Aiden Hopkins
Aiden Hopkins rides for the first time at the S.A. Junior Championships.
As winner the W.A. Junior Championship I got to race for the S.A. Junior Championship. As I had engine problems on my bike I’d like to thank Gavin Carlini for letting me borrow Mason and Aaidan’s Moriwaki 80cc for the weekend.
So the race weekend was on Saturday 22nd and 23rd of September
Saturday practise
Saturday morning was really windy and cold there was a little bit of rain too.
My first session I was really nervous, I done a couple of laps and I liked the track a lot, but going into turn 5 a really hard breaking turn I ran wide and then trying to get back on line I lost the front I slid to the side of the track there was no major damage just a broken brake leaver and some faring damage. So I ride back to the pits and patched the bike up and put a new leaver on. I went out for my second session I was even more nervous than the first session because of my crash but I got through it without crashing. As the day went on I got better which I was happy with and I was ready to race for Sunday.
Sunday, race day
Morning warm up:
Warm up I was doing well I done my fastest lap yet only half second off the top riders
Qualifying:
I went out and I tried to go as fast as I can, I was sticking with the other top riders and I qualified 4 which I was really happy with
Race 1
I was really nervous I gridded up and I got a ok start hanging to the back of 2nd 3rd, 1st position left us as he was much quicker on his Metrakit 80cc. Anyway I managed to keep my position and I got 4th which I was happy with.
Race 2
I got a really bad start and I was at the back of the pack, I worked my way up to 4th and I couldn’t catch the other riders so I got 4th.
Race 3
I got a good start and went 3rd into turn one I tried hard to pass Arthur Sissies in 3rd and I tried an inside move but went wide at the apex and 4th got me in the inside. I had no time to catch them again so I got another 4th
So another goods day of racing but this one was just for fun. I loved learning a new track apart for my crash on Saturday
I would like to give a big thanks to BHS Engineering and Trakdayz for their help and support Gavin Carlini again for letting me use Mason and Aaidan’s bike. My grandparents for coming over from N.Z to watch. And a huge thanks to Justin Herold for helping me to get over to Mallala.
So I came back to WA with 2nd for SA Junior Championship for the 80cc Class and 2nd for Junior Master of Mallala for the 80cc class and 4th over all for the weekend.
I would also like to Thank Rick Dowsett at Phoenix motorcycle club in SA for putting on a great weekend for everyone.
Final Round of the Chad Peters Junior Road Racing Series – Aiden Hopkins #14
It was the 5th and final round of the Chad Peters Junior Road Racing Series and I had already secured the championship with a 77 point lead coming into this round. So I was going out there to have fun with no pressure on me.
Practice:
In morning practice I was the fastest out there and I couldn’t wait to get out for the racing as my day ahead was looking good.
Race 1:
Gridding up for my first race of the day I was on pole. With a blinding start I lead into turn one and although leading the race I knew Ben Millington in second place was catching me towards the end this gave me determination to push for the win. This race I set the junior lap record with a 1:16.2620 but Ben toped it off with a 1:16.1890
Race 2:
I got another good start and led into turn 1 and this time I kept a good gap from Ben, along with adding another win to the tally I managed to take back the lap record from Ben with a 1:16.1160. The day kept getting better and better.
Race 3:
So the last race of the day and I was really excited, my start again was great and I led the whole race out in front. When I looked at the results I was amazed that I beat my lap record with a 1.16.0083.
So winning another round with a 3 from 3, I was so happy about how well I done in this season. My prize for winning the championship is I get to go to Mallala 22nd & 23rd of November to compete for the South Australian Championship. I would like to give a special thanks to all my sponsors and helpers, Tom & Ray Hatton and Peter for their mechanical support and advise, Barry and Myra (BHS Engineering) for their support and help, Trakdayz for all of there help but more importantly to mum and dad I couldn’t of done it without them.
Overall results this season I won every State Round that’s 5 in a row this is 13 wins, 1 second and 1 third and I have the junior lap record.
Thinking that things couldn’t get better I was forwarded an invitation to join Red Bull MotoGP Selection for the Rookies Cup at the Adria Raceway in Italy. However due to other commitments and the short notice it was with disappointment that I have had to decline this unique invitation for 2008.
The year has ended in a high and I am looking forward to 2009.
Talk next time Aidan Hopkins #14
Saturday 12th of July - Round 4 of the Chad Peters Junior Road Racing Series at the Collie motorplex .
I was only running in my engine that Ray Hatton done an exellent job of rebuilding for me. I managed to do so before the sun went down. I was hoping the weather would be totally different for the day of racing ahead.
Sunday race day had finally came and it was blue skys as far as I could see, my wish had come true. so I had an exiting day of racing ahead.I also had the pleasure of Tom Hatton sharing my bike for the Junior/Senior Challenge.
Practice 1:
I went out for1st practice, the track was very cold but I was just getting the track into my system again. I was one of the fastest out there towards the end of the session
Practise 2:
I was starting to get into my usual lap times and getting to race pace I couldn’t wait untill the races started and got going.
