WA MXGP Team Extends Gratitude to Generous Sponsors for National Championship Bid
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA – The WA MXGP Team is thrilled to announce its participation in a national event in Darwin, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our valued sponsors. The team extends its heartfelt thanks to C & S Mining, WA Seadoo, Cully’s Motorcycle Centre, EXP Resources, The Underclass, and Sparkle and Wrap for their generous contributions. We also take this opportunity the thank Motorcycling Australia for their ongoing support.
This national event represents a significant milestone for the team, and the support from these community and industry leaders has been instrumental in making this journey possible.
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MEET THE TEAM MANAGER
Stephanie O’Grady
As a devoted mother of five, Stephanie O’Grady has perfected the art of nurturing and encouraging children to reach their full potential. This natural ability to foster growth and bring out the best in kids is a cornerstone of her role as a Team Manager.
Stephanie’s dedication to the world of motocross runs deep. With two sons actively competing in the sport, she has a firsthand understanding of the immense commitment required for junior riders. She’s not just a motocross mom; she’s an integral part of the community. In addition to supporting her own children, Stephanie volunteers her time and expertise as the Race Secretary for the Bunbury MCC, further demonstrating her passion and commitment.
Stephanie’s unique blend of maternal instinct and hands-on experience in the sport makes her an invaluable leader, dedicated to helping every rider on her team succeed.
MEET THE RIDERS
Starting at just five years old with the Wanneroo Junior MX Club, Ollie has since traveled across Australia, training and competing. His dedication has earned him a spot on the KTM Junior Factory Race Team.You can follow his Journey on 📸 Instagram: @olliebirkitt 📘 Facebook: Ollie Birkitt
Ryder Matthews-Taylor, #74
Hailing from Quinns Rock, Western Australia, 16-year-old Ryder Matthews-Taylor is a determined and persistent
competitor making his mark in the MX3 class of the ProMX Championship. Riding for Team Underclass, Ryder’s professional debut came in 2024, a year that also saw him achieve a career highlight: a second-place overall finish in the 100cc to 125cc 2-stroke Under 15 class of the Australian Junior Motocross Championship.
Born on November 25, 2008, Ryder’s passion for racing began on a Suzuki JR50. In 2025, he is currently competing on a GasGas MC25.
Outside of his rigorous race preparation, which involves gym work and riding at various locations, Ryder enjoys hitting the gym as a hobby.
PERSONAL SPONSORS
Proudly supported by – The Underclass, West Coast Motorcycles, Motorex, Michelin, Joondalup Electrical Services, and Grizzly Racing.
You can follow his journey on 📸 Instagram @rydermt74
Noah Thomas #613
2018. He started in the demo class and progressed to competition the following year. A decade into his motocross career, his biggest highlight has been traveling to Queensland to win the Sunshine State 65cc championship. A unique fact about Noah is that he learned to ride a PW50 before he could even ride a pedal bike.Proudly supported by – Bunbury KTM, Fox Racing Australia, OCDiesel, H&L Transport, Diesel Tech Logistics, Farmers Centre WA, JHR Auto, Electrical, Propleat, Sixty7, Rocklee Grazing, Bruce / Kylie Thomas, Jennifer Potae, Robin Ingram, MineMech Mechanical Services.
You can follow his journey on📸 Instagram: @noah.thomas_613
https://youtube.com/@thomas.613?si=I2HrRevhAk6YjzDO
Xavier Balinski #64
Fifteen-year-old motocross rider Xav Balinski, number 64, has been on dirt bikes since he was 3, a lifelong passion that
started with a childhood dream of owning a KTM.
Earlier this year, at just 14, Xav made a significant leap in his career. He qualified and competed in his first Australian ProMX (MX3) round in Gillman, SA, racing against nearly 40 other riders. This accomplishment was followed by his selection for the WA MXGP Team, which will compete in Darwin this September.
