The 11-year-old Taylor’s Arm lad has been riding since he was four, and is a staple on the podium at competitive events.

“He’d been practicing for weeks leading up to the competition,” dad Kieron told the Guardian. “He came third in Grafton and came second on the day in Maclean, and third overall in the series.

“He’s been a bit on edge since he came off his bike last year. He went straight over the handlebars at Coffs and broke both bones in his wrist.

“For this comp he was thrown in the deep end a little bit, and was a bit shaken – because the event is usually in winter, but they brought it forward, so Finn had only been on the bike for about two weeks before the race.”

Some of Australia’s top riders raced the North Coast series, providing valuable experience for young Finn.

“This was a great achievement for Finn to be able to race amongst some of the best and to get a good result for himself,” Kieron said.

The Lavertys have travelled far and wide for competition, and appreciate the support of firms such as Webbs BP for their ongoing sponsorship.

Finn’s little sister Jessie also put in a great effort during the North Coast series, placing ninth overall.

“Jessie wanted to get involved in racing after going to all her brother’s races,” Kieron said. “She’s a fit little bugger, just goes and goes and goes, you can’t tire her out.

“Just the day before the motocross, she took part in the school cross country at Bowraville and won.”

Finn and Jessie practise riding mostly around the family property.

“We try and get them out on the bikes twice a week, we have ‘Wacky Wednesday’ where we get everyone – all the neighbours – together for a ride; and again on Fridays to get ready for the weekend,” Kieron said.

The Laverty kids next competitive outing will be the NSW inland series challenge.