MNZ Press Release:
BLUE WING HONDA WOODVILLE MOTOCROSS GP:
World Champions don’t rely on luck but when serendipity presents itself, they take full advantage.
With three GP titles on offer (125, 250 and 500cc), the unthinkable nearly happened. Within 30 metres of the finish line in the last race of the day, Shayne King was going home from a national title meeting without a crown.
In a scenario that couldn’t be contrived on playsation the King brothers, Darryll and Shayne, started the last race of the 500cc class on even points. At the last bend Darryll was ahead by two lengths and well on his way to collecting the title. After completing two and half hours of faultless riding he, and his bike, went to ground on the last bend leaving Shayne an open invitation to retain the title. Darryll recovered quickly to finish second and Damien King made certain that only one family would take the podium
Earlier in the day 35yr, old Darryll annexed his 20th national title, the first for almost two years, when he claimed the 125 GP mantle from Shayne and Damien King in that order.
The Kings’ didn’t contest the 250 class, it was won by local Paul Whibley, from Gisborne\'s Shaun Fogarty and Mike Cotter. Whibley, whose international achievements have been understated (he finished eighth in the World Enduro Champs in 2003) leaves for Europe this weekend to recommence his world title programme.
The visiting Asian Motocross team found the open track too much for them and couldn’t make an impression. Asian champion Glen Aguilar (Philippines) finished 14th and Japan’s Tadakazu Otsuka managed 11th in the 125s.
The 43rd Woodville Grand Prix wasn’t all serious racing, at one point Aaron Slight took to the track on a 50cc scooter. Another notable personality, Tim Gibbes, who started the event 43 years ago, was there and still very much involved.
Results
125s Darryll King (Huntly) 69, Shayne King (New Plymouth) 63, Damien King(Cambridge) 59
250s Paul Whibley (Marton) 70pts, Shaun Fogarty (Gisborne) 65, Mike Cotter (Cambridge )64
500s Shayne King(72), Darryll King 69, Damien King 58