- Jack Ellingham dominates to win the premier 250cc class at Junior Nats
- Over three days, a five-race format tests fitness, speed and consistency
- Multiple repeat champions underline the strength of NZ junior motocross scene
Jack Ellingham stamped his authority on the 2026 New Zealand Junior Motocross Championships at Leeston, leading a stacked field of young talent across three days of intense racing that highlighted the strength of Kiwi motocross’s next wave.
Future Stars Deliver at Leeston
If you want a glimpse of where New Zealand motocross is heading, Leeston was the place to be this weekend.
The 2026 New Zealand Junior Motocross Championships wrapped up after three days of intense racing at the Brookhaven Motocross Training Facility, with the country’s most promising young riders battling it out across multiple classes — and the depth of talent on show suggests the sport’s future is in safe hands.
Ellingham Stands Tall
The standout performer of the weekend was Auckland’s Jack Ellingham, who claimed the premier 14–16 years 250cc title in convincing fashion.
The 16-year-old Herne Bay rider wrapped up the championship after winning four of the five races, building a comfortable buffer heading into the final outing.
“It was pretty muddy on the track on day three, but I had built a 15-point lead over the next best rider at the start of the last race, so I just rode carefully and safely in the end to bring it home,” Ellingham said.
He finished ahead of New Plymouth’s Travis Taylor and Onewhero’s Ryan Foster, with Cambridge’s Jack Hazelden and Murchison’s Ryder Solly completing the top five.
Three Days, Five Races, No Room for Error
With five races per class across the three-day event, consistency proved just as important as outright speed.
That was highlighted in the 250cc class, where Taupō’s Maz Parkes opened the weekend strongly with a race win, only for mechanical issues to derail his campaign and end his chances of a top finish.
It’s a reminder that junior racing at this level demands more than just pace — fitness, endurance and a slice of luck all play their part.
Champions Across the Classes
While Ellingham grabbed the spotlight, there were strong performances right across the categories:
- Ethan Carleton (Tauranga) — 15–16 years 125cc
- Carson Carroll (Waipukurau) — 12–14 years 125cc
- Connor Feather (Taupō) — 13–16 years 85cc
- Nico Verhoeven (Cambridge) — 11–12 years 85cc
- Case Wilson (Piopio) — 8–10 years 85cc
- Kobe Carroll (Waipukurau) — 8–11 years 65cc
- Indie Allison (Halcombe) — Junior Women 12–16 years
Notably, several riders backed up last year’s success, with Carson and Kobe Carroll, Connor Feather, Nico Verhoeven and Indie Allison all defending their titles after also winning in Pukekohe in 2025.
A Proven Pathway
The Junior Motocross Championships has long been a launchpad for future champions, with past competitors including Shayne King, Darryll King, Josh Coppins, Ben Townley and Courtney Duncan.
With the level of competition seen at Leeston this weekend, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a number of this year’s winners following a similar path in the years ahead.
Looking Ahead
While the racing delivered plenty of highlights, the event also underlined the challenges of building depth in certain categories, with insufficient entries preventing championship titles from being awarded in two of the junior women’s classes.
Still, the overall strength of the field — and the performances at the sharp end — reinforce the health of junior motocross in New Zealand.
And if Ellingham’s performance is anything to go by, the next wave of Kiwi talent is already knocking on the door.
The 2026 event was supported by O’Neal, Baird’s Collision Centre, Forbes & Davies, Action Power & Water Sports, Dirt Xtreme Ltd, Central Machine Hire, Christchurch European, The Pipe and Drain, CMG Motorcycles, Affordable Fences, Alpinestars, Anchor Milk Canterbury Ltd, Tracktion Motorcycles, Morland Contracting South Ltd, Crediflex, BM Contracting Ltd, Que Homes and Motorcycling New Zealand.
Words: BRM / Pics: Derek Morrison (MNZ)
Source: MNZ (Andy McGechan)
Summary
Jack Ellingham dominated the 2026 NZ Junior Motocross Championships in Leeston, winning the premier 250cc class. The event showcased strong depth across all categories, with several repeat champions highlighting the strength of junior motocross in New Zealand.
