Under the guidance of his dad, Kieron, Finn learned to ride a motorbike as soon as he proved he was competent on a push-bike.

From the age of four, he zoomed around his home-made motocross track at Talarm, and joined in competitions around the North Coast.

All that riding has paid off, as Finn snared two first places in the first meet of the season for 2009.

The Maclean Motocross Madness was held near Yamba on February 8 and brought together up-and-coming motocross riders of all ages.

Finn is now in the seven-to-nine-years section, and raced in two classes, the 55cc and 65cc.

Six races were held, and Finn won three in each class to dominate the field.

The races are played out over five laps, with the riders negotiating jumps and obstacles to be the first over the finish line.

The course was a challenge as it was very sandy – a complete change from the hard-packed run at his home in Talarm.

But Finn thrived in the tough conditions. The first places were his first in the competition, and the trophies are definitely the biggest to take pride of place in his collection.

The competition was a precursor to the annual North Coast Series, which starts on March 1.

After racing well last year, Finn was looking forward to a good performance in this year’s series.

If he finishes in the top 10, he will win a place in the State Titles.

Dad Kieron said that would be the aim this year, to try and get Finn noticed as an up-and-coming motocross champion.

Finn hopes to one day be like his hero, motocross World Champion (and Aussie) Chad Reed.

The eight-year-old enthusiast even rides under Chad’s own number, 22.

If he takes out the North Coast Series, Finn would be following in the footsteps of his dad, Kieron, who has given up competitive motocross following a serious accident on his motorbike while riding on his property.

He helps his son with his training, as well as carrying out all the mechanical work on his son’s bikes.

On top of the riding, the pair do some endurance training in the pool, road running and bicycle riding to build up fitness.

The North Coast Series will be played out over five months, with one round a month.

In between, Finn will attend club meets around the Mid North Coast.

Finn, who has started Year 3 at Macksville Primary School, rides for North Coast KTM in Lismore, who sponsored him with an upgraded motor-cycle. He also has the support of Webb’s BP, which sponsors his oils and petrol locally.