ACTON Park’s Will Thornbury has continued his moto sport success taking out the under 19 champion at the Australian Mototrials held in South Australia last month.
Just 18 years old, Thornbury is now close to his dream of representing Australia after qualifying to compete in New Zealand next year.
Competing since he was just 10, Thornbury has shown remarkable discipline, hard work and tremendous skill to get where he is.
One of, if not the hardest form of motorcycling, competitors require good balance, fast reactions, the ability to control the throttle in conjunction with brakes and clutch.
After navigating a gruelling obstacle course, natural and man-made, Thornbury left his competitors – all 200 of them – in the dust.
Proud mum Megan said “not only did he win his individual class to become 2023 Australian Youth Mototrials Champion but he contributed to Australia defeating New Zealand bringing home a swag of medals, sashes and trophies!’’
Competition organisers said Thornbury, riding a GASGAS 300, showcased exceptional talent with a total of 31 points followed by Cameron Judd on 40 points and Matthew Herrmann on 43 points.
When we first met Thornbury in 2021, he explained the sport was all about balance, technique, control and timing.
Unlike other motor sports, slower is better as it tests balance and strength.
Points are lost if you put a foot down, stall or lose balance.
In Europe the sport is as popular as V8 Supercars in Australia, which is why Will has set his sights on going to Europe to compete one day, perhaps representing Australia.