2006 YAMAHA VICTORIAN ATV MX SUPER SERIES 8

Round 4 - Colac

Report by: - T.J. Elliott

With the magnitude of the sport growing at such a fast rate, we can continually witness the ongoing increase of the number of entries present at each round.

ATV riders can accomplish amazing feats on their machines and down at the Colac track the riders put on an astounding spectacle for all concerned. Not only was the riding remarkable but so too were the new setups with trailers filling the pit area.

Colac weather report for Sunday 21st May 2006 - Rain Min 2 degrees max 11 - and without fail Colac put on that exact weather for the riders and spectators.

With competition rife the day commenced with the engines roaring, the riders itching to get out and practice on the finely groomed track. All riders agreed it looked smooth and was the ideal track for a bit of serious fun on 4 wheels.

The Vet 35+ class has certainly raised the competition with a great contest had by all.
Jeff Larson looking very confident on his new ride proved a big challenge to all other riders. “ I love my new quad and feel very comfortable on it especially when jumping” said Jeff.
Rick Beer, “The Finke Master” managed to hold onto 1st place after being pushed to the limits by both Van Vliet and Larson, finishing 2nd and 3rd respectfully for the day.
A newcomer to the class, Glenn Henley has certainly given several riders something to think about coming a convincing 4th.

Launching into full scale force is the Expert class, hounding each other down to win and move on up into the Pro Class. With Daryl Watson from South Australia holding the lead one can only imagine what was going through Emanuellis’ head when he came off the first race scratching his head wondering why he was so far behind. On returning to the pits and asked what the problem was John commented, “I left my b#!**@# air filter cover on.” Proving his capable and skilful riding, John had a bit of catching up to do in the next two races finishing with a 1st and 3rd to come overall 2nd for the day. James Giroud never giving up the chase managed an overall 3rd place.

Daryl Watson had a bit of proving to do himself since the last round at Bairnsdale where he was leading a race and nearly looped it, not grabbing the clutch fast enough and eventually stalling it to lose the lead. Having no mistakes at this round, Watson held onto 1st place trophy for the day which brings him even closer to the overall championship leader, John Emanuelli.

In the Pro Class Yamaha rider Seimensma, Suzuki rider Smith and Stokes engineered a great display with solid racing all day.
To watch these young men manoeuvre their machines with the greatest of ease is an exhibition of the greatest skill to watch.
Seimensma sealed his 1st place position in the championship with brilliant style over the big step ups out on the track out-jumping other riders to move up to 1st place. Stokes kicked it up another gear showing the two Victorian riders that he is never giving up the chase and Smith, getting a huge roar from the crowd managed to spray everyone with dirt. Competition between the field is becoming very tight with little room for error. Watching Seimensma, Smith and Stokes go through the stutters one can only imagine the language as they bounced off the thin air between each other.
Finishing off the day Seimensma took out 1st place, Smith 2nd and Stokes 3rd with Scales coming in a close 4th place.

At some stage throughout the day the track goes silent and everyone knows its time to stand at the fence and cheer for the legendary 50cc class. With the hush of the crowd and the loud beeping of the 50cc horns, the famous 50cc riders once again show the crowd their competitiveness and skill. All riders have absolutely improved flaunting their new found speed over the Colac track. Young Tori Ryan took the holeshot in two races with Cooper Van Vliet close on her heels. Jake Gartside and Cooper Timbs-Poke gave chase alongside Bonni McLaren, Baden Von Stanke and Leah Gartside. The grins on these future champion faces as they get the chequered flag is priceless as is the one on each and every parent.
Overall Gartside took 1st place followed by Van Vliet with 2nd and Timbs Poke with 3rd.

To top off the day, the inescapable mad as Jumbo Juniors bestowed us with their traditional antics with Ede taking home the 1st place trophy leaving Van Vliet with 2nd place. Rumour has it there is a rider planning a big comeback who has assured us all he will show Ede and Van Vliet how it’s done. - Let the games begin!!!!