After the heatwave conditions over Friday, the conditions for the evening racing were really good – warm with little wind and a fast track. The only problem was most people – riders and officials were all a little wearied after the heat. The first event for the night was a 1 lap time trial. The good conditions saw several riders post personal best times. Riley Smith was at 42.6 sec, Mitchell Gin 38.95 and Thomas McFarlane 38.50 for the Junior B grade riders whilst Morgan Clark was at 36.45sec and Elliott Gin at 32.85 sec. This time by Elliott was a very good time and with some special training could see him post some competitive times in State competition.

The next ride for the evening was a 1 lap handicap and the handicapper did an excellent job with the field all crossing the line together. Elliott Gin had flashed around the field to grab a narrow win from the scratch mark just edging out younger brother Mitchell in 2nd and Morgan Clark into 3rd.

The next race was a 2 lap handicap and the heat was starting to impact on performances at this stage. The limit riders struggled to put a race together and it was another excellent win by the scratch marker Elliott Gin. This time it was Morgan Clark into second and Mitch Gin in 3rd.

The riders were all feeling a little lethargic and were happy to see the motor bike come out for some motor paced riding. The Junior B ride saw Mitch and Thomas working well behind the bike with Thomas leading through at the bell. However he missed the move by Mitch into the back straight and even though he fought hard to keep him on the hip, the slightly higher run of the bank saw Mitch home for a clear win.

The Junior A riders had a 12 lap race with the motor bike picking up pace over the journey. With just half a lap left before the bike was due to pull out Morgan ran out of legs. This left Elliott on the bike and coach Tony Smith ran the motor bike out to around 60khr before Elliott lost the pace behind the motor bike.

The riders decided that the hot day and limited racing was enough until next week. Hopefully with school back there will be a few more back in racing. The senior riders from the district have been busy with a large contingent of South Gippsland riders taking part in last weekends Mountain Classic at Bright - the main ride featuring a 200km ride with a finish up Mt Buffalo. There are also a number starting to record some serious distance of a weekend in preparation for the Murray to Moyne relay in early April. There should be plenty of fit riders ready for road season come April 18.

Race report by Lindsay Love