Zara Gray signs with Bridgestone Kawasaki Race Team

This story comes from Onthrottle.co.nz - Written by Mathieu Day-Gillett

The Bridgestone Kawasaki Race Team has announced the signing of Zara Gray for the 2021/2022 motocross season. Zara will contest New Zealand motocross events aboard her 2022 KX250.

Shane Verhoeven, team Owner/Manager says, “To have Zara on board representing Kawasaki and being a part of the Bridgestone Kawasaki Race Team, I couldn’t be prouder. She is truly genuine, has an addictive training attitude and achieves her goals. She will become a great asset to our team and will fit in really well. She will become a great role model for like-minded females in the sport of motocross. Peter Gray, Zara’s father will also be a welcome member to the team, and we look forward to working with Pete in creating the best opportunity we can for Zara. Mike Cotter, General Manager for Kawasaki NZ has been instrumental in working with Pete, Zara, and her riding coach Ben Townley from Method Moto to put this all together."

The 18-year-old from Otorohonga says she’s looking forward to racing competitively and getting to know the team.

After claiming the Junior Women’s 12-16 years national MX title in 2019 with 5 wins from 5 starts, Zara is set to mix it up with the Senior women this season. With the arrival of the 2022 KX250 she will be busy getting acclimatised to her new bike in the lead-up to the season saying after her first shakedown, “it feels great, and I feel confident riding it”.

Zara will join team riders Josiah Natzke and Micah McGoldrick who have kicked off with notable pre-season results already; Natzke taking honours in MX2 at Taupo’s MX Fest over Labour Weekend.

Zara’s KX250 will be adorned with Bridgestone X10, X20 and X30 option tyres which she’s excited to try.

Zara’s first official appearance for the upcoming season will be at North King Country’s Waikato Champs event on 4th and 5th December and plans to race Summercross, Woodville GP and the NZ Motocross Nationals.