Australian rider Jed Beaton has impressed at the opening round of the New Zealand MX2 Championship with a third place finish.
By Hayden Gregory
The 18 year old was one of the many Aussies to cross the ditch for the championship and the journey was well worth his time. Things started well for Beaton qualifying with good speed before a collision with another rider in moto one left him way back in ninth place.
Knowing he had the speed to be at the front, Beaton rebounded for moto two, claiming third place in a much more positive showing. Not satisfied with third, the Aussie went even better in the final moto taking line honours for the Triple B Valley Fresh Yamaha Racing Team.
“I really struggled with my starts all day, but finally got a good one in that last race,” said Beaton. “I wasn’t really surprised that I qualified so well.
“I grew up in Tasmania and it rains a lot there, so when the track was muddy for practice and qualifying, I was okay with it.”
The 9-3-1 result gave Beaton 3rd overall for the weekend as riders now set their focus to round two of the championship at Himatangi on February 28th.
