Image: Jeff Crow.

The opportunity of a lifetime has been won by young Tasmanian rider Hugh McKay at the third round of the 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals held in Wonthaggi, Victoria.

Riding in the Honda CRF150 Cup, McKay won both his races in convincing fashion to take outright honours in the class and win an all-expenses paid trip to compete in Europe.

The prize provided by Honda Motorcycles Australia, includes all travel, accommodation, equipment and entry into the second round of the Honda 150 European Championship to be run at Matterley Basin in England on 25 May.

Speaking after the presentation, McKay could not contain his excitement at getting the opportunity to race abroad.

“It’s going to be an awesome experience to race overseas,” he said. “It will be my first time ever racing overseas so I am just so happy right now, and it will be a wonderful experience.”

McKay was happy with his performances throughout the day, and his consistency was a key to making his dreams of competing overseas a reality.

“I was really happy with my riding – I was really smooth and didn’t have any crashes,” he added. “It was a shame that there were a few crashes out there but that’s racing, and I am happy I was able to get through.

“I’d like to thank WBR Motorcycles, my parents, Zeta, One Industries, Scott and Pirelli for all their support.”

The Honda 150 European Championship is the junior support class to the FIM Motocross World Championship.

As part of Honda’s global program to support young racing talent the series provides the best young 11 to 14 year-old motocross racers from around the world the opportunity to showcase their talent at an international level and to develop the four-stroke riding skills.