Dion Picard
Rider Profile
28 June 2012 Australian Nationals Update
In a bold move, team owner Mark Haughton has decided
to move Dion Picard from the MXD (formerly Under 19’s) class and into the
premier MX1 (450cc) division. 16 year old Picard is a multi time New
Zealand Junior National Champion and currently sits 13th in his first ever MXD
class assault. The decision Haughton says, was a difficult one, but is aimed at
developing Picard as a future champion of the sport and aiding his progression.
“Dion is a big kid for his age and we really have felt he is up against it
racing the MXD class, where there are 60 kg kids racing machines with over 40
horsepower – especially off the starts." explained Haughton, "We
totally believe in his ability and he has an immense amount of talent."
"We feel that his riding style and strength will be better suited to the
450cc machine and him riding against the best in the business, is only going to
help his learning process” he added
Picard is realistic in his expectations against such globally successful
competition, yet is determined to make his own mark throughout the remainder of
the season.
“I’ve raced some of the top MX1 riders in New Zealand previously, so I know how
fast and consistent they are." stated Picard, "Racing 30 minute
moto’s is definitely going to take time to get used to – but so far I feel
really good on the RM-Z450, so I’ll do my best”
A totally new addition to the team is young Victorian Tyson Cherry.
Cherry recently placed fourth overall in the Victorian Under 19’s Championship,
proving his speed against some of the countries best up and comers. He will
fill the void left by Picard in the MXD class aboard an RM-Z250 machine.
“I’m so pumped with the opportunity to race with Zero Seven Motorsports this
weekend." Said Cherry.
"I’ve been training really hard and will do everything I can to make the
most of it and get some solid results in Hervey Bay” he concluded.
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20th October 2011
Racking up some bike time on the MX track was Dion Picard. Dion has recently returned from the junior Nationals in Australia. He had placed 2nd the year before but this year was plagued with bad luck and crashes and, as a result, was much less successful. This weekend’s Taupo event is sandwiched in between the Australian races and Dion’s next challenge, the USA. Yes, Dion is heading to America in 3-4 weeks with the hope of pursuing a professional career. The races in Oz were only 10 minutes long so Dion is working on raising his fitness level even more to cope with the 25 minute ones in the U.S .
