Manjimup’s Patrick Butler flying high after a great year, placing second at Australian Junior Motocross champs

A Manjimup young gun has topped of an exceptional year by securing second place at the KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championships in Queensland. Patrick Butler was one of 37 West Australians to compete in the national titles, placing second out of 24 riders in the 85CC Big Wheel 14-16 category. The 15-year-old said he had competed at four national titles but never had a podium placing. “So this feels pretty special because it is something my family and I have worked pretty hard for,” he said. “I feel like I rode well across the event, although I struggled with the climate change. “The weather was a lot hotter in Rockhampton compared to Bridgetown. The track changed a lot throughout the week and I found that very challenging. “I also got heatstroke on the last day of the finals which set me back a bit.” Patrick and his family drove more than 10,000 kilometres across Australia to compete in the national titles, a huge commitment for both parents and younger brother Charlie, who also competed in the 65cc 10-U12 class, placing 19th out of 40 competitors. Patrick said he really enjoyed the whole trip but his favourite part was riding across the finish line knowing he had placed second. “I thought the KTM AJMX 2022 championship was really well run by the Rockhampton Motocross Club, which made the event a lot of fun. “All the WA riders were pitting together which we called ‘WA Pit Lane’ this has never been done before at a nationals event, it was great that we could all support each other across the event.’’ Patrick started riding at the age of seven on a 50cc dirt bike. “My goal every year is to be the best rider I can be, there are always a lot of challenges in motocross so we usually focus on completing each event the best we can. “We are all eagerly waiting for the announcement of where the 2023 KTM AJMX will be held,” he said. “The rumour has it between Western Australia and the Northern Territory. “It will be my last junior nationals, event so I am hoping it is in WA but wherever it is, we will be there. “In the meantime I will be focusing on training for the WA State Titles,” he said. “This year I will be competing in the 125cc 2 Stroke class and the 250cc 4 Stroke class.’’ Patrick said he never really had an ultimate goal for motocross, only ever thinking about the year ahead. “On the world stage my idols are Jett Lawrence and Chad Reed. “Within the WA motocross community, I look up to local Perth rider John Darroch,” he said, “I am lucky enough that I get to train with John.” Patrick thanked his parents for their huge effort during the year and making the trek to Rockhampton. He also thanked his sponsors for their contribution during the year, including Riverhill Mechanical, Herbert Mining and Earthmoving Perth, Gas Gas, IEES and Golden Tyre, Pro Pleat, and Pipe King. “Racing is a lot more fun with their support.” Manjimup Motor Cycle Club president Shane Blakers said the MMCC congratulated Patrick and his family on their achievements for the 2022 season. “We are incredibly proud of their family and wish them all the best for the 2023 season.”