Motocross: Rountree jumps the ditch for Nationals

WHS student, James Rountree will test himself at the Australian Junior nationals next week.

Whanganui teenager James Rountree is heading across the ditch to compete at the Australian Junior Motocross Nationals this weekend.

The 15-year-old still qualifies for the Year 12-14 division due to his birthday being after January 1, and will be testing himself on the course in the regional city of Horsham, in Victoria.

Father Antony Rountree said over 500 juniors will take part in the five day event, starting Saturday.

The Year 11 Whanganui High School student was fifth in the 125cc class of his age group at the New Zealand Junior Motocross Nationals in New Plymouth in April.

He also had Top 3 placings at the various club motocross series at Whanganui, New Plymouth, Gold Coast (NZ) and Taupo.

Antony Rountree said there will be 16 juniors from New Zealand going over, six of them in James' 125cc class.

"Sixty-four have entered his class, where he has to make the Top 40 to qualify for the three finals.

"This is all new for us and we are going in there with a open mind and using it more for experience.

"But first thing is to qualify for the finals and then see what happens from there - we hear the Aussie boys are quick, so it will be interesting."

Practice days begin on Saturday, with racing proper getting underway on the Monday.

The Rountree's shipped their bike over in a container with nine other bikes around three weeks ago and have been informed they arrived at the track.

Sponsors include to Harvey Round Isuzu, Protecta Insurance, Bike Torque, Dirt Bike Repairs and JCR Yamaha.

By Jared Smith
Wanganui Chronicle 26/9/17