THE 2018 State MotoTrials Championships by WA Limestone were held last Sunday at one of Western Australia’s most iconic, stunning trials venues in Jarrahdale.
WA Trial Championships - CLASS WINNERS
The A grade was won by Neil Price who is now 13 times State Champion, Neil is currently ranked #3 in Australia, has been #1 twice and in the top 5 several times. Neil was also an international Trials Des Nations representative on several occasions.
First place B grader Luke Pantane had just come back from a 2 year layoff but has picked up where he left off and will be trying to get back to A grade next season.
Veteran’s winner Dave Thomas was the top B grader in the State for many years but now over 40 has decided to let the young ones fight it out.
C grade winner Marco Folini has proved his riding ability in the grade as he beat his son who was second. Marco spend a lot of time helping his son to advance to B grade
Twin shock winner Scott Chapman must have been looking for a third wheel as he has been on sidecars for the last several years but has found his love again of just two wheels for a great win
Club Class had a very large field and was hotly contested but Paul Smith took the win after a lay off from trials
The sidecar winning pair was a father and son team of Mike & Lewis Kitney the team have only been together for a short time but love riding together, come win or lose.
Junior winner Ben Walling has only been in the sport a short time but has showed riding skills above his age. He has set his sights on Neil Price in years to come.
The A Grade winner on the day, Neil Price said on reflection ”I really enjoyed the day; the sections were set very tough, very slippery and loose. I couldn’t relax anywhere, and there were a lot of line decisions to make as you had to be so accurate in the slip.”
“The weather was magnificent and the crowd was awesome, and quite supportive. I felt shaky on the first few sections and when i got to the hardest section 5 i was concerned as i had dropped a few points already. I had 3 lines to pick from to cross the creek and i took the risk and jumped it. That woke me up and i felt like i got on some form from there for the rest of the lap.”
Neil went on to say “I had the consistency from there and lowered my score each lap so was really happy, especially with how little time i have had on the bike. It was an awesome day and a credit to the AJS Club and a great day to showcase the clubs and the sport which is such a fun, cheap and social way to get into Motorcycling."
AJS MotoTrials Club of WA Inc. President and event organiser, Barry Barton said after the event “As a Club it was great to be back at the Jarrahdale property, as it is one of the best and we would all like to thank WA Limestone and land owner, Steve Della Bona, for supporting this event”
“We would also like to thank Councillor Michelle Rich, Serpentine/Jarrahdale Shire President for also supporting the event and taking the time to come and spectate on the day”
Barry also said “To all the riders officials and helpers a big thank you for making it such a great event”.
Photo Credit: Kylie Folini Kearns-kye.iag@optusnet.com.au
Article: Linda Russell-Media Officer-Motorcycling Western Australia