NSW YJDT 2008 Mid Season Review

So far in 2008 the New South Wales Yamaha Junior Development Team (NSW YJDT) has been tearing up the motocross scene with a string of impressive results from the young chargers.

Without a doubt, Luke Styke, the team’s oldest member at the age of 16, has been the standout rider in the team as he has been at the pointy end of the field wherever he has competed, whether it has been either local or national competition.

Styke’s list of achievements so far this year includes a Top 5 finish in the Australian Under 19’s MX Nationals over six rounds where he managed to finish on the podium in three rounds. Had it not been for some mechanical issues during the early rounds, Styke quite possibly could have been the overall champion. Other victories for Styke this year have been the overall NSW Stadium Moto X Series, and a host of other open events.

Running in two classes weekend after weekend is certainly no easy task, but it has been one that Corey James has handled well and been rewarded with considerable success. It has been very rare that James has finished off the podium no matter what event he has contested.

Josh Readman has had a year that has been hindered by personal hardship. Despite this Readman has shown his true character and risen above and used it all as extra motivation in his chase for success. A regular Top 5 runner at any given event, Readman has scored a number of podium results. As the year has worn on, Readman has been able to build more consistency and scored podium results, most notably the NSW Junior Moto X Championship. Despite his off track distractions, Readman has shown great courage and professionalism.

The youngest and newest NSW YJDT member Jordan Bissaker has been a breath of fresh air this year to the team. At the age of only 12, Bissaker has shown plenty of promise out on the track. Unfortunately recently Bissaker has been struck down by illness and won’t be back in action until September.

NSW YJDT manager Nik Sullivan has been thrilled and very proud with the performances of his young riders this year.  

“I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of them,” Sullivan said.

“We have had plenty of ups, and some downs, but through it all no one has dropped their heads and they have fought on.

“Not only were these four riders chosen because of their ability, but their fighting spirit and I have seen that in all of them this year which makes me even more proud.”

None of the success for the NSW YJDT would have been possible at all without the strong support of both Yamaha Australia and Ficeda.