Gas Gas showed their dominance at the two day, first round of the NSW Moto Trials Championships held at Murringo this past weekend.
Gas Gas mounted riders took out the top spots in Open Solo, Veterans, Junior, Junior under 200, Ladies, C Grade, B Grade, and A Grade! What a great effort from the Gasser riders.
The two day Round 1 was held at Murringo, a great trials site encompassing a series of terrific rock and water sections. It was fine weather for both days, but that didn't stop quite a few competitors from taking a bath - literally! The sections were set along a rock gully and stream that contained many waterholes, waterfalls, and incredibly challanging rock steps for the upper grades.
Kyle Middleton again showed his dominance in Open Solo with a fine win. Coming from behind on Saturday, Kyle and his minder/father Ross dealt with a completely drowned bike, from a massive off, as well as a tyre that came off the rim bead after a big splat attempt, to settle in to his usual spot on the top of the dias. Ross got style points for his dive with pike and twist, launching himself into the chilly waters to save Kyle's bike from Davey Jone's locker! All we could see at one stage was the rear wheel and Ross's head above water!
Gas Gas rider Michael Byrne also had moments of brillance and pushed out the Italian, Luigi Garzoni, taking fourth behind the two OSSA mounted Zarcynski brothers.
A Grade was a clean sweep for Gas Gas with a mighty performance from Sam Rummery to eventually hold out Jason Byrne for second, and JJ Chellas for third, all Gas Gas TXT mounted!
The large Veterans class was also was a clean sweep for Gassers with Greg Nordesvan first, Ross Middleton second, and a very tidy Gary Boniface for third.
The Ladies class was Gas Gas Red with Kristie McKinnon on top, 58 points clear of her long time rival, and close friend Michelle Coleman. A constant crowd favourite, Kristie's skill level is always on the up and her stellar performances surprise everyone who watches her.
Kristie also had a very close fight with Sam Bingley for B Grade honours but eventually pipped Sam by one point , 106 to 107 also winning the B Grade line.
The Pacific Park "BratPack" are on a roll, with newcomers the Cummin's family taking home a boot full of trophies. Anthony Cummin's on his Gas Gas TXT Pro 280 winning C Grade, and his two daughters Kaitlyn and Amanda also showing how great there skills have come on both with trophies on the shelf.
Top rides also came in from PP RATS James Boyle,who tackled his first Open trial in B Grade, Jono Chellas third in A Grade, and Tom Ring who has just exploded with energy this year. it seems like a big summer of hanging out and riding together is paying dividends for all of the Pacific Park Brat Pack. I'm sure they are all looking forward to the next round being on "home turf" on the 10th April.
Congratulations to all the winners, and especially the Gas Gas family of riders on such a great result (across so many classes) on the weekend. It was a proud moment seeing so many RED Riders on the podium. I'm sure we can keep it up.
Paul Arnott, for all the Team at Gas Gas Motos Australia.