Temora motorcycle rider Indy Wilesmith has recently returned from a fantastic campaign in the United States. She represented Australia on the international stage against some of the world’s best riders at the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship at Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, Illinois. Indy competed in the Women’s 122cc+ class, gaining valuable experience while delivering several solid performances. The championships started with the Mile event, which was heavily impacted by wet weather. “Due to a buildup of rain days before the event, we were up and running at 8pm after a long, hot day at the track,” Indy said. “We had no practice run, but instead, went straight into qualifying, where I ended with a sixth place. “I went back out in heat 1 and was first off the gate, leading into turn one and the back straight. “With a few technique difficulties, I ended up finishing in fifth. “We were unable to complete the mains, so finishing positions were decided using heat 1 results.” The busy schedule continued with the remaining three events, starting with the Half Mile. Racing both a heat and a main event, Indy crossed the line in seventh place on both occasions. “I also received the Gratitude Bucks - 2026 FTGC cheque,” Indy said. The scheduled TT event was then forced back onto the Half Mile track after rain damaged the jumps. Once again, Indy raced twice and again recorded seventh-place finishes in both the heat and main. The final event was the Short Track, a category Indy had prepared extensively for before travelling overseas. “I was excited because of the practice I’d had done at home prior to our trip,” she said. “Again, I got to ride twice with heat 1 and the main, finishing with seventh place in both. “I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to represent Australia at such a high level. “The memories I’ve created, friendships made and knowledge I’ve gained will have an ongoing impact on my racing career.” Just a few days later, Indy tackled the legendary Peoria TT, one of the most famous events in American flat track racing. Facing the iconic Peoria jump, she qualified second in her heat before claiming third place in the Women’s main event to secure a podium finish. Indy’s results did not go unnoticed back in Temora. Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman praised the young rider’s efforts overseas. “A fine set of achievements on the world stage, Miss Indy,” he said. “Well done, your Temora Shire community is mighty proud of you.” Meanwhile, racing on her local track, the Woodlands Speedway last week in Round 3 of the Temora Motorcycle Club event, Indy won four races, including: • Junior 85/150 • Junior open • Junior girls 85/150 • Junior 125/250
