Veteran rider turns the clock back

The memories came flooding back for recently crowned World Veteran Motocross Champion Justin McDonald when he returned to race at the Rat Track over the weekend.

The Canterbury builder and developer reckons he’s been coming to the Lower Moutere circuit since he was 12. And now he’s 39!

But the star turn for the Nelson Supercross Champs is showing no signs of slowing down.

“It is just something in you. It is an individual sport, and it is hard to give it away,” says Justin between races on his 450cc Honda.

“I have raced series in the USA and Australia and still aim to do half dozen events here a year. It is relaxing. I love it,” declares Justin.

On his first trip back to the states in 12 years, he beat about 25 other riders in San Bernadino to claim his veteran title.

‘I just wish our sport could attract those sorts of numbers. We don’t have a supercross series as such anymore.”

Justin was quickly into gear at the Rat Track, well third gear actually, winning two of the first three MX1 races on the revamped track.

“It is awesome here and good to have young Aussie riders come over and compete against us.”

He was eventually pipped by just one point, over five races, by fellow Canterbury rider Marshall Phillips on a Yamaha.

Being relatively injury free over the years has helped his longevity.

“I have been lucky. I have torn and broken ligaments but not many bones.”

He’s had the best of both worlds this month, holidaying with his family at Kaiteriteri before racing and then stopping at Queen Charlotte Sound on the way home to Selwyn.

“My six- and nine-year-olds are already riding and until they need my full attention, I plan to keep going too,” concludes Justin.

Among those in his dust over the two days was event organiser Liam Kerr.

Mind you the Nelson Motorcycle Club member had a bit on his plate.

“I am a COC official, help out with anything that really needs doing, just a general helper to the ladies on the barbecue and I just had to step in as a marshal as we were short of flaggies there,” he says modestly.

So hardly surprising the Nelson fireman missed Sunday’s first practice run.

“It would be nice to get more people along to watch but I’m just happy if they have a good time. I just wish they would come and give it a go,” urges Liam.

While he’s been a fan of Justin since he was a kid, Liam was pleased to see Marshall Phillips excelling on his track.

“He’s just come back from injuries and is using this event as he builds towards the nationals. Marshall’s a great role model for young kids as well,” declares Liam, before he dashes off to co-ordinate the riders’ parade.