X-Factor takes Ben abroad

Benjamin Broad has established himself as one of New Zealand’s best motocross prospects and, with the support of PlaceMakers Thames, the internationally acclaimed rider is soaring to new heights

This season, Ben stepped up to the MX2 250cc New Zealand Motocross Championship – the largest senior class in the country, regularly featuring fields of more than 50 riders on the track at a time.

It’s a far cry from when he got his first taste of the sport as a four-year-old playing around on trail rides. Ben’s father and PlaceMakers Thames customer Ray says his son has been passionate about the sport ever since. 

“When he was five, we took him to a Mini event where he finished sixth,” says Ray. “A year later, he won the New Zealand Mini Championship and he’s just carried on from there.”

The 18-year-old has earned numerous titles and accolades since then, including consecutive national championships –winning the New Zealand Junior MX Championship in 2015 and the New Zealand Senior 125cc Motocross Championship in 2016.

Chasing the dragon

Following his senior title win, Ben was one of two Kiwis invited to take part in the Chinese International Grand Prix – an event that features some of the world’s best riders competing against one another, with entry limited to invitation only.

Ray says it was a great experience, with Ben finishing fourth overall despite recovering from a collarbone injury.

“He’d broken it six weeks earlier, playing rugby for his college 1st XV, and it was still plated when he was racing in China. While he was happy with the result, he was also a bit frustrated that he wasn’t 100%. 

“It was really interesting getting to go there and was a great opportunity for Ben; everyone was really friendly and the hospitality was great. It was an extremely interesting place.”

Slow start to 2017

With two rounds remaining in the MX2 series, Ray says Ben hasn’t started the season as well as he’d have liked.

“He qualified fastest at the opening round in Timaru, but a crash in Race 2 ended his weekend early. He came into it wanting to finish inside the Top 5, so naturally he was disappointed, but crashes are just a part of the sport,” says Ray. “It was encouraging to see that he had such a promising start though.”

Ben bounced back well in Round 2, finishing a solid seventh and securing important championship points. Ahead of the penultimate round in Palmerston North in March, Ben was 10th overall in the championship and will be looking for a strong finish to the series.

Once the MX2 Championship is finished, the 18-year-old is heading to the Land Down Under to compete in the Australian U-19 Championship.

Fighting spirit

While he’s experienced plenty of success throughout his young career, Ray says one of Ben’s biggest lows came after he broke both his ankles in a crash during training at age 12.

“He was in a wheelchair with both his legs in casts and obviously it was quite distressing for me and my wife. I think we took it more harshly than he did and he actually ended up comforting us!

“His attitude was that it was just a mistake and he was keen to continue riding once he recovered. After around three months off he was back on the bike and he’s just loving it.”

Partnering with PlaceMakers

PlaceMakers Thames has always supported Ben and this year Ben and store operator John McGill decided to formalise the relationship.

“John’s always helped us with different bit and pieces, contributing money for fuel, oil and the like. This year Ben signed a contract with Kawasaki to compete in MX2, which prompted him to approach John to ask for more structured support as he’s taking the step up to the next level.”

John says that he’s always been impressed with Ben’s work ethic and his commitment to training.

“He’s very enthusiastic and is committed to going as far as he can in the sport, which is why we’ve decided to help him out. I see real value in it, as we’re helping support a local person progress in their chosen field. I’m looking forward to seeing where Ben goes from here!”