April 09, 2026

#hakinakina: NEW TRACK, NEW ERA AS KIWI JUNIOR MOTOCROSS HITS LEESTON

Matthew Tukaki Posted On April 9, 2026

A new chapter is underway for New Zealand junior motocross, with the national championships shifting to a purpose-built track in Canterbury for the first time.

More than 220 of the country’s top young riders are heading to Leeston for the three-day 2026 New Zealand Junior Motocross Championships, marking the first major event to be staged at the brand-new facility.

The championships run from Friday through to Sunday and are being hosted by the Christchurch Offroad Motorcycle Club at the Brookhaven Training Facility, a newly developed venue designed specifically for motocross competition.

The move to a purpose-built track signals a significant step forward for the sport at grassroots level, providing improved conditions for racing and development for the country’s emerging riders.

The event brings together competitors aged up to 16, widely regarded as the future of the sport, with the championships often serving as a launching pad for riders who go on to national and international success.

Junior motocross in New Zealand continues to grow in strength, with strong entry numbers reflecting the sport’s popularity and the depth of young talent coming through the ranks.

With a new venue, a full field of riders and national titles on the line, the Leeston championships are set to showcase the next generation of Kiwi motocross stars.