14 yr old Tayla Jones wins HONDA’S Girls on the Gas
Queensland Honda rider Tayla Jones has won the inaugural running of the Honda backed ‘Girls on The Gas’ competition for 2006.
The 14 year old girl from Gladstone in North Queensland had tough competition from New South Wales winner Tahlia Neilson who was extremely strong in the ‘On bike’ sections.
The final points tally came right down to the wire, according to Event Organiser Lee Hogan.
Tayla Jones
“The winner was decided by a two point swing in the public speaking sector, and shuttle run beep test,” Hogan explained.
“Tayla was on her game today, winning the judging for the on bike sector. She scored another solid victory in the public speaking module and finished a strong second to Dimity-Lee Duke in the shuttle run, who never really looked to be challenged.”
“Tayla also scored one bonus point for getting the DIRT ACTION holeshot award in the five lap race. The other two bonus points both went to Tahlia Neilson (NSW) for winning the slow race and the five lap sprint.”
An emotional Tayla Jones, who was understandably overwhelmed with the moment, was gracious in winning and full of praise for her competitors.
“I can’t believe this. I’m so happy to have won,” Jones said on the podium.
“I know how much pressure I have put on myself coming into today as I’m sure the other girls have as well. Tahlia rode really well and I knew it would come right down to the wire.”
“I’m so thankful to Lee for putting this all together. He secured the support of a great bunch of sponsors that I can now call my own also. I want to thank Honda in particular for being the major sponsor of the Girls on The Gas initiative. Also thanks to Lee Hogan’s Building Champions Program for teaching us all so much.”
With the Queensland rider still just 14 years of age, Jones will have another full year in the junior ranks before she launches a full scale assault on the National Women’s racing scene in 2008.
“This is exactly what I hoped to achieve from the competition when it first got under way,” said Lee Hogan after the Final Showdown.
“To be able to uncover a hidden prospect and give her the head start in a career opportunity that may not have happened is very rewarding.”
Wiith a five year plan in place for the Honda Girls on The Gas competition, 2007 will include a number of changes aimed at making the program even better. This will include the addition of the Northern Territory to the scheduled calendar.
Honda are also very proud to have assisted with getting the program off the ground.
“We are excited to be involved in developing grass roots female racing,” said Honda’s Brand Manager Phillip Reynolds.
“We appreciate the support and participation by so many competitors in every state, and it shows the strength of Women’s racing in Australia. Honda are very proud to support the initiatives of Lee and the BCP program which are unique in this country.”
Tayla Jones will receive a factory support ride from Honda Motorcycles, gear and oils for next year’s race season, along with an in-depth interview with DIRT ACTION magazine and one year’s worth of coaching from Lee Hogan’s Building Champions Program.
Jones will also be featured in the final MXTV show of the year.
For more information log onto www.leehoganracing.com.au/girls
