Neil Price takes out the 2011 Smarter than Smoking MotoTrials WA State Championship

The 2011 Smarter than Smoking MotoTrials WA State Championship has been won by Neil Price in perfect conditions at Burekup, WA on 4^th September.

Neil, who is currently Australia’s number 1 MotoTrials rider and a member of the Trials des Nations Team that is competing in Italy in two weeks’ time, showed his class in defeating brothers, Lewis and Alex Nolan in the highly technical Expert or A Grade class.

Losing only 20 points over three laps of ten demanding sections, the recently turned 30 year old showcased his superb riding skills to a small but appreciated spectator group that followed his every move as he rode the only “works” Beta 300cc motorcycle in Australia.

Early conditions were testing for all Grades as there had been significant rainfall over the last week and the creeks were flowing rapidly. There were a number of retirements due to the slippery conditions, but these eased later in the day when bright sunshine and a warm wind blew over the steep and rocky property known as Emerald Valley. Spectators included local Member of Parliament, Mick Murray, who was impressed by skills of all Grades, especially Donnybrook rider, Joel Patane who won the junior title by one point from his elder brother Luke.

The B Grade was won by rising star Tristian Lowe.

The C Grade Winner was Matt Leatherbarrow, a Dalyellup local and one of the many from around the Ferguson Valley vicinity.

The Veterans Class caters for the over 40 year olds and comprises of an age based handicap known as the Venables Handicap. Steve Lloyd-Cox had no need of the handicap and took out the grade with a clear superiority.

In the Club Class, Ritch Clarke proved a worthy Winner by dropping only one point over six laps.

Adding to the spectacle was a MotoTrials Sidecar outfit piloted by Leo Nolan with Glenn Ursino in the chair as a demonstration class. A clear crowd favourite, the chair was always a hit with the younger spectators.

MA Steward, John McGlone commented that the event was very well laid out and was run in a friendly, though competitive atmosphere. “MotoTrials is about skill and determination.” he said. “However, as all grades are on the same venue at the same time, riders of different ages, different genders and different skill levels are able to interact and learn.”

A large contingent of WA Riders and Supports are now gearing up for the trip to the Barossa Valley in South Australia over the first weekend of October for the National Championships.

Well done to all competitors at our State Championships and good luck at the Nationals!

For those remaining in WA, the next Pathfinders Trials MCC event is the annual Nobby Clarke Memorial Charity Trial and Auction in Toodyay on the 1^st and 2^nd October.