NORTH Maclean teenager Macayleigh Shelton is celebrating after taking out third place in the junior lites division of the 2015 Go Girl motocross racing series.
The overall placing capped off a successful series for Macayleigh, 15, who scored one second place and three third place finishes during the series' four rounds - the last of which was held at Roma on June 6 and 7.
Macayleigh, who has been riding motorbikes since age four and placed fourth the past two series, put her success down to a renewed focus and an effort to make good on a promise to an injured friend.
Macayleigh rode in the competition with a patch on her bike carrying the number T46 in honour of a fellow rider who suffered brain damage in a racing fall.
"I really wanted to get a good result for him," she said.
"This year I really threw myself into it. I got sick of being fourth and I finally got onto the podium.
"I worked my butt off to get to where I wanted to be. I was really happy (with the result), it is the biggest trophy I have ever won and it was a good year."
Macayleigh, who is a student at Flagstone Community College and backed by Springwood Suzuki, is a natural on the track, having received limited coaching throughout her career.
Her mother Tracey said she knew her daughter had it in her to rise in the sport.
"I was glad to see her get the recognition. I have always known she was good but she needed to find the drive and focus to win and this year she did that," she said.
Macayleigh will move into the senior girls motocross competition next year.
