HE may have been the only rider from Collie at the KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championships, but Cooper Shepherd didn’t feel any pressure of expectation.
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The championships were hosted by the Bunbury Motocross Club from Saturday, September 26 to October 3.
It was the first time in eight years WA had hosted the event.
Fifteen-year-old Cooper managed to finish 18th out of 40 riders in the final of his age-group to cap off a successful week of racing.
The original field had more than 60 competitors.
“It was great to be out there racing with the best of the best,” he said.
“At first I was nervous, but once the race began I was able to focus."
The week was easily the biggest event on the Junior Motocross calendar and Cooper was happy to be a part of it.
More than 400 competitors descended on Bunbury from around the country - some of whom are aiming to become professionals.
“It’s extremely competitive,” he said.
“Some of these people take it so seriously.
“It was a good learning curve to know where I stand and I’m happy with how I placed.”
The Collie Motocross Club also had other representatives in Bunbury.
Jarrod Shepherd and Alby Hunter were officials over there during the week, while Alison Melvin helped with the canteen.
Part of the role of an official involved making sure rules were abided by riders on the track and off it and dealing with protests.
“We were happy to help the Bunbury Club run a successful event,” Mr Shepherd said.
“I think a lot of the Eastern States Club’s were surprised how everyone in WA helped each other out.
“In the East, when it comes to running these events, everyone just looks after themselves.”
