Josh Shultz: Broome teenager proves worth at prized Manjimup 15,000
Broome young gun Josh Schultz braced tough conditions — and more than 2000km of travelling — to win the prized Manjimup 15000 in front of thousands of motocross fans earlier this month.
Schultz says his love for motocross began at the age of three, and with the support of his family, isn’t showing any signs of stopping at age 17.
His most recent accolade was winning the seniors MX2 race at Manjimup 15000, which was held at Cosy Creek between May 31 and June 2.
It is estimated about 6000 fans were present at the event and Schultz says while the weather was the “coldest he has ever ridden in”, he still managed to reign victorious against talented motocross athletes.
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After practice on Friday and qualifiers on Saturday, Schultz was ready for Sunday’s MX2 final.
Josh Schultz Credit: Ben Lovett Photography/Supplied
“Dad was telling me on the line, just make sure to get a good start, and then just ride your race,” he said.
“In the first lap riders were going everywhere, they were all trying to get to the front, so a few dudes went down and crashed.
“There were so many spectators, and everyone was swinging off the fence.”
The teen said there were about 40 competitors — who were all likely older than him — in his division final.
“After the first lap was in a good spot, I could feel that I was catching their leaders, so I just picked them off,” he said.
“With two laps ago, I got into the lead and I looked back a bit and I could see I had a good gap . . . so I just focused on myself and managed to bring it home, which was pretty good.”
Schultz said winning the race didn’t settle in until he was handed his first-place trophy at the end of the day.
“My dad has helped me heaps as a mentor . . . when you’re thinking of all the things and then just the few words that he can say can help me focus.”
After being gifted a $500 prize, Schultz says he plans to put the funds towards any future competitions.
Athletes at the event included Pro MX1 Championship leaders Kyle Webster and Jed Beaton, FIM Supercross rank three rider Dean Wilson (USA) and sand motocross world champion Todd Kellett from the UK.