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APRIL 24, 2007: It has been a painful initiation, but Taupo’s Brad Groombridge is starting to make progress across the Tasman.
The 16-year-old Kawasaki ace is making up lost ground in Australia after a disastrous debut at the opening round of the Australian Motocross Championships at Broadford, Victoria, just over a week ago.
On the hard-packed and steep track at Broadford, he finished 27th in the day’s opening Pro Lites class race but then crashed out of the next race and was taken to hospital with mild concussion.
It was a tough debut for Motorcycling New Zealand’s “Most Promising Newcomer (off-road)” of 2006, with Groombridge scoring nothing from the weekend’s hard work.
But what a difference a week makes in motocross. The talented teen has now taken his Kawasaki KXF250 to two 14th-place finishes at round two in Tasmania at the weekend, pocketing valuable points and going from nowhere to 18th in the series standings.
“I’m on the scoreboard now,” said a delighted Groombridge, phoning from his base in Melbourne.
“I’m not quite on the pace with the top five or 10 riders over here but I believe, if I can get a good start in the races, I can be among the riders between 10th and 12th.
“We are going to change the gearing on my Kawasaki, just so I can get better starts. The bike’s been brilliant though and I can’t fault it.
“I’ve been getting bad starts but managing to move up through the field. Unfortunately, by the time I get up the placings, the top guys have long gone and then the chequered flag comes out.
“I’m completely over my spill at Broadford. My head is clear and I feel fit and well.
“I’m really looking forward to round three in a fortnight (May 6). It’s at a place called Conondale (just north of Brisbane) and is apparently a track that’s very similar to New Zealand terrain with rolling hills and lots of grass. That should suit me.”
