SOUTHERN Highlands resident Michael Driscoll recently celebrated winning the Motorcycling NSW State Championship title.

In the off-season, Driscoll and his team made the change from the KTM 125SX Motorcycle to the Yamaha YZ 125. 

“It was a big change but it was the best decision for me and after we had some test rides on the Yamaha YZ 125 it was an easy decision to make,” Driscoll said.

He had plenty of success with the new Yamaha YZ 125.

Driscoll also concentrated on fitness and strength as this was the first year he raced 125 bikes and not the 85s.

The first round of the NSW State Titles was held in Dubbo and Driscoll raced in the 13-15 years 125cc class.

“I was confident I could come away with a good result but at the same time I was a little nervous about being one of the youngest riders in the class this year,” he said.

After a bit of bad luck in the first of three races, Driscoll went for the pass for second place and injured his back.

He went into survival mode and tried to come away with as many points as possible. 

On the day he ended up finishing fourth overall which left him fourth in the series.

Round two of the NSW State Titles was held in Port Macquarie.

“Leading up to this round I was feeling more and more confident knowing my injury was 100 per cent," he said. "The day started out well after a good result in the first moto.

"Going into the second moto things didn’t really pan out the way we had hoped but I ended up with a decent shot for a podium on the day.

"After we made some changes to the bike and a decent start I put myself in the lead on the first lap.

“I led all the way to the end which gave me a second overall on the day.”

Driscoll took the championship lead heading into the third and final round of the championship.

Round three was held at Oakdale which was where Driscoll had his first race many years ago on the 65cc.

It was the same place he won his first club championship and the first of his two East Coast MX Series Championships.

“It was good to get back there and have a chance to win my first ever NSW State Championship at the track where it all began,” Driscoll said.

Driscoll led the first race from start to finish and put himself in a great position to take the championship win. 

The second race also went to plan as well with Driscoll again leading from start to finish.

All he had to do in the last race was finish 15th or better and to take out the championship. 

After an average start he settled into fourth position after making his way up from 10th.

Driscoll ended up taking the overall win on the day and also the NSW State Championship.

“It is a great feeling to achieve something that I have worked so hard for all year," he said.

"After all the time, effort and all the sacrifices made it is an awesome feeling not only for me but for my family, my sponsors and the great group of people I have around me.

“I would also like to give a huge thanks to my sponsors this year Mark and Natalie from The Realty Group Macarthur, Frank Pons at Biketek, Chris Sutton from Suttos Motorcycles, Rob and Rachel from Tee n Cee Graphics and Atalantic Oils.”

Driscoll will now have some time off before he starts training again for Australian Junior MX Championship, which will be held at the Appin MX complex from September 27 to October 4 where riders from all over the country will be there competing.