The Victorian Quad Championships are taking place this weekend hosted by the Quad Riders Club of Victoria (QRCV) at the Ararat Motocross Track.
Two people who can’t wait for the weekend to start are Michael and Connah Smythe.
Connah is taking part in the 200cc 2st & 250cc 4st 12-U16 junior class, while Michael is competing in the Senior Clubman class.
“I haven’t raced the Victorian Quad Championships before, so I’m excited for my first time,” Connah said.
“This is actually my first time as well. I had a broken collarbone and missed last year but I did manage to make the Australian Quad Championships. I’m excited at the possibility of winning a home State Title,” Michael said.
Both Michael and Connah have been competing in the majority of QRCV events that have taken place so far this year.
“I’ve managed to get second overall in my class at the 4hr Sealake Enduro, which was my first ever Enduro, and I am currently second overall in my class for the QRCV MX Rounds,” Connah said.
“I’ve been having a great season,” Michael said. “I’m currently third in the Open Quads in the Gippsland MX Series, first in class for the QRCV MX Rounds and won the class at the Sealake 8hr Enduro which has me leading the class for the QRCV Enduro Rounds too.”
As with any sport, higher level events can see competitors step their preparation up a few notches and in this case Connah and Michael started preparing earlier than usual for this weekend.
“Other than having my bike all serviced and fixed up at Quadsquad, so that it is more competitive, I have just kept to my normal preparation for this weekend,” Connah said.
“I’ve been preparing as I normally would but have started earlier due to the increase time on the bike over the upcoming weekend. So some extra preparation time is essential to make it through the whole weekend,” Michael said.
When asked what they enjoy about the Victorian Quad Championships (and Quads in general), Connah and Michael both said similar things.
“The fact that everyone is nice to each other, helps each other out, and when on the track everyone rides fairly and really looks after new and novice riders,” Connah said.
“At the quad events there is no rivalry in the pits like I have seen at other events. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, especially if you are having bike troubles during an event. Then when the gate drops and the side by side racing, rubbing and bumping starts, it is so exhilarating. I also love being able to slide the quad sideways through the corners,” Michael said.
The 2017 Victorian Quad Championships is taking place this Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th August at the Ararat Motorcycle Club, for further information you can check out the QRCV website – www.qrcv.com.au.