Image: Craig Bourke (Freeride Images).

The 2015 Woodville Grand Prix has attracted top class fields with NZ’s motocross riders mixing it up with some of the best from overseas.

With expected near capacity full gates, Manawatu Orion Motorcycle Club’s annual event will not only provide spectacle racing but also provide a warm-up for riders competing in NZ Motocross Championships two weeks later.

For NZ’s top Motocross riders, the event gives an opportunity to test where they are at against the competition with the added bonus of lining up against fellow Australian riders.

“My main focus will be on my starts, just to think about myself and enjoy the longer motos,” said The Honda Shop’s Cody Cooper. “Woodville gets some good ruts which will be good to have as the last 2 events have been nothing. We will all have to dig deep to win.”

Rhys Carter: “Bike time and race time is my main focus at the moment, just figuring out what I need to improve on and take one race at a time. Racing against Australia’s riders here in NZ is good to get a bit of a gauge for when I race in Australia so I’m looking forward to battling with everyone.”

Australia’s Kirk Gibbs (KTM Motocross Racing), Luke Styke (KTM Motocross Racing) and Caleb Ward (KTM), along with Altherm JCR Yamaha’s Jay Wilson and Jacob Wright, are so looking forward to lining up at Woodville’s GP.

The Aussie riders appreciate crossing the ditch to measure themselves against NZ’s pro riders, gaining valuable bike and race time prior to Australia’s MX Nationals.

“I’m excited to come back to NZ, everyone is so friendly, tracks are awesome and it’s a bit more relaxed racing for us so we always have a lot of fun,” Gibbs explained. “Racing at Woodville will help me lead into NZ’s MX championships by getting a race under my belt, see where the race intensity is as there is nothing like racing.”

Styke will make his anticipated debut with KTM at the event, following a season in the MX2 World Championship last year.

“I’m looking forward to get the season started, race my new bike and get some good results,” Styke said. “To get some quality race time on my new machine, spend more time with the team and do some testing will be 100 percent beneficial for me as lead up to Australia’s MX championship.”

This year’s Woodville Grand Prix will take place on 24-25 January. Words: Sharon Cox.