Podium finish in sights
MOTOCROSS racer Nicholas Stewart has ticked off items from his bucket list for 2013 with placings in the Gippsland Centre Series and the Victorian Motocross titles, and a riding trip to the USA.
Suzuki man: Nicholas Stewart and his RMZ 250.
Now the 20 year old from Dumbalk is aiming to place again in the massive fields of high level competitors.
The Korumburra Motorcycle Club member placed second in the A Grade lights classes of the Gippsland series and Victorian titles last year.
While he does not harbor ambitions of turning professional, Nicholas is hoping for a top three finish in the Gippsland and Victorian titles by the end of season 2014.
“The competition in A Grade this year is going to be really packed because there are some fast kids coming up,” he said.
Nicholas recently enjoyed three weeks riding in the United States of America with friend and fellow racer Steven Forrester of Leongatha.
They took part in Race So. Cal. (Race Southern California), touring public motocross tracks maintained to perfection and the testing their skills on fresh tracks.
“It made me realise that sometimes you just need to get back to basics and think about the things you learnt to start with, like readjusting your technique,” Nicholas said.
“It made me realise I need to ride more.”
While athletes in any sport keep their cards close to their chest, Nicholas did offer this secret, “It’s all about braking as little as you can into corners and carrying the momentum all the way through. Corner speed and starts are the biggest keys.”
He began riding on a PeeWee 50 and then entered racing as a 10 year old.
His preferred bike now is his Suzuki RMZ 250 and he is sponsored by Suzuki Australia throughout Marriotts MPE in Leongatha.
“The Suzuki has been so reliable for us and it has a little bit more low down power,” Nicholas said.
Apart from a decent bike and riding skills, fitness is paramount to racing success.
“You might be the fastest but if you are not fit enough when it comes to the Victorian titles, you won’t be able to keep your speed up,” Nicholas said.
“Motocross is one of the most physically demanding sports there is. A lot of people don’t realise how physically demanding it is.
“It involves pretty much the whole body: legs because you’re always standing up, your arms and your core strength.”
He trains in a gymnasium three times a week, but said nothing beats time on the bike to ensure his body is up to the demands of racing.
“Riding uses muscles in a totally different way to anything else,” he said.
Nicholas needs to look after his body, having broken his femur, his left ankle twice, his right lower leg and right wrist. He’s also injured a shoulder, collarbone and thumb.
“If you race motocross, you’re bound to end up with an injury at some point in time,” he said.
“It’s just a risk you take for the love of the sport. You can’t live in fear of being injured.”
Racing is in the Stewart family. Young brother Wayne, 17, placed third in the Gippsland Series B Grade light class and second overall in the Victorian titles in 2013.
In 2012, Wayne finished second in the Australian titles in the 150cc, 14-16 year old class.
He is now qualified to race in the A Grade class against Nicholas.
“I do not have to worry about winning trophies now. It’s just a matter of beating Wayne,” Nicholas laughed.
Elder brother Damien, 22, has given racing away due to injury.
The boys’ father Peter is a life member at the Korumburra club and with his brother Brian raced sidecars. Brian was a multiple champion in the discipline.
These days, Peter acts as mechanic for his sons.
“I could not do it without the help of Dad and Mum (Kerry),” Nicholas said.
He also paid tribute to his employers Brendan and Lisa Hemming of B and L Window Tinting for allowing him time away from work to race. Their son Jack also races.
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Posted by Jacob De Kunder on Jan 29 2014. Filed under Sport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
