TWO of Shoalhaven’s top motocross prodigies have continued their outstanding 2018 seasons, by finishing on the podium at the recent Australian Junior MX Titles, held in Penguin, Tasmania, from September 29 to October 6.
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Fall Creek’s Koby Hantis and Nowra’s Dante Hyam, both fresh off representing Australia at the FIM World Junior Motocross (WJMX) in Horsham, both finished with bronze medals in their respective divisions, at the Coastal Motocross Club.
Hantis, an 11-year-old St Michael's Catholic Primary School student, managed to finish third, with 146 points, in the 9-11 years 65cc division, just behind Kayden Minear and Ky Woods.
“I was really happy with how I raced,” Hantis said.
“I really tried to be sensible during the practice and race heats, to give myself the best chance of performing to by ability during the actual races.
“To finish third, after just missing out on the podium the last two years, with a fourth last year and a fifth the year before, is amazing.
“I’m over the moon with the result, which is a fantastic way to finish my season off.
“I look forward to taking a break now and coming back bigger and better next season – I can’t wait.”
During his five races, Hantis finished third, fourth, fourth, fourth and finally a second, which sewed up the third place podium finish.
Not to be outdone was Hyam, who competed in the junior lites 15 year old (128-150cc 2st/250cc 4st) class.
The Nowra Anglican College student, who actually won the Australian title at last year’s correspsonding event, finished in third in the division, on 140 points, behind Regan Duffy and Noah Ferguson, thanks to race finishes of fourth, fourth [despite bike issues], fourth, fourth and finally fourth – which proved enough to see him secure a spot on the podium.
“I’m pretty happy with my overall result of finishing on the podium at the last junior race of my career,” Hyam said.
“I had a couple of problems with a bent gear shifter in race number two, which meant that I was stuck in one gear for most of the race.
“I also suffered from bent back brake lever in free practice.
“So despite all that, I’m really happy to finish third, against the best riders from all over Australia, after a rough week of racing.
“This bronze medal is a great way to finish the season on a high, after an up and down year on the bike.”
Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
