Warrnambool husband- and-wife team Tim and Karla and their daughter Johanna all earned plates at the event at Knox at the weekend. Tim was sixth in 30-34 men’s cruiser class, Karla fifth in 30-34 women’s cruiser class and Johanna sixth in nine year girls’ category.

It was Tim and Karla’s first time competing at state level.

Johanna, whose younger sister Annika has followed her into the sport, rode at the event in 2011.

“I was happy not to fall off, that was my goal, and to make finals was a bonus,” Tim said.

“We didn’t think we’d do as well as we did, being our first one. 

“It was a great learning experience. The level of racing is a lot more full-on at the titles. Everyone goes a little harder and more aggressive.”

The Jephcotts are Warrnambool BMX Club members. 

“We took my daughter down there to give it a try and she loved it,” Tim said.

“She talked me into getting a bike and my wife a bike. As soon as the girls are home from school they want to go down there and that’s why we got bikes too, because we are down there.

“We love it. It’s a great family environment.”

Tim said Warrnambool members had settled into their new Jetty Flat track.

The club ushered in a new era of BMX racing in the south-west earlier this month, unveiling the state-of-the-art track at its annual classic.

“It’s been a hectic couple of months with the new track opening and it’s great to see it all coming together,” Tim said.