AN ALL round success - that was the common view shared at the Mount Isa Dirt Bike Track on Saturday as riders from across the state rolled into Mount Isa for the first round of the Tropical Queensland Motocross Series.
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With more than 300 spectators, the day started in the early hours of Saturday with 82 riders coming from as far as Mareeba down to Longreach.
A fast, well-prepared track greeted visitors as engines roared and dirt flew.
The excitement was palpable, particularly from Mount Isa riders who rarely get the chance to compete against such quality and quantity on their home track.
The open championship was dominated by Mareeba's Luke Weaver, with strong challenges coming from Mount Isa's own Rhys Abel who finished third behind Aaron Hunt and Weaver.
Weaver was again in top form for the lites championship, as the early race lead was shared between himself and another Mount Isa rider in Corey Cross.
Weaver took out the class ahead of Cross and Townsville's Jake Avenell in third.
Phil Abel and Mount Isa Dirt Bike Club president Russell Dunne continued a promising theme of Mount Isa riders on the podium as the pair took out a one-two finish in the open support field.
Bryce Allen put in a strong ride in the hotly contested lites support, but was unfortunately piped at the post by Tully's Matt Heritage.
Mareeba's Aaron Hunt celebrated winning the veteran's class ahead of Peter Axe and Emerald's Nigel Dolgner, while Mount Isa's Katelyn Hankin dominated the senior women's field ahead of Cairns's Shannyl Cristante and Townsville's Katie James.
The enthusiastic juniors were a sight to behold, as children aged 7 to 15 tore up the track.
Kody Jensen claimed the junior lites 15 years age ground ahead of Ben Neven and Jacob Thompson, while the 14 years division was a walk in the park for runaway winner Wilson Todd, despite the best efforts of Ryan Hankin and Conner Matthews.
Speed demon Troy Hooley made it yet another top three finish for Mount Isa riders, as he finished third behind Conner Matthews and Nathan Ramm in the mini lites 12 to 15 years division.
Wyatt Dolgner took honours in the mini lites 9 to 12 years group ahead of Townsville's Dillon Hall.
Dolgner backed up and made it two wins, taking the 65cc ahead of Hall and Mount Isa's Riley Allen.
Pictures: KEAGAN RYAN/7415
