MotoFEST Delivers Big Racing Moments for the Cup

MotoFEST served up exactly what motorsport fans love most, tight racing, rising talent, and a paddock atmosphere built on pure passion for two wheels.

Photo Credit:  ASP - Aaron Staples Photography

Held in near-perfect racing conditions, the event delivered an unforgettable weekend for riders and fans alike. The Cup was proud to once again be part of the MotoFEST programme, bringing together a field of determined racers ready to put everything on the line.

Originally scheduled to feature 26 entries, a late withdrawal from Riley McGettigan meant 25 riders ultimately lined up on the grid. While slightly smaller than the Cup typically sees, the field still delivered incredible racing throughout the weekend.

Photo Credit:  ASP - Aaron Staples Photography

The reality is that motorsport across the world, from grassroots racing to the Isle of Man TT, continues to feel the pressure of rising costs. Yet weekends like MotoFEST prove that passion for racing remains stronger than ever.

Practice and Qualifying Set the Tone

One of the most appreciated elements of the weekend was the opportunity for riders to have separate practice and qualifying sessions.

For many competitors this was their first experience on the International layout. Others hadn’t ridden the circuit since the previous MotoFEST, so the additional track time proved invaluable.

Photo Credit:  ASP - Aaron Staples Photography

When qualifying wrapped up, the grid told an exciting story.

In the Ninja Cup class, rising star Lucas Hyslop claimed pole position. Joining him on the front row were Megan Kemp, Brett Butler and Cadel Finlay, a strong and competitive lineup that hinted at the battles to come.

The Hyosung Cup front row followed a more familiar script. Scotty Findlay secured pole position, with Troy Fowles, Alyssa Boyd and Nick Trigger lining up alongside him.

Photo Credit:  ASP - Aaron Staples Photography

One standout moment across both classes was the presence of women competing at the very front of the field. Megan Kemp and Alyssa Boyd both delivered front-row qualifying performances, showing that the next generation of racing talent continues to evolve.

Race One: Hyslop Breaks Away

Race one on Saturday produced fireworks immediately.

Lucas Hyslop launched into the lead and quickly began stretching out a gap. Lap by lap he rode with remarkable composure, eventually pulling away to take victory by an impressive 11 seconds.

While the win itself became a one-man show, the fight behind him was anything but quiet.

Photo Credit:  ASP - Aaron Staples Photography

Megan Kemp, Joe Stroud and Cadel Finlay locked into a fierce battle for second place. The trio traded positions repeatedly, pushing hard while maintaining the respect that defines the Cup paddock.

It was a perfect example of competitive but fair racing.

In the Hyosung class, Scotty Findlay was equally determined to control the race from the front. He led home Troy Fowles by six seconds, with Nick Trigger securing a well-earned podium finish a further four seconds behind.

Lachlan Stace also delivered a strong performance, finishing fourth ahead of Alyssa Boyd.

New Faces Join the Grid

MotoFEST also welcomed several new riders to the Cup family.

Dani Nottage made her debut aboard a Ninja 400, while Hunter Lee joined the field on another Ninja machine. Arran Ashworth lined up on the X4R, marking his first Cup appearance as well.

It was also great to see Marcus Robinson return to Cup competition after time away from racing, bringing his GT250R back onto the grid.

New riders are the lifeblood of grassroots racing, and their arrival continues to keep the Cup moving forward.

The Le Mans Start Race Delivers Drama

If race one set the tone, the Le Mans start race delivered pure theatre.

Photo Credit:  ASP - Aaron Staples Photography

Megan Kemp exploded off the start and immediately put herself into the lead heading through lap one. She held off the chasing pack for several laps, thrilling the crowd as the battle intensified.

Lucas Hyslop and Joe Stroud eventually began closing the gap, setting up an incredible three-rider showdown.

The final laps became a masterclass in close racing.

Positions changed almost every lap. No rider was willing to give an inch.

At the finish line it was Joe Stroud who edged ahead, claiming victory by just 0.03 seconds over Hyslop. Megan Kemp crossed the line only 0.1 seconds behind them.

It was racing at its absolute best.

Photo Credit:  ASP - Aaron Staples Photography

Joe also recorded the fastest lap of the race with a 1:50.293, still shy of his brother Jesse’s long-standing lap record of 1:48.756, but an impressive performance nonetheless.

In the Hyosung class the fight was just as exciting.

This time Troy Fowles pushed Scotty Findlay much harder, closing the gap significantly. Findlay still held on to take the win, but the margin shrank to just 0.8 seconds.

Alyssa Boyd returned to the podium in third, while Lachlan Stace continued his strong form with another impressive ride.

Behind them Jarrod Thompson and Nick Trigger finished virtually side-by-side, separated by the smallest of margins for fifth and sixth.

Photo Credit:  ASP - Aaron Staples Photography

Race Three: The Battle Continues

Race three delivered a familiar but equally thrilling story.

Once again Joe Stroud, Lucas Hyslop and Megan Kemp found themselves locked in battle at the front of the Ninja Cup.

At the finish line just 0.2 seconds separated the trio.

The consistency and competitiveness of these riders has been one of the highlights of the season.

Cadel Finlay rode a steady and composed race to secure fourth place, while Justin and Hadleigh fought their own intense battle further down the field.

In the Hyosung class Scotty Findlay decided he had pushed his borrowed GT250R hard enough the previous race and responded by delivering a dominant performance.

He completed a clean sweep of victories, taking race three by five seconds over Alyssa Boyd.

Lachlan Stace completed the podium with another strong ride in third.

Further back, a fantastic scrap for eighth unfolded between Shelley, Marcus Robinson and Trent “Too Tall”, finishing in that exact order after a race-long fight.

The Spirit of the Cup

As always, the weekend concluded with the traditional Cup BBQ, a chance for riders, families and supporters to relax and celebrate the racing.

Photo Credit:  ASP - Aaron Staples Photography

A total of $2,700 in cash prizes was distributed across the weekend.

Special awards were also presented.

Jack Harrison received recognition for Best Presented Bike, while Arran Ashworth was awarded Biggest Improver thanks to Passmasters NZ.

One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend came with the Spirit of the Cup award.

Andy Ansell, a previous winner several times over, once again demonstrated the camaraderie that defines the Cup community. When Joe Stroud experienced mechanical issues, Andy raced home to collect his spare bike, even missing qualifying to do so, ensuring Joe could continue racing.

That willingness to help fellow competitors is what truly defines the Cup paddock.

Photo Credit:  ASP - Aaron Staples Photography

The Championship Battle Tightens

With the updated championship standings now released, the title fight remains wide open.

There are still 229 points available at the Taupō finale, leaving five riders mathematically capable of claiming the Ninja Cup Championship.

The Hyosung Cup title battle remains alive between two contenders, while Alyssa Boyd and Megan Kemp continue their fight for the Women’s Cup.

Everything now comes down to the final round.

Looking Ahead to the Grand Finale

MotoFEST once again proved why grassroots racing remains one of the purest forms of motorsport.

The passion, the competition and the community spirit were on full display across the entire weekend.

A huge thank you goes out to every rider who took part, our fantastic sponsors, the volunteers and flag marshals, the officials and the AMCC team for running another outstanding event.

Now the focus shifts to Taupō.

The championship will be decided, and the season will reach its final chapter.

The Grande Finale awaits.