Motocross: Proud fathers on road in support of sons

Nurturing a child's talent - in anything - is a parent's prerogative. When that ability is in a sport such as motocross and is exceptional, miles travelled and money invested can certainly add up.

For the fathers supporting two of Otago's rising stars, it is all worthwhile.

Joel Meikle and Campbell King have been impressing at national and international level, and fathers Justin Meikle and Trevor King are regularly on the road and have even crossed the Tasman for events.

On Wednesday, the Meikles began the long trip from Oamaru to Harrisville, near Pukekohe, for the Oceania motocross championships this weekend.

Joel's fellow 12-15 years, 85cc New Zealand team member Courtney Duncan left Palmerston the same day with stepfather Carey Turner.

Sidelined with a broken wrist sustained not long after a broken collarbone had healed, Campbell (15) is having to sit this one out.

He had had six years of racing around the country as part of a competition schedule that "never really stops", Trevor King said.

He says they are "hardly ever at home" and at times are away "virtually every weekend".

Joel (12), who has been on the national circuit for two years, went to Australia for the junior nationals last September and is planning to go again this year.

While the motocross season can easily extend over the full 12 months, the Meikles usually take a break after the nationals in April. When it's all go, they are away every second weekend.

Most of the trips are within the South Island, but Joel will jump on the Cook Strait ferry about six times a year.

His usual travelling companion is his dad, and mum Renee will often go as well, with his two younger brothers and little sister.

"It's a good family thing. At the end of the day, we'd still be doing motocross if he was coming mid-pack," Justin Meikle said.

Having replaced a two-seater ute with a van, the Kings can now include mum Debbie in the travel plans. She and Trevor were both motocross riders of note, so attending the events is enjoyable rather than a chore.

Both fathers acknowledge that running their own businesses makes it possible to finish working on a Wednesday and possibly not start again until the following Monday.