2021 HutSix NT BMX Series - Top End Double Header Preview

As the NT begins to welcome the cooler weather of the dry season (chilly averages of 27°C), it is the BMX racing that is set to deliver the red-hot heat in Darwin this long weekend.

The “Top End Doubleheader” will see Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2021 HutSix NT BMX Series take place over two days of back-to-back racing at Satellite City and Jingili BMX.

While 180 riders from every NT club are in town to compete for Series and National Cup points, there are other prizes up for grabs that some of the country’s fastest BMX stars have their eyes on. Elite riders from throughout Australia are heading north intending to secure a place in the Australian team at the 2021 World Championships. World Championship hopefuls will compete in a Time Trial on Friday evening before competing on the same race card as NT riders on Saturday in a 16+ Superclass class that will double up as the second of the two selection events.

While Top End riders will be familiar with the two very different Darwin tracks, AusCycling NT caught up with Satellite City President and resident coach, Ashley Johns, and Jingili BMX stalwart Jason “Mr. BMX” Eecen to get the lowdown on what visiting riders can expect from both tracks.

Track Talk

Ashley Johns:

“The Sat City track is fast! Riders will need to get that hole shot to the first corner or be very strategic in making their moves. Once a line is covered and blocked, the ground will be hard to make up. With the slick surface, speed needs to be controlled, the rhythm can undo all your lead if you don’t focus!”

Jason Eecen:

“Satellite City’s Spanlift Stadium not only has an 8-metre start hill but it is full-on Sic Surface and offers excellent grip, especially in the berms. There are many passing options to explore. Long straights jam-packed with flowing jump combinations and the odd tricky bit to keep riders focused.

Jingili’s Nightcliff Community Bendigo Bank Arena is similar to an indoor track. At just over 300 metres long it is a rapid sprint. Pinpoint precision is the key. One mistake here on the technical sections is hard to recover before reaching the finish line”

As we looked towards a talented start list full of exciting riders, Ashley and Jason filled us in on some of the key races to look out for.

Race Watch

Ashley Johns:

“The 9 Boys is the biggest class of the weekend with 13 riders and it’s not to be missed! With NT1, NT2, 3 5, and 6 all lining up, this race and final will be a must-see. It will be fast, and our riders will have a point to prove at their home track. Jaxson Johns will turn up to try and extend his series lead. Seth Tiedeman has been training well and has a score to settle after missing out last year, he wants to prove that training and focus are the keys to success. The Men’s Superclass is also one to look out for with local boy Kayden Heikkinen set to compete in his first Superclass race from the 8m and he’s looking to show these big-name lads that he can keep up and show up”.

Jason Eecen:

“There will be plenty of action in all the ladies’ classes. At the last round, Ashley Peace from Red Centre took the win in the 13 girls, this time Satellite City’s Skye Sinclair and Nhulunbuy’s Georgie Luff are in the mix.

In the Jr Superclass, Daniel Brooks Jr will be looking to extend his series lead but he’ll need to fend off Mathew Winter who has swum over from Nhulunbuy and has the speed to take the lead. Reece Cole showed his ability last round and is also a contender to take the win”.

The one group that everyone will have an eye on this weekend is a cool class of BMX mums who are throwing a leg over the saddle to race for the first time. Stacey Johns, mum of NT1 Jaxson, and Alexa Johnson, mum of NT1 Olivia, will join local mums Lindsay McDonald and Krystle Cardow on the start gate for their racing debut.

AusCycling NT looks forward to welcoming all riders and BMX fans to Rounds 2& 3 of the 2021 HutSix Northern Territory BMX Series.

In the words of Jason Eecen “This is not the full story. You really should get your backside trackside to enjoy all the action this weekend!”.

Tech Guide and Schedule available Here.