Brad Groombridge narrowly missed out on the second step of the final podium in the 2014 New Zealand Motocross Championship on Saturday after winning the final MX1 race of the series.
The Suzuki rider was incredibly close to moving up one step on the final podium, after sealing the final win of the day. However, the Bel Ray Pro Rider Suzuki team star was forced to settle for third in the championship, after they lost out on second place, by one point to Billy MacKenzie.
It was former Suzuki rider, Cody Cooper who won the championship for a second consecutive season, as well as two of the day’s races but this time was piloting a Honda.
Groombridge put in a strong performance at his home round, although it wasn’t enough to see off former Grand Prix star MacKenzie for second place in the championship. He finished 3-2-1 in the MX1 class with his performance improving as the day went on.
Groombridge said: “I have been hunting that race win for so long now, so to finish the series like this with a win is fantastic.”
His boss in the Bel Ray Pro Rider Suzuki Team, Andrew Hardisty, was thrilled with how their campaign finished. He said: “I’m naturally thrilled with Brad’s second overall ranking for the day and with him finishing third in the championship too.
“His commitment in recent months to his motocross racing and to Suzuki makes Brad’s results extremely satisfying and rewarding. I’m thrilled to have him on the team, showcasing the brilliant RM-Z450.”
Groombridge’s team mate Rhys Carter, also won his final race in the MX2 class at Taupo. However, due to difficulties in the early part of the season, he only managed to finish seventh overall in the championship.
The next thing on Groombridge agenda is a trip to Australia next weekend, for the first round of the Australian Motocross Championship. He said: “I will be racing across the Tasman this season for Byrner Suzuki in Melbourne and SP MX. It’s not a factory team but the next best thing and I’m really looking forward to it.”
