Tim O'Brien: supercross success.
MORTLAKE teenager Tim O'Brien started the Australian Supercross championships with a podium finish.
Tim, 16, was second in round one of the junior lite class in Dubbo on Saturday night.
He will ride in the final three rounds at Phillip Island, Toowoomba and Newcastle as he vies for a national title.
Tim had a tight battle with New South Welshman Aaron Tanti in round one at Morris Park Speedway.
The pair shared the spoils in races one and two, which consisted of five laps.
Aaron was first in the eight-lap main event, with Tim second.
Tim completed the first race in 5.02.8 and the second race in 5.10.0.
The south-west talent was second in the main event with 8.09.7.
Ian O'Brien said his son had limited preparation in the lead-up to the supercross nationals, which also run pro-open, pro-lites, under 19s and junior 85-150 classes.
He said Tim had raced twice this year once in February and once in September either side of the football season.
Tim plays football for Deakin Uni Sharks in the Warrnambool and District league.
"I was that proud of him on Saturday night. I couldn't believe it," Ian said.
The supercross championships continue at Phillip Island on October 27 and 28, with round three at Toowoomba on November 10 and the final round in Newcastle on November 17.
justine.mc@standard.fairfax.com.au
