UP and coming local motocross (MX) riders Finn Laverty, aged 13, and Reid Taylor, 11, have rubbed handlebars with the country’s best at the Australian Junior Motocross Championships (AJMX) in Appin, NSW.
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The pair, no strangers to competition, have been racing motocross since they were about four years old, successfully competing in a number of championships and MX titles across the State and country.
Reid made the final and placed fourth overall on his KTM 65cc in the 10-12 years age group.
“He was up against the current world champ in that race, was leading for quite a bit but came off twice,” father Cain said.
“Certainly gave it a fair crack, especially after the time off he had when he broke his arm … we’re extremely proud of him.”
The accolades didn’t end there for Reid, he also placed 13th in the same age division on his KTM 85cc.
“It was pretty exciting, it was a good track to race on and I’m happy with how I went,” Reid said.
Finn was also on cloud nine after placing 19th from 70 in the final of the 12-13 years age group on his KTM 85cc.
“It’s pretty good to even qualify for the finals,” Finn’s dad Kieron said. “Just a couple of kids from the bush mixing it in the top half of the field against racers from Australia and abroad.”
There was no stopping these two after the nationals who were back in the seat for the local club series in Coffs Harbour.
There, Reid took out first place in both the 65cc and 85cc categories for his age group. Finn took out top honours on his 85cc and second on the 125cc against some older competition, and Finn’s sister, Jess, placed second in the girls races.
“The kids make up ‘Team Talarm’ – racing just confirms their love of the sport,” Kieron said. “They’ve grown up on the farm and watching us race ... it’s in their blood.”
The next major event on the calendar for Team Talarm is the Stadium Cross in Coffs Harbour in January.