A dramatic final round of the National Club Enduro Series near Atiamuri has seen Taranaki rider Sam Parker snatch the Expert Grade title after a costly crash sidelined Bay of Plenty frontrunner Callum Dudson.

Heading into Saturday’s fourth and final round, Dudson had led the Husqvarna-sponsored series since February, but his title hopes unravelled early when he clipped a tree and seriously injured his left hand, forcing him out of contention.

That left Parker in prime position – and the 20-year-old delivered under pressure.

Parker set the pace across the six special stages, winning five of them, and held off Auckland’s Riley Cargill to claim the four-hour race by just 17 seconds. Masterton rider Max Williams finished third, less than a minute behind.

The result sealed Parker’s overall series victory, his consistent 3-2-2-1 scoreline giving him a commanding 19-point win over Dudson, whose promising campaign ended with a DNF in the decider.

Cargill finished third overall in the series, ahead of New Plymouth’s Blake Lusk and Ōparau’s Hunter Scott.

In the Intermediate Grade, Gisborne’s Angus Thomas continued his dominance, winning all four rounds of the series.

Thames rider Jack McLaren and Hamilton’s Phillip Goowright completed the podium at Atiamuri, while Thomas comfortably secured the overall title ahead of Ōtorohanga’s Sid Davis and McLaren.

Rotorua’s Dominic Spanbroek claimed the Youth Grade title despite finishing fourth in Saturday’s final round, his earlier results enough to build an eight-point buffer over fellow Rotorua rider Lukas Bjarnason.

Hamilton’s Cayden Goodwright was third overall.

Parker said he was pleased with his performance in the decisive round.

“I definitely had a good day. I felt like I rode pretty well and didn’t make too many mistakes. Obviously, Callum Dudson’s crash in the first lap made it a bit easier for me,” he said.

Series organiser Sean Clarke said the event highlighted both the competitiveness and the growing popularity of the series.

“This is the second year that we have run the NCES and the numbers are growing,” Clarke said.

“The feedback we’re getting from riders is that they’re having a great time. We’ve also been extremely lucky with the weather this year.”

More than 130 riders competed in Saturday’s event, which was run by the Forestland Motorcycle Club, with organisers noting strong participation as the series continues to gain momentum.

- Content supplied by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com