Currently, Xav is a top contender in multiple competitions. He is either leading or placing in the top three in the Western Australian State Junior Championship (125cc), the MX3 State Championship (250cc), and the Southwest Championship Series (Junior) on both his 125cc and 250cc bikes.
You can follow his journey on📸 Instagram: @xavbalinski64 📘XavBalinski#64
Jacob Thompson #172
Jacob has been a force on two wheels since the tender age of three. His competitive journey officially began in 
2021 when he mounted his first KTM 85SW.
Proudly supported by – Fieldys Heavy Equipment, Aussie Moto Engineering, Underclass, Broome Newspower, Holeshot Graphics, Offroad Rush WA, Bunbury KTM.
You can follow his journey on📸 Instagram: @jacob_thompson_172
Jayce Stocker #641
Since starting his competitive career, Jayce has earned several notable achievements. In the WAMX State Championship, he took home first place in both the 65cc 11-U12 years and the 85cc Standard Wheels U12 years classes. He also competed on the national stage in the AJMX, securing Second Place in the 85cc Standard Wheels U12 years class.
A Fun Fact when Jayce is not busy training or competing, Jayce enjoys fishing.
PERSONAL SPONSORS
Proudly supported by – Mandurah City KTM, Lynks Racing, Rogers Moto, Alpine Stars Australia, All Truck Laser Aligning, Easy Safe Liquid Disposal, MX101, Mum & Dad, Nan & Pop
You can follow his journey on📸 Instagram: jstocker641
Deegan Fort #12
Deegan began his motorcycling journey in 2016 on a recreational licence; in 2018 he stepped in competitive motocross racing quickly making his mark on the track.
Some of Deegan’s career highlights include securing two national podium finishes, multiple State Championship titles, and placing within the top five at an international event. He has also achieved several podium results at the prestigious Manjimup 15,000 and added a Supercross podium to his list of accomplishments. Although still early in his career, Deegan has already built an impressive record of success.
A Fun Fact Off the bike, Deegan’s strength is just as remarkable—he can leg press three times his own body weight.
PERSONAL SPONSORS
Proudly supported by – Yamaha Junior Racing Australia, Yamaha Motor, Fox Racing Australia, Shopy Yamaha Australia, MCD Racing Australia, Roger Moto, Method Moto, Ride Dunlop, Unifilter Australia, Kustom MX, Promo Shack, NGK Spark Plug Australia
You can follow his journey on📸 Instagram: Deeganfort12
Nate Tomerini #637
Nate Tomerini began his motocross journey in 2017, starting out on a recreational license in the demo class. The following year, he stepped up to junior competition and began actively participating in competitive
events.
Over his 8 years in the sport, Nate has built an impressive record, achieving five top-three finishes at the WA State Titles. In 2021, he claimed the 65cc 7–10 State Title and later went on to secure 3rd place in the 85cc Standard Wheel class at the Darwin AJMX.
When he’s not traveling and competing in motocross events, Nate enjoys spending his time fishing.
PERSONAL SPONSORS
Proudly supported by – SRD, Yamaha Australia , Yamalube, Five Star Yamaha, PT Fabrication, Propleat, King Road Brewing, Gearinspec, Underclass, Hagens Haulage, AJM Mechanical, Smartwire WA.
You can follow his journey on📸 Instagram: natetomerini_637 📘Nate Tomerini #637
Sonny Pellicano MX 111
Sonny began his racing journey at just five years old with WJMC, competing in the demo class on a Yamaha Peewee. 
Over the past 12 years, he has continued to pursue his passion for the sport, achieving remarkable success along the way. A dedicated and determined rider, Sonny is a four-time State Champion.
PERSONAL SPONSORS
Proudly supported by – Cullys motorcycles, Fox racing Australia, Propleat, GYTR, Yamaha Australia, Yamalube, Dunlop, 14 Motorsports, Exp Resources, Kerbing West, Eastside Concrete, Trackworx.
You can follow his journey on📸 Instagram: @sonny_pellicano 📘Sonny Pellicano