Mercer Club Day Report

16th June 2013

www.moto-media.net  Sharon Cox reports

Pukekohe Motorcycle Club welcomed a rare sight - Ben Townley Honda competing at Mercer Sand Track opening Club Day.

With BT’s recent announcement of retirement from professional racing, the 2007 AMA Supecross Lites East Coast Champion and 2004 MX2 World MX Title holder put skills to the test over the new sand track layout.  With 117 rider’s racing plus spectators, BT spoke highly of track preparation by founding and life member Tony Cooksley with support from Scott Willis.  BT101 said; "The track was prepared the best I’ve ever seen it, the double berms were good and ripping it worked really well."

Weather deteriorated heading into Moto 2 making slushy conditions challenging across all classes. Yet, PMCC and riders are fortunate to have Mercer Sand track for use in winter.  BT101 agrees "It’s a good winter track and even with the amount of rain yesterday we were still able to race motos which was great. It gets pretty rough and the club seems to run decent length motos which is good for National Classes."  

Blake Gillard

Yamaha’s Blake Gillard was equal in praise; ‘"Loved it, the track flows so much better, the double berms in 4-5 corners were spot on and its awesome having the track spring-tined with a lot more lines forming, making for much better racing. Mercer’s always been a good Winter track but this year’s a big step up. When I lived in northern Germany everything within 100kms were sand tracks so I rode plenty. I’d definitely rate the new Mercer, on point with the best I’ve ridden’.

Giving rider’s and all a glimpse of a Champion on the track, BT is; "Enjoying low key riding, in no rush for what’s next and will see what happens."  

Dion Picard

Then the heavy rains came. 

Tony Cooksley - don't be thrown by the letter 'R' - he's wearing a spare Rhys Carter jersey from last year's MXoN.

Damien King

Copy: Sharon Cox   Photo Credit: Phil Smith of http://clmintiepix.photoshelter.com/