Motocross: Young star takes direct route to glory | Hawkes Bay Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Hawkes Bay

Luka Freemantle boasts a simple approach to motocross.

"I like to pass people," the 8-year-old Arthur Miller School pupil replied when quizzed on the secret to his success at the 51st annual Woodville Motocross event, one of the most prestigious on the national scene, last weekend.

It's an approach that earned Luka the 6-8 years 50cc Grand Prix title at Woodville. The 2010 KTM rider improved six places on the finish he recorded last year when riding a 2008 KTM.

The "veteran" of two full seasons in the sport was one of 10 riders in his class.

Luka won his qualifying heat and finished third in his first of three championship races after a couple of crashes.

Luka won his next two races to beat an Auckland rider for the title. Considering this dominance, your's truly suggested there must be more than a desire for passing which saw him take prime spot on the podium.

"Lollies and energy drinks ... oh, and creamed rice for breakfast," Luka elaborated.

His build-up events to Woodville were impressive too. Last year, Luka won his class title in the Hawke's Bay Magic Series for the second consecutive year, the Hawke's Bay championship and the Taupo Winter Series.

Luka, who is coached by his father, Ricki, aims to retain these titles this year before moving up to the 65cc ranks next year.

"I'm not that fast on the 65cc bike yet," Luka said.

Back in November, Luka finished seventh in the Ikamatua-hosted national championships on the South Island's West Coast.

"Ikamatua is my favourite track ... I would ride there every day if I could," Luka said.

He regards Kiwi professional and premier title winner at Woodville Ben Townley as his hero and enjoyed watching him. Freestyle motocross rider Levi Sherwood presented Luka with his trophy.

"I got a few autographs ... all those big names are pretty easy to approach," Luka, a Taradale junior rugby player, said.

His long-term goal is to win a national age-group title as he progresses. "I'm in this sport for the long haul. It's a good family sport ... everyone comes along and enjoys a picnic with one another," Luka, who enjoys training rides with his father and sister Sam, said.

No prizes for guessing who does the most passing.