FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 24th November 2008

The Yamaha Girls from Queensland have put the finishing touches on a successful season over the weekend at their final meeting of the year, round 3 of the QLD Junior Women’s MX Championships held at Tivoli on Saturday.

After a week of hellish storms and a deluge of water in the Ipswich area, racing was conducted in surprisingly dusty, dry conditions. The main focus of the meeting was QLD

Yamaha Girls Team rider, 15 year old, Courtney Knight (Pro Yamaha) who was looking to retain her junior 13-u16 years four stroke title. Knight had a healthy lead after the first two rounds, and sealed the deal with three commanding wins on her YZ250F at the final round securing her title now two years running.

In fine form Knight also claimed a 2nd place overall in the 13-u16 years 125cc class after borrowing her younger brother’s YZ125 to compete on. Not to bad considering it’s a bike she has now ridden just 9 times this season.

The win caps off a great debut year with Yamaha for Knight, who has consistently shown her speed, stamina and dedication not just racing in the girls ranks, but in the boys as well.

“I have had a great time racing with Yamaha this year, and I am so happy that the year ended with a win for all of us. I am really looking forward to next year, my last year as a junior and I start preparation for next season in just a few weeks, I can’t wait.” Knight commented in conclusion.

In the senior women’s support class QLD Yamaha Girls Team rider, Tamara Gray (City Yamaha) lead her field to victory aboard her YZ250F in all three moto’s, despite riding the second moto with a flat rear tyre for most of the race. In doing so Gray wrapped up the overall for the series as well.

Just another win to add to the list that Gray has accumulated for herself this season, after returning fully to racing after an 18 month break from a serious spinal injury. Gray reclaimed her QLD Championship status for the 4^th time in motocross and 4th time in natural terrain motocross, along with becoming Australian number 2 in dirt track, all despite breaking her wrist this season.

“Today’s win at the last event of the year was sweet for me. It sends me in to the off season, healthy and fit for once. I am really looking forward to getting plenty of training under my belt through Christmas. I have some new goals for next year, and I am really eager to get back on track next year and achieve them.” Gray commented.

QLD Yamaha Off Road Team rider Jemma Wilson (Caboolture Motorcycles) also enjoyed a day out of the tree’s at the motocross on Saturday, taking 2nd behind Gray. Wilson also managed to score well enough to secure 3^rd overall for the series all aboard her WR250F.

Wilson, Queensland’s enduro champion also has done incredibly well this season claiming 2nd in both the AORC and A4DE.

At Saturday nights presentation Wilson demonstrated yet another reason why she is one of Australia’s top enduro riders by delighted the crowd with an incredible 4 minute tyre change, which no men would dare challenge to beat! Wilson happily picked up the $100 prize money up for grabs.

“It was great to end such a good season on a high, I had the best fun today just racing and with the girls in general. I would just like to say a special thank you on behalf of all the Yamaha girls to the competition, not just at this meeting but all year in motocross and enduro. Also to Bevan, Jo and Kelly from Go Girl Racing who have helped to build up our sport and sadly this will be their last year with us.” Wilson expressed.

With all these riders being in full time work or full time study, fellow QLD Yamaha Girls Team rider Brooke Thiemann (City Yamaha) was absent from the weekend proceedings, due to work commitment’s. Thiemann who has also had a fantastic year aboard her Yamaha winding up with the state number 4 plate, and a few wins along the way, eagerly anticipates the start of the 2009 season.

The Queensland Yamaha Girls Team would like to thank their sponsors throughout the 2008 season; Yamaha Motor Queensland, City Yamaha, Pro Yamaha, GYTR parts, Fox, Alpinestars, Motul oils, Kustom MX graphics, RK chains, JT Sprockets, Michelin tyres and Polisport plastics.

QLD Junior Women’s MX Championships Overall

Female 13-u16 years 250cc four stroke

1st Courtney Knight YAMAHA

2nd Jessie Westaway

3rd Kayla McLelland YAMAHA

Female 13-u16 years 125cc four stroke

1st Patrice Hearn

2nd Courtney Knight YAMAHA

3rd Jessie Westaway

Senior Women’s A Grade

1st Tamara Gray YAMAHA

2nd Ashlea Bates

3rd Jemma Wilson YAMAHA