Singleton’s Luke Richards successfully defended his pro open title and took out the main 450 class at the Australian Dirt Track Championships at Barleigh Ranch on the weekend.
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Richards held off fellow Hunter riders Paul Caslick and Brody Nowlan in the open final. He was too quick for Mildura’s Nicholas Watters and Gunnedah’s Daniel Wicks on the 450 bike.
Richards was also second in the MX open to Jarred Brook of North Brisbane.
Three-time world champion Troy Bayliss crashed out of his campaign but son Ollie was second in his section.
Cessnock’s Keegan Pickering clinched the women’s division.
Meanwhile, Singleton youngsters Ryan Smith and Billy Van Eerde also competed in the support classes on the day.
They both won their respective classes – Van Eerde in the 13-16yrs 200-250cc 4-str and Smith, the 9-U13yrs 85cc 2str/ 150cc 4str.
Darren Smith says his son won four of his five races, racking up the highest point score and taking away the winners trophy.
“It was a great opportunity for the kids to hang out with their idols, like Richards,” she says.
This comes on the back of a solid performance at the Australian Dirt Track Junior championships in Gunnedah from August 6-7 on his favourite surface – an oil track.
And, even though he has stepped up class this year the consistent performer came away with two second places – one in the 85cc 11-13 yrs big wheels, and one in the standard wheel class.
