Daniel Bartsch, 14, recently claimed a place on the podium of the 2009 Motocross State titles.

Competing in the 13 to 16-year-old two-stroke category, Daniel travelled to five rounds of the championship - which started in Murray Bridge in May.

A fifth place finish at Murray Bridge was followed by a fourth at Mt Gambier - even though Daniel had to deal with a flat tyre in one race, still jumping a 60-foot ‘table top’.

Handling a bike around a motocross track is one of the most physically demanding sports, but imagine how hard the 14-year-old had to work to stay in touch with his rivals riding with a flat tyre.

Daniel rides a 2007 Suzuki RM125cc - that has been bored out to 150cc.

He is aiming to move up to the 250cc four-stoke competition for 2010, and has his eye on a new Suzuki RM-Z250.

In the final three rounds the Barossa rider cemented his third position with a good results at Whyalla and Tea Tree Gully.

Daniel had a grip on third spot heading into the final round at Gillman, but only held a four-point advantage - so he had to perform to hold his place.

He rose to the challenge with a good day out, finishing second for the round, and cementing third place overall.

Motorbikes take up most of the youngster’s time.

Daniel’s been riding since he was six-years-old and has dreams of joining the supercross world tour in the future.

Amy Bartsch, Daniel’s 12-year-old sister, also competed in the State titles, as the only female competitor in the 65cc category.

Amy finished the State titles in 10th position, with impressive results against the boys right across the five rounds of the championship.

The Bartsch family loves being involved in competitive motorsport, but could not compete without the help of some key sponsors.

The Lindner Group of Companies, Greenock Creek Wines, Freeling Signs and Andy Morris were all major contributors to the 2009 success.