Motorsport
GRIFFITH road racing phenom Zac Zanesco is one rev closer to realising his MotoGP dream, claiming top podium spot in his class at this month's Australian Festival of Champions.
Zanesco, 12, won all five of his races at the prestigious meet, which brought together the top young riders from across the nation.
Aboard a 70cc Metrakit bike, Zanesco simply rode his rivals into the ground, earning a national title and a trip to Spain to compete at next year's World Championships.
He will be joined by Darlington Point wunderkind Hayden DeMamiel, who claimed the 80cc class at the Festival of Champions and will make his second trip to the world titles.
Originally a dirt track racer, Zanesco changed to road racing when he was nine and already boasts track records for his class at Phillip Island, Winton, Broadford and a host of other venues.
He said his ultimate ambition was to make a career out of the sport.
"I want to try and get to MotoGP or World Superbikes ... that would be unbelievable," Zanesco said.
"I've been riding for three years in road racing and this was my year."
Amazingly, Zanesco has no local facility to train on, so only gets to ride during competition events and lead-up practice sessions.
He has claimed a host of other titles in 2009, including the Victorian Championships and the MRRDA Championships.
Zanesco paid tribute to his local sponsors for their support, including F and R McNabb, Len Norris Cycletune, Tom Cycle City and Riverina Cylinder Heads.