Race 1:
I was on pole and planning to stay that way I got a good start and was 2nd into turn 1, Jarrad Gardener got a cracker of a start but I heard the bike of Amy Pinfold snaping at my back tire, but I managed to hold her off for the race and to take the win by about 1/2 bike length. Tom also got 2nd in his first race as he had to start at the back of the grid.
Race 2:
I didn’t get a good start and was about 4th going into first turn but I pulled it back and passing everyone and winning it by about 6 or 7 bike lengths. Tom went even better and he won his race by about 10 seconds.
Race 3:
I got an ok start but I went into turn 1 a second behind Mason Coote but I past him going onto turn 3 on the first lap and I kept a lead untill I heard Amy’s bike again, but I held her off to only just win by 2 bike lengths. Tom did good as well winning his final race and coming 1st by about 10 seconds again.
So 3 from 3 again best result you could have, it wasn’t easy as I had to work hard for all 3 wins, I now have a 77 point lead over second place in the championship and that crowns me for 2008 Chad Peters Junior Road Racing Champion. I can go into the last round and have a whole lot of fun. Tom and I also won the Junior/Senior challenge for the day
I would like to give a huge thanks to BHS engineering, Trakdayz, Rick Gill Honda, mum and dad, Pete, Ray and Tom Hatton for all their support to help me win the championship this year I couldnt of done it without them.
I woulld also like to wish Matt Battista my best wishes after his fall and hope he can heal quickly and get back home with his family soon.
August 17 is the final roundat Barbagallo, head on out there to watch some sweet racing and help me celebrate a really awesome season .
Untill then take it easy.
AIDAN #14
Contacts for sponsorship:Glenn Hopkins: 0419942537Leanne Hopkins: 04193240504Home: (08) 95620528Email: hopkinsg@brightontown.com.au
Aiden Hopkins
Sunday 15th June Barbagallo Raceway - Chad Peters Junior Road Racing Series.
Rocking up to Barbagallo Raceway short track on Sunday 15th June for Round 3 of The Chad Peters Junior Road Racing Series the weather was pouring down and set for a very testing day indeed.
This event had me racing on the short track which I had not competed in before and had to quickly learn along with riding someone elses bike due to my Morowaki motor blowing up 2 weeks before. Thankfully we were able to lease a bike for the day to ensure that my championship lead was not threatend (all thanks to BHS Engineering).
Practice 1:
Going out for Practice 1 the rain was coming down hard and I had to learn the new track. It was difficult to learn in the rain but luckily with past experience I knew most of it having ridden the long track on a number of occasions. I came in nervouse that I didn’t know the track that well, but I knew that other junior riders did not know it also.
Practice 2:
Rain continuing to pour down I went a little faster but still not confident.
Time to grid up for Race 1:
I was on Pole and the weather was still raining hard, I did not think it was going to stop. I got the worst start and went into turn 1 in sixth place. I tried to make my way back up but riding an unfamiliar bike put me behind, however got 3rd which I was happy with under the wet weather conditions.
Race 2:
At last the rain had died down a bit but the track was still very wet. Once again I got a bad start but this time I made my way back through the field as I did not want the leaders to get way. Going into turn 7 I took over to move into 2nd place under brakes and on the same lap I took 1st place on the main straight and lead the rest of the race winning by 25 seconds. Of course this was due to 2 riders falling off behind me.
Race 3:
With my confidence high and finally it was dry I still coudn’t get my starts right, yet another bad one however I made my way similar to race 2 and won it by 3 seconds.
So going away with the short track lap record for the day and boosting my lead in the championship by 61 points I couldn’t be happier.
I would like to give a huge thanks to BHS Engineering, Trackdayz and Pete, Ray & Tom Hatton and of course Mum and Dad as without them I would not have made the Start Line.
Until we meet again at Round 4 Collie on 13th July…..
Aiden Hopkins # 14
Contacts for sponsorship:
Glenn Hopkins: 0419942537
Leanne Hopkins: 04193240504
Home: (08) 95620528
Email: hopkinsg@brightontown.com.au
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Sunday May 25th was round 2 of the Chad Peters Junior Series at Barbagallo.
We turned up in the morning with a bike me and dad had spent 2 weeks getting ready thanks to my last meeting crash. I was confident I could do well, also my main threat for the year Ben Millington was out with a broken ankle, so it was all on me to do my best and morning practise went well topping the time sheets on a cold track.
Race 1:
Starting from pole I was real nervous cause of my recent jump starts, but this time I nailed it and was never challenged to win by 5 seconds.
Race 2:
This race was different, I blew the start and was 5th into Turn 1 but, passed everyone on the outside and led from then on for a 11 second win and new personnel best lap time of 1.17.330 helped also by 2 jump starters.
Race 3 .
I was real confident by now and really wanted a 3 from 3 result just like BHS Racing WA Superbike Champion Matt Battista a week earlier, and that’s what I got, winning by 3 seconds over Mason Coote and a great end to racing.
