Cambridge’s Nico Verhoeven is not yet a teenager but is already turning heads at an international level.
Nic Verhoeven ready to race – Photo Andy McGechan
He recently claimed the 11-12 years, 85cc class series at the NZ Junior Motocross Championships.
Nico seems on course for higher honours.
“Five wins and now I’m the NZ 11-12 85cc champion!” he said.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helps me race, including my small and tight support crew on the day. I can’t wait to mix it up with the best in USA!”
Sealing the title at the Harrisville track, near Tūākau (north Waikato) with a clean sweep, Nico was away from home but still right at home on the clay surface, his proud dad Shane Verhoeven confirms.
“Harrisville is clay and he rides a lot at the North King Country Motocross track, which is also clay, so that suited him and he did really well, for sure. To win five in a row wasn’t expected but it was definitely good for him moving forward.
“He’s pretty committed to the sport now. When he goes to the States, he’s competing at a world-class level so he has to dominate here in New Zealand.”
Nico has been racing since he was four and has already won an Australian title, an amateur championship in the USA and placed an impressive second at the World Junior Motocross 65cc Championship in The Netherlands last year.
Despite only recently graduating to an 85cc machine, Nico has clearly adjusted well as his series results prove.
Although there is some family history in the sport – father Shane as managing director of Kawasaki – Nico is already making up ground.
“I used to ride, socially, but nothing like how Nico races,” said Shane.
“He has two older sisters who used to ride – as the youngest of three he was dragged around to the tracks and it went from there.”
Karaka’s Hayden Draper was the stand-out performer at the championships claiming the 15-16 years, 125cc and 14-16 years, 250cc titles. However, Te Awamutu’s Nixon Parkes managed a credible second in the 14-16 250cc class.
Nic Verhoeven ready to race – Photo Andy McGechan
