Webmaster posted on September 24, 2008 02:50
A depleted Wellard Yamaha Junior Development Team took on the deep sand of coastal Park over the weekend for a last hit out before the Australian Junior National Championships next week at Wanneroo just north of Perth. Not only did the riders have to take on the circuit they had to contend with a severe storm that swept through in the morning. It brought rain and strong winds that claimed many unsecured Quickshades in the pits. 250F mounted Daniel Strickland (Five Star Yamaha) and 125 Satellite rider Craig Bolton (Five Star Yamaha) had a day that was not usual for either of them. Both boys suffered from bad starts and crashes in every moto making it a difficult day all round for them.
The stand out by far was Nicholas Hereman (Five Star Yamaha) who has just stepped up to the 125cc division. Nic came into the satellite team at the start of the year as a designated 85cc Big Wheel rider. As with most young guys he had high hopes of repaying his team selection with good results. One factor Nic had no control of was the growth spurt that would occur mid season. In no time at all he had grown what seemed like two feet and was all arms and legs on his 85cc machine. Being only half way through the Championship season he elected to continue racing his Big Wheel Yamaha to finish off the Championship year posting a creditable top ten result which was not at all bad considering his size disadvantage.
Now he has stepped up to the 125 class and has a little more room in the office, Nic set about to show that he deserved his ride on the team. In the wind and rain Nic continually got great starts on his YZ and battled at the front of the pack for the whole day. While his fellow team mates struggled he put together three great races to gather enough points to take top position on the podium.
“This was the result Nic was looking for all year” commented Team Manager Peter Strickland “He really struggled on the 85 after about mid season when he shot up in size. With our sandy circuits in W.A. you can’t get away with being too big for your bike. His Mum, Dad and brother are great team members who have helped us be the success we are this year. It was good to see them smiling from ear to ear as he made his speech on the podium”
We now get things ready for the Nationals and look forward to being part of the contingent of Development Teams from all over Australia meeting up at Wanneroo to paint the event Blue!!!