NORA CRS rider Rafe Symons signs off an incredible season in style, taking the overall victory at his first-ever two-day race meeting in the 85cc Big Wheel class!
Moving up into a new class is never easy, especially when you’re lining up against older, more experienced riders. There were understandably a few nerves for Rafe heading into the weekend, but if there was ever any doubt about whether he was ready for the challenge, he certainly put that to bed in spectacular fashion!
Six races, two race wins and one very well-deserved overall victory. What a weekend!
SATURDAY – A STATEMENT OF INTENT!
Race 1
Rafe wasted no time making his presence known, storming out of the gate to secure the holeshot and take the early lead. He controlled the race brilliantly until lap 6, when he was overtaken.
But Rafe wasn’t about to let that shake him! Digging deep, he kept the pressure firmly on the race leader, pushing hard and refusing to give up. By lap 8, he had fought his way back into P1, crossing the start line back at the front. What a ride!
Race 2
No holeshot this time, with Rafe rounding the first corner in P3. However, it didn’t take long for him to find his rhythm, making a fantastic move by lap 2 to claim P2 and immediately setting his sights on the race leader.
Then came a moment of drama! On lap 7, Rafe tucked the front end in the sand and went down, dropping back to P4. But this young rider had other ideas!
Picking himself up and switching straight into HUNTER MODE, Rafe put on an incredible display of determination and riding skill, charging his way back through the field. Within just ONE lap, he had climbed from P4 to P2!
That’s the fighting spirit of a champion!
Race 3
Fellow NORA CRS rider Max Beard got the holeshot and led the race from start to finish. Rafe also got away to a fantastic start, but there was no catching Max this time.
That didn’t stop Rafe from delivering another brilliant performance. He put in a strong, consistent ride, holding P2 throughout and bringing home another fantastic result.
Three races, three impressive rides and enough points to secure the DAY ONE OVERALL WIN!
But could he do it all again on Sunday?
SUNDAY – ALL TO PLAY FOR!
Sunday brought an influx of new riders, adding another challenge to an already competitive weekend. With the pressure on, Rafe was ready to go again!
Race 1
Unable to secure the holeshot, Rafe rounded the first corner in P3. From there, he delivered a solid, faultless ride, maintaining his position throughout and bringing home a well-earned P3.
Race 2
A little adjustment in the gearing setup was made, with the aim of getting Rafe a better jump out of the gate. And boy, did it work!
Rafe absolutely nailed the start, securing the holeshot and taking control of the race. He led brilliantly all the way until lap 7, when backmarkers forced him to ease his pace, allowing the rider in P2 to find a way past.
Rafe crossed the line in P2, adding another valuable result to his weekend tally.
Race 3 – THE DECIDER!
Going into the final race of the weekend, it was all square on points! Another overall victory was within reach, but it was all to play for.
And what a way to finish!
Rafe shot out of the gate, grabbed the holeshot and took the lead. From there, he put his head down, rode an incredible race and never looked back, leading all the way to the chequered flag!
P1! ANOTHER RACE WIN!
And with that, the overall victory was secured!
TWO DAYS. SIX RACES. ONE INCREDIBLE RESULT!
1ST OVERALL – 85CC BIG WHEEL
2 RACE WINS
6 RACES OF DETERMINATION
2 OVERALL VICTORIES – SATURDAY & SUNDAY
2 HOLESHOTS
What a phenomenal achievement for Rafe, especially having just stepped up into the 85cc Big Wheel class!
He arrived at the weekend with nerves, facing older riders and a new challenge. He leaves having proved that he can absolutely hold his own, fight at the front and deliver when it matters.
This is what hard work, commitment and determination look like. Rafe has earned every bit of this success, and the progress he has made throughout 2026 has been fantastic to watch.
A huge well done to Rafe, and of course, a shout-out to fellow NORA CRS rider Max Beard for taking the Race 3 win on Saturday. Great racing from the NORA CRS team!
2026 has been one incredible year for this young rider, and if this weekend is anything to go by, 2027 is looking VERY exciting!
For now, that’s a wrap for Rafe for the year, and what a way to sign off!
Rest up, recharge and get ready for what’s next.
