On track for a great race

Hedland's BMX club hosted a successful first round of the North West Super Series last weekend, with 130 riders competing. Despite competitor numbers being down because a number of families had left the region with the onset of the mining slump, the day still produced great racing and fun.

Among Hedland's winners, Jasmin Kilmartin, returning from the BMX national championships, won the 12-14 girls, her sister Chelsea won the Pro Ladies and Bohdi Gregs took out the 9-year-old boys' award.

In an amazing feat of fast learning, one junior rider who was on training wheels last week, even cast off his support wheels to take part in the racing just one week later.

The Super Series event was also the first time in the North West that an electronic timing system was used.

The club was especially grateful to have it returned after it was stolen just over a week before the event.

Without the timing system, the club would have had to rely on volunteers to score the races.

The club also had another problem to deal with in the week leading up to the Super Series event when rain washed out the track, causing significant damage to the surface.

Volunteers, some even taking annual leave, worked around the clock to repair the track for Saturday's race meet.

The club was also very appreciative of the community spirit, with businesses and members of the public also offering their help.

Riders now look forward to the next race meet, which will be in Karratha on Wednesday, June 10.