Dale and Michael Munro. The crazy and consistent pace of Rhys and of Jayce Cosford, who spear headed the runner up team was damn impressive and a testament to their fitness. Jonni went 23/22 for the day and won the inaugural Moto Limited challenge with Nic’s forfeit. He will be running the #1 plate for the next event, stay tuned for that!
Jonni Row in action! Great photo by CTI Media
A couple of beers, a couple of podcasts and a Monday moto at Willowbank later and I’m on my way home. This time shafted to the tune of a 9-hour delay. Thanks again Jetstar!
But serious thanks to Trent, Nic and Jess for the hospitality and the opportunity. You lot rock.
Go Riding
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