King of Central MX draws 240

Adrenaline and dirt reigned supreme at the King of Central MX yesterday.

The annual Central Otago Motorcycle Club event attracted about 240 competitors from throughout the South Island.

Club president Sam O’Callaghan said riders competed in classes ranging from 85cc through to 450cc.

«We get a good amount of numbers every year.»

The dry conditions made for a good day of racing for riders, he said.

«We have a pretty good facility here really. A lot of people love to come train here during the week and they know we put a lot of effort in making the track nice for this event — it attracts a lot of people to come.»

King of Central MX was a team effort, a core committee of 10 people and a wider pool of volunteers — including the Cromwell BMX Club — working together to make it happen, he said.

«Everyone puts in a big effort — none of the events, or the track being maintained in general, would happen without each and every person.»

While he stopped riding 10 years ago, the appeal of the sport was still there, he said.

«It’s the adrenaline. Everyone loves the adrenaline of sitting on a start gate, loud noise all round you — it’s what keeps everyone coming back, I think.»

shannon.thomson@odt.co.nz