Diminutive dirt bike rider, Ryan Smith, has proved he is still a force to be reckoned with after stepping up to the open class (13-16yrs) on his 250 in the first hit out of the new season.
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And, despite having to pull out his dreaded starting blocks again, the accomplished champion took out the 2018 Junior Casey Stoner Cup.
Held at Loxford Park Raceway from March 24-25, the annual race meeting attracts riders from around the country and Smith held off some quality opposition to claim the cup.
The line-up included 2017 triple Australian champion, Kye Andrews.
Kurri Kurri Motorcyle Club’s Peter Baker says within this age bracket there can be three years age difference, and with this difference in height and weight comes the difference in strength of riders.
“That considered the result of Junior Casey Stoner Cup was very special as local rider Ryan Smith came out on top in his first open meeting since entering this age bracket,” he says.
“To win the 6-lap final he had to initially hold off triple Australian champion from last year, Kye Andrews, and then talented Queenslander Cyshan Weale. Both Andrews and Weale said Smith rode the perfect race to thwart everything they threw at him.”
Smith’s father, Darren, says their goal was to come in the top 5.
“But his result definitely exceeded our expectations,” he says.
“He was the top qualifier for both the 85cc and 250cc classes, and led all the way in the final of the cup.”
