Taupo's Nick Saunders may be an amateur racer but he showed extraordinary courage and determination to take the fight to the professional overseas riders at the weekend's Swann Insurance International Motocross event in Taupo.
Saunders, who works as parts manager for Taupo Toyota, rolled out his fuel-injected Location Homes Red Baron Kawasaki KX450F to battle international superstars from South Africa and Scotland at the weekend, plus Kiwi world No.5 Josh Coppins.
Saunders finished an impressive fifth overall in the premier MX1 class at Taupo on Sunday, easily the best of the amateurs.
"It's a buzz ... such a buzz to come to this event and then do so well, to be up there with those guys," said the 23-year-old Saunders.
His performance was all the more remarkable because he is still recovering from an injury to his left wrist.
"I didn't have a great start in my first race but I still came through. South African GP rider Gareth Swanepoel (Kawasaki) was chasing me down and I could see him coming. I held on by my fingernails to beat him.
"In the second race I pretty much got the holeshot. I had a buffer over (former GP star and now professional coach) Darryll King but then I stalled the bike and he got past.
"Then luck went my way and Swanepoel and (Queenstown international Scott) Columb made mistakes and I took fourth place. That was good for fifth overall for the event and I'm thrilled with that.
"I think I've raised my game to another level. I believe I'll be 100% by next weekend and round two of the national championships (near Hastings on Sunday)."
Meanwhile, fellow Taupo rider Brad Groombridge (Fly Team Green Kawasaki KX250F) also shone on his home track.
The teenager finished third overall, behind Hawera's national 500cc champion Daryl Hurey and behind Rotorua's national MX2 champion Michael Phillips.
Team Green Kawasaki manager Mike Cotter said he was impressed with Groombridge's riding over the weekend.
"After a difficult weekend last weekend (at the opening round of the nationals) at Rotorua, Brad was under a lot of pressure to perform today. And, in front of a home ground, the pressure was even more intense. But he responded well.
"I think he's in good shape for Hastings next weekend."
Source:http://www.drivesouth.co.nz/news/9672/saunders
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