- Historic first victory: Southland Motorcycle Club claimed its maiden Battle of the Clubs title in Taupō.
- Nearly $9,000 raised: The annual fundraiser will help support New Zealand’s 2026 Motocross of Nations campaign.
- South Island dominance: Southland riders also helped the South Island defeat the North Island in the traditional inter-island challenge.
Southland Motorcycle Club made history at Taupō by claiming its first Battle of the Clubs title, while the annual motocross fundraiser generated almost $9,000 to support New Zealand’s Motocross of Nations campaign.
The Southland Motorcycle Club has etched its name into New Zealand motocross history, claiming its first-ever victory at the Battle of the Clubs fundraiser in Taupō.
Held at the Digger McEwen Motocross Park on Saturday 12 July, the annual event once again brought together riders from clubs across the country to raise money for New Zealand’s Motocross of Nations (MXoN) campaign, with almost $9,000 raised through donations, team entries and an auction.
Run by the Taupō Motorcycle Club, the Battle of the Clubs mirrors the format of the prestigious Motocross of Nations, with riders competing for their local clubs rather than motorcycle manufacturers or regular race teams.
Taupō Motorcycle Club president Bevan Weal was delighted with both the turnout and the generosity shown by competitors and spectators.
“We raised nearly $9000 and it was astonishing to see some spectators flinging $50 notes at us as they entered the main gate.”
While the fundraising remained the priority, there was no shortage of fierce competition on track.
“We raised nearly $9000 and it was astonishing to see some spectators flinging $50 notes at us as they entered the main gate.”
Southland Motorcycle Club overcame challenging travel and weather conditions to make the journey north and was rewarded with its maiden overall Battle of the Clubs victory, defeating Pukekohe Motorcycle Club and Patetonga Motorcycle Club.
The winning Southland squad featured Jack Symon, Jack Treloar, former New Zealand MX1 champion Justin McDonald, along with Ryan Keen, Ben Costello and Riki Butson.
Following the historic result, Mel Symon praised the achievement as a landmark moment for the club.
“To see Southland Motorcycle Club achieve this for the first time is a credit to the talent, hard work and commitment right throughout the club. From the juniors coming through to the seniors leading the way, every rider has played their part.”
Southland’s celebrations didn’t end there, with several of its riders also helping the South Island defeat the North Island in the popular inter-island challenge.
One of the highlights of the annual fundraiser remains the camaraderie on display, with clubs from every corner of the country putting traditional rivalries aside to support New Zealand’s international motocross ambitions. Spectators turned out in club colours, waving flags and banners while cheering on their local riders throughout the day.
Funds raised from the event will help support New Zealand’s campaign at this year’s Motocross of Nations, which will be held at Ernée, France, on October 3-4. Often described as the “Olympics of Motocross”, the prestigious event sees nations field their best riders against the world’s elite, with New Zealand having stood on the podium three times in its history.
Source: MNZ
Battle of the Clubs 2026 Results
Overall Teams
- Southland Motorcycle Club
- Pukekohe Motorcycle Club
- Patetonga Motorcycle Club
Senior Teams
- Southland Motorcycle Club
- Patetonga Motorcycle Club
- Pukekohe Motorcycle Club
Junior Teams
- Martinborough Motorcycle Club
- North King Country Motorcycle Club
- Manawatū-Orion Motorcycle Club
Mini Teams
- Pukekohe Motorcycle Club
- North King Country Motorcycle Club
- Taranaki Motorcycle Club
North vs South
South Island (Justin McDonald, Jack Symon, Jack Treloar, Ryder Solly, Ben Costello and Kase Shuttleworth) defeated the North Island.
