PICTON teenage motorcycle-riding sensation Meghan Rutledge created history on Friday by becoming a two-time Australian champion.
The 13-year-old Picton Public School pupil won the inaugural 85cc-150cc, 12-to-under-16 years class and the 125cc-250cc, 13-16 years class at the Australian Junior Female Motocross Championships in Wanneroo, Western Australia.
Meghan, affectionately known as ``Mad Meg'' and her proud mother, Dale, contacted the Advertiser soon after Meghan was crowned Australian champion. ``I feel really, really good,'' Meghan said. ``It's awesome to win both titles.''
A Yamaha rider, Meghan dominated both classes, winning two races and placing second in her other three races in the 85-125cc category.
She won four races and placed second in the five, 125-250cc category races.
Riding on her usual number 222 bike, Meghan adjusted to the wet conditions to produce stunning performances. Her rivals realised Meghan was a force to be reckoned with.
Dale said everyone who had helped her daughter achieve her goal and help send her on the journey to the championships, could be proud, as they have played a role in helping an Australian champion.
She said Meghan's trainer, Greg Moss, played a key role in guiding her daughter to an Australian title.
``I am just over the moon,'' Dale said. ``Meghan had a couple of close races on the smaller bike (85cc) but she did it a bit easier on the 125cc and really dominated.
``Some of the NSW riders have struggled in the ruts on the rough track but I think Meghan adjusted to the conditions well. It's been raining in all her races.'' A Macarthur District Motorcycle Club rider, Meghan will be brought back to earth on Saturday and Sunday the new Australian champion will be back to bread-and-butter racing at Appin on Saturday and Oakdale on Sunday.