Zandar Gooiker is one of the Goulburn Valley's brightest emerging motocross talents.
Shepparton teenager Zandar Gooiker is set for the trip of a lifetime in the Northern Territory, as he prepares to traverse the 460km distance between Alice Springs and Aputula.
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The 16-year-old motocross sensation has already made his mark in the Goulburn Valley region with his off-road exploits, rising to second in the Victoria rankings in recent times.
His next race promises to be one of his most memorable ventures to date, with his upcoming trip to the iconic Tatts Finke Desert Race taking place in the event’s 50th year.
Tasked with tackling a distance of 460km and back through the desert on some of the toughest terrain in the country, the youngster is looking to make a name for himself on the national scene.
While juggling his school work at Notre Dame College, the talented competitor has previously participated in the Northern Region MX Events, taking part in the 250cc and 450cc classes.
In addition to his star turn at the Northerns, he participated at the Victorian MX Championships, finishing second in the B-grade series during an impressive weekend showing.
Zandar Gooiker is preparing for the trip of a lifetime to Alice Springs.
Looking ahead to his landmark trip to Alice Springs for the legendary Finke Desert Race, Gooiker’s excitement was palpable.
“I started racing about six years ago and just loved it,” he said.
“With this being the 50th year of the (Tatts Finke Desert Race), I just thought ‘let’s give this a try and I might like it’ – so I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s a big milestone and I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am with all of my racing and I’m first in Victoria at the moment.”
The youngster also described the wealth of support he has been able to call upon during his ride to prominence, with his parents, schoolmates and teachers at Notre Dame College having helped to provide him with the springboard to success.
“It’s been really good to see Notre Dame College supporting me, I know there’s a lot of kids who race motorbikes and so it’s great to see the school noticing it,” he said.
As for outlining his objectives for the upcoming Finke Desert Race, Gooiker is keeping an open mind.
“It’s like anything, I want to do well, but as long as I get my name out there, that will be good,” he said.
“There’s heaps of people that go unnoticed, such as Levi Collins, Intercontinental Spares to name a couple – they jump on board because they love seeing people just trying.”
