CHEYNE Barker is heading to Nowra this June long weekend for the NSW King of Motocross state titles.
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King of Motocross is the hottest new motocross event in Australia and the fresh face of the NSW State Titles. Twenty state champions will be crowned at the final, along with a King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Motocross.
The king and queen will leave the event with a heavy crown and an even heavier $10,000 winner's cheque.
Barker will compete in the 35 and over vets 250CC and over category.
To qualify, he had to finish in the top six riders at Appin in February.
Barker said he had to ride in six events and finish in the top six in his class to get a "golden ticket" through to the titles in Nowra.
"In my class there will be 30 riders. There are three heats, which consists of a 10-minute ride plus one lap," he said.
"The top five of the heats will go into the King of Motocross event.
"The prizemoney for the whole weekend is a total of $53,000. In my class, the prizemoney is $10,000: winner takes all, no second prizes.
"This is one of the largest prizes I've seen, so it will be a competitive contest."
Barker said motocross can be expensive as riders must have insurance, a licence and various gear to compete.
"I've been riding since I was 12 years old, so I would hate to count what I've spent," he said.
"But I love it and now my son, Nate, who is 12, is keen to start in the sport.
"We are both members of the Panorama Club in Bathurst."
Barker will be riding his Honda CRF 450CC over the three-day event.
"It's currently in the workshop getting a final tune-up before we leave," he said.
He will be supported by his partner Rebecca Setter, who goes to all the meets.
"In Nowra this weekend there will be over 500 riders competing, so it's a big weekend of riding," he said.
Barker said he wanted to thank his sponsors C and L Transport Services, Smokin Bro and Co Barbecues and Mick Angel Welding Services.
"Without their valued support, competing at these events would be out of my reach," he said.