Kale Makeham landed himself a podium finish on debut in the MX2 class aboard his two-stroke. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Kale Makeham made his dream a reality at Raymond Terrace’s season opening round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals, earning himself an impressive podium finish on debut in the MX2 class.

Before making his move to the MX2 ranks, Makeham capped off his 2012 season class with Terex Australia Supercross Championship victory in the Under 19s class – gaining vital momentum for the 2013 season.

Makeham, aboard a KTM Australia-backed 250 two-stroke, put together a solid 3-4 moto scorecard and found himself in third place overall at the end of the two gruelling 30-minute motos.

“Round one was a dream weekend for me,” said Makeham. “I came in with no expectations, just quietly confident that the hard work myself and my team Tunetech Racing have been putting in would pay off in a good result and I’m stoked that it did.

“I came out and battled through for third in moto one then I was so determined to back it up and prove I didn’t just get lucky and I did exactly that, placing fourth in the second moto. Being on the podium was a great way to kick off my rookie season.”

The modest competitor feels proud of his accomplishment and admits that there is no better feeling than making his family, friends, supporters and sponsors proud.

“There’s no better feeling then seeing your friends, family and sponsors proud of you for the effort you put in and what you achieve,” Makeham explained. “Because of them, that’s what drives me and I chase the feeling every weekend.

“It’s not just about the result for me, it’s making the people closest to me proud, getting respect from the industry and repaying everybody’s hard work with podiums and results.”

Makeham is grateful to his sponsors who allow him to compete every weekend and provide him with the equipment to achieve great results at a national level.

“I’ve got such a great group of people around me and the best sponsors you could ever ask for,” he added. “I really can’t give it up enough to Steve Jones from Tunetech racing, he puts in the work behind closed doors and deserves so much more credit for his efforts.

“I’m so pumped that I can repay and thank him for that, alongside Steve and incredible support from KTM Australia that’s the reason I’m able to be out there racing every weekend.”

“Also a big thank you to my personal sponsors Ajs Motorcycles, Fox, Oakley, Pod, The Collective, Skullcandy, Pirelli, Motorex, Matrix, Ogio, Ethika and KAJX Communications.”

Makeham currently sits third overall in the MX2 championship standings, tied on 58 points with second place rider Josh Cachia of the Carlton Dry Honda Racing team.