HE’S only 12-years-old, but Tyabb Motocross rider, Ty Godfrey, is quickly climbing the riding ranks and has claimed the Victorian Junior State Motocross Title on Saturday 1 September.
The humble athlete has lived and breathed the sport since he could speak, making motor bike noises and riding his first quad bike by the age of two-years-old.
While he wasn’t specifically aiming to take out the state title, Ty still managed to rack up victories in three of the four rounds at various tracks across Victoria. Ty’s only unplaced round came after dislocating his finger in the second lap, yet he still managed to finish the race off in fourth.
The victory was his second major titles win this year having also won the Shipwreck Coast Open in January.
Ty’s father, Matt Godfrey, said that while the wins are a massive testament to his ability, he’s actually more proud of the way he has developed over the years.
“I’m more proud of how he’s matured, developed and learnt how to cope with the pressure,” Matt said.
“Obviously I’m with him every time he rides, but the way he continues to progress is amazing. I just love the way he is humble and doesn’t want to be a superstar. He has a real cult following from the younger kids, they all want to dress and be like him. I’m just really proud of him.”
Ty scored the state title victory over a group of 35 quality riders from across not only Victoria, but also interstate competitors.
Matt said the volunteer-run motorcycle track in Hastings, which is based on Blue Scope land, has been a massive benefit for Ty to get to this level.
“We’ve got to give a big thanks to everyone around the corner at the motorcycle track,” Matt said.
“It’s the best facility for someone like Ty to grow up with. It’s forever changing and caters for all rider types.
“That’s where he got a lot of his skill and he’s been going there since he started when he was two.”
While Ty is having great success in the motocross discipline, he is also looking at taking up freestyle riding and competing in events once he turns 16-years-old.
Matt said he has been heavily influenced by Nitro Circus star, Cam Sinclair, who Ty has become “great friends” with.
“He loves jumping off freestyle ramps, and doing flips and jumps into the foam pits,” Matt said.
“He just loves riding a motor bike to be honest. Every night he comes home and drops the bag and goes off on the mini bike, and as he gets bigger the jumps just get bigger.
“It’s pretty amazing to watch. He gives the big boys a bit of a run for their money that’s for sure.”
Ty is now eyeing off yet another major competition, the Western Regional Championships, which he’s currently leading by 50 points with one round to go.
Ty won the last round of the championships with a broken fork on Saturday 8 September, and still managed to post the fastest time for the day.
The final round of the Western Series will be run in Colac on Saturday 27 October.
First published in the Mornington News – 18 September 2018