With maximum points from the round it now gives me a great points lead , but there’s still a lot of racing to go yet .
Thanks to Barry and Myra from BHS Engineering (BHS Racing), TRAKDAYZ (the new helmet is great) Laro leathers , Rick Gill Honda and mum and dad for the support in 2008 .
Seeya at round 3 in 2 weeks time
Aidan #14
Junior racing at Round One WA State Superbike Championships 27th April 2008
Turning up to a cold wet track for round 1 of the WA Superbikes Champs was nerve racking because I don’t have a lot of confidence in the wet. The juniors were first out in the morning . The track was wet and I was pushing it too much with cold tyres. So on the first lap I high sided in the Esses turn 2 and 3.
So we got the bike back to the pits and fixed it as quickly as we could thanks to BHS Racing and the Gardner family for all the spare parts and to Tom Hatton for his spare helmet as I wrecked mine. With moments to spare I just made it out for qualifying I only got 2 laps in but I still qualified 3rd.
Griding up for race 1 was nervous after my crash in morning practice. I got the hole shot leading into turn 1, but Jarred Gardener made a good pass around the outside of me on turn 4 the only left hander on the track then I got him back going into the basin turn six. This then allowed me to pull away from the pack winning by 22 seconds, I was happy about that.
Race 2 I was starting on pole but having a complete opposite start from race 1. I stalled on the grid but I had enough speed to restart my bike. I was leading by lap 2 and on the next lap I saw a board saying I jumped the start and I got a 15 second penalty I couldn’t make it up and missed out on first place by 2 seconds I took second which was good with a 15 second penalty.
So leaving the day with 2 trophies and a overall win was a big turn around from how the day started. I would like to say thanks to my dad for missing his warm up session to fix my bike and BHS Engineering who are going to make me a heap of spares for my bike. I’d also like to thank Ray Hatton for getting me new tyres for the last round, and Trakdayz for there awesome support .
Thank you to all you have supported me, Tom and Ray Hatton, Trakdayz, the Gardner family, mum and Dad, Barry, Myra, the BHS team and Laro leathers.
The Juniors will be at Barbagallo on:
- 25th May for Rd 2 with HCMC.
- 15th June for RD 3 Barbagallo
- 13th July for RD 4 at Collie
- 17th August for RD 5 Barbagallo
- 4th, 5th October for RD 6 in Collie?? TBC
- 20 to 23 November at Barbagallo?? TBC
We are hoping to get in with MCRCWA in November 8th, 9th for their Major race meet. But will keep everyone up to date on this.
I’ll be at Trakdayz on:
- 11th May in Collie (without the bike as it needs paint work and some TLC)
- 17th May in Baragallo (If the bike is ready), Also the next day is RD 2 for MCRC
- 1st June Barbagallo
- 13th July Barbagallo
- 27th September Barbagallo
- 26th October Collie
- 29th November Collie
Until next time Aiden Hopkins #14
Easter weekend 22nd March to the 23 March.
My first round of the year kicked off at Collie, I was going out there for my Saturday practise, but i wasn’t at all confident at how I was going. but I was going to try my best, and got faster as the day went on with Tom Hattons help. On Sunday in the freezing cold i couldn’t wait to get on the track. I went out for my first 10minute practise and I was on the pace. Going into the races I was on pole position on the grid.
RACE 1:
I got a really good start leading into turn one, I just rode as smooth and fast as I could leading the whole race and winning it. I turned back to notice Mason Coote behind me about half of the main straight, I didnt think I would have managed to win by such a lead from Mason. I was so delighted to win and lead a race, as it was my first race I had ever won apart from last year at Barbagallo when I ran out of fuel in the basin. The second race was the same, winning that one and leading from start to finish, but the third and final race was different, as I was leading with 1 lap to go, I turned back to see new rider # 107 Ben Millington come out of nowhere and went around the outside of me and took the win. I didnt now where he came from it was such a shock, but I’m happy for him as it was his first race win as well. So coming away from the first round of the Historic season with two wins and a second was a really good start to the season.
Sunday 30th March
The Juniors were invited to MCRC for their Club Race day. It was a Great day for all and alot of fun. In My first race I took the win thanx to Ben Millington jumping the start.
Race 2:
It was my turn to jump start, so got hit with 15seconds penalty, finishing with a 3rd and 2nd overall for the day giving me and dad ( and Tom ) a few things to try as we get ready for ROUND 1 OF THE WA STATE SUPERBIKE CHAMPS April 26th - 27th and Round 2 later on in May.
Thanks to BHS Engineering and Laro Leathers for my new suit, Trakdayz for there support , Tom and Ray Hatton and of course the specail people mum and dad .
See you all at the WA Superbikes.
Aidan #14
Contacts for sponsorship:
Glenn Hopkins: 0419942537
Leanne Hopkins: 04193240504
Home: (08) 95620528
Email: hopkinsg@brightontown.com.au