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At just 13 years old, Maungaturoto’s Baylee Morrison is forging her own path in the motocross world, winning not one but two titles at the recent NZ Junior Motocross Championship in Christchurch.
The talented teenager took out first (1NZ) in the 85cc junior women’s 12–16 age class and finished fifth (5NZ) in the 125cc junior women’s 12–16 age class on her 105cc supermini.
“I’m stoked to have won,” Baylee says. “It’s been a massive journey, with training every week and racing pretty much every weekend, all year round. There’s been a lot of hard work, with time on the seat and some tough races, but it’s all been worth it.”
Baylee was the only girl to take on two classes at this year’s event, riding five races in each class, making her victory even more impressive. The youngster also raced in the championship with her sister Ava, making the siblings somewhat of a rarity in the sport.
“Usually, you have brothers racing or a brother and a sister, but to have two sisters racing in the same class at a championship is very rare,” Baylee’s proud mum, Jordan Morrison, says.
The annual three-day junior event has been a starting point for some of the sport’s most successful riders, including four-time Women’s World Motocross champion Courtney Duncan, and Baylee hopes the win leads to similar great things for her in the future.
“For me, it’s time for the next challenge. I’ll be stepping up to a 125cc and working hard towards some more wins at the Northland Champs, the Ruakaka Sandbeast, Taupo MX Fest, Woodville MXGP, and next year’s national championship. I can’t wait to get back out there and give it everything again,” Baylee says.
Riding motocross (MX) since she was six years old, this is not the first taste of success for the youngster. Last year, she finished first in the King of the North competition, becoming the first girl ever to win the 85cc open-class junior event, but even with all the accolades, the teen remains humble.
“At the end of the day, it’s not just about winning; it’s about having fun, riding with your mates, and doing what I love. That’s the best part of it all.”
With more events and junior championship titles in the MX world now beckoning, Baylee is keen to give thanks to the support she receives from local businesses, which are helping her work towards what is sure to be a successful future in the sport.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the people and sponsors backing me, especially my parents, Mac Civil, Kaiwaka Yamaha, Mackenzie Engineering, and Fence In Services,” Baylee says. “I couldn’t do it without their support.”
