THROWBACK 2015 MXN WHAT A YEAR!
WILSON TODD HIS JOURNEY TO GLORY
pg. 8
pg. 66
JAY WILSON HIS JOURNEY TO GLORY pg. 59
MXN TOP 10 BEST MOMENTS OF 2015
S P E C I A L
E D I T I O N
pg. 74
KIRK GIBBS
HIS JOURNEY TO GLORY "Australia’s newest MX Nationals champion’s journey to the top was one of great success and adversity. Even though on paper his results were near perfect, his battle with a mid season injury had the champ against the ropes but not out of the fight.” pg. 50
ROUND 1/10 YEARBOOK
MX NATIONALS
SPECIAL EDITION 23.9.2015
KNOW W H AT IT TA K E S 2016 GEAR YOUR ADVANTAGE IS DROPPING THIS AUGUST.
THORMX.COM
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T INTROD R I D U MX Nat ionals 2015 Sp ec ial Throwback Edit ion
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S eri es Du rat i on || 29t h M a rc h - 30 A ugust 2015
To celebrate the conclusion of this year’s 2015
We’ll take you behind the scenes, relive the highs
MX Nationals series, we have dedicated this
and the lows, recap on our 2015 MX Nationals
issue of Inside Dirt completely to looking back on
champion’s journey to the top, and jam pack all
this year’s Australian Motocross Championship
of the racing action from this year into one epic
season.
issue.
Join us, as we take you on a visual digital
Celebrate with us, and take in all of the glory of
experience, to remind you of every twist and turn
the 2015 MX Nationals in Inside Dirt.
that got us to those final moments in Coolum where this years champions were finally crowned.
04
CONTENTS Click the page number to visit that page
8
Throwback to each round of the MX Nationals A Year in Images!
50
Kirk Gibbs His Journey to glory
59
Jay Wilson His Journey to glory
66
Wilson Todd His Journey to glory
74
MXN Top 10 Best Moments of 2015
05
CRAZY FAST, SUPER LIGHT, GAME CHANGER 2016 KTM SX RANGE
READY TO RACE
»www.ktm.com.au
PA RT N E R S T H AT P O W E R K T M R A C I N G
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Monster Energy MX1 Round
Motul MX2 Round Overall &
Pirelli MXD Round Overall &
Overall & Championship
Championship
Championship
1) Kirk Gibbs – 74 points
1) Jed Beaton – 65 points
1) Jordan Hill – 35 points
2) Kade Mosig – 64 points
2) Luke Clout – 63 points
2) Dylan Wilson – 32 points
3) Luke Styke – 58 points
3) Takeshi Katsuya – 62 points
3) Jayden Rykers – 30 points
4) Lawson Bopping – 59 points
4) Jay Wilson – 60 points
4) Wilson Todd – 28 points
5) Cody Cooper – 55 points
5) Nathan Crawford – 51 points
5) Wayde Carter – 26 points
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MX1 Round Overall
Motul MX2 Round Overall
Pirelli MXD Round Overall
1) Kade Mosig – 63 points
1) Luke Clout – 65 points
1) Wilson Todd – 65 points
2) Kirk Gibbs– 62 points
2) Jay Wilson – 65 points
2) Toby Stevens – 58 points
3) Luke Styke – 62 points
3) Nathan Crawford – 58 points
3) Connor Tierney – 55 points
4) Daniel Reardon – 60 points
4) Jed Beaton – 53 points
4) Jesse Madden – 54 points
5) Jesse Dobson – 54 points
5) Takeshi Katsuya – 51 points
5) Bailey Coxon – 52 points
MX1 Championship
MX2 Championship
Pirelli MXD Championship
1) Kirk Gibbs – 141 points
1) Luke Clout – 130 points
1) Wilson Todd – 93 points
2) Kade Mosig – 127 points
2) Jay Wilson – 127 points
2) Toby Stevens – 82 points
3) Luke Styke – 120 points
3) Jed Beaton – 118 points
3) Connor Tierney – 76 points
4) Lawson Bopping – 113 points
4) Takeshi Katsuya – 113 points
4) Bailey Coxon – 74 points
5) Adam Monea – 99 points
5) Nathan Crawford – 109 points
5) Jesse Madden – 74 points
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MX1 Round Overall
MX2 Round Overall
MXD Round Overall
1) Luke Styke 65
1) Luke Clout 70
1) Wilson Todd 65
2) Adam Monea 60
2) Jed Beaton 62
2) Wayde Carter 61
3) Kirk Gibbs 59
3) Takeshi Katsuya 58
3) Jesse Madden 58
4) Cody Cooper 53
4) Geran Stapleton 53
4) Jayden Rykers 56
5) Dylan Long 49
5) Wade Hunter 50
5) Kaleb Barham 56
MX1 Championship
MX2 Championship
MXD Championship
1) Kirk Gibbs 204
1) Luke Clout 200
1) Wilson Todd 158
2) Luke Styke 185
2) Jed Beaton 180
2) Jesse Madden 132
3) Kade Mosig 169
3) Jay Wilson 175
3) Toby Stevens 123
4) Adam Monea 159
4) Takeshi Katsuya 171
4) Connor Tierney 122
5) Lawson Bopping 158
5) Wade Hunter 145
5) Kaleb Barham 122
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ON DEMAND
dge , S o ut h Aust i r B rali rray u a || THRO R U M O WB D F K
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MX1 Round Overall
MX2 Round Overall
MXD Round Overall
1) Kirk Gibbs 67
1) Caleb Ward 70
1) Connor Tierney 67
2) Adam Monea 63
2) Luke Arbon 64
2) Jayden Rykers 60
3) Daniel Reardon 60
3) Takeshi Katsuya 56
3) Jordan Hill 58
4) Kade Mosig 57
4) Wade Hunter 53
4) Jesse Madden 55
5) Lawson Bopping 51
5) Kyle Webster 52
5) Wayde Carter 52
MX1 Championship
MX2 Championship
MXD Championship
1) Kirk Gibbs 274
1) Luke Clout 243
1) Wilson Todd 197
2) Luke Styke 235
2) Takeshi Katsuya 227
2) Connor Tierney 189
3) Adam Monea 227
3) Jay Wilson 227
3) Jesse Madden 187
4) Kade Mosig 227
4) Jed Beaton 202
4) Wayde Carter 174
5) Lawson Bopping 213
5) Wade Hunter 198
5) Jayden Rykers 171
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MX1 Round Overall
MX2 Round Overall
MXD Round Overall
1) Lawson Bopping 64
1) Caleb Ward 67
1) Connor Tierney 67
2) Kirk Gibbs 63
2) Nathan Crawford 60
2) Wilson Todd 65
3) Ben Townley 61
3) Jay Wilson 54
3) Jayden Rykers 62
4) Kade Mosig 54
4) Takeshi Katsuya 54
4) Jesse Madden 54
5) Luke Styke 54
5) Luke Arbon 49
5) Bailey Coxon 53
MX1 Championship
MX2 Championship
MXD Championship
1) Kirk Gibbs 341
1) Luke Clout 286
1) Wilson Todd 262
2) Luke Styke 289
2) Takeshi Katsuya 281
2) Connor Tierney 256
3) Adam Monea 283
3) Jay Wilson 281
3) Jesse Madden 241
4) Lawson Bopping 282
4) Jed Beaton 250
4) Jayden Rykers 233
5) Kade Mosig 281
5) Wade Hunter 246
5) Bailey Coxon 218
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al, r t n e C MX SIX
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MX1 Round Overall
MX2 Round Overall
MXD Round Overall
1) Kirk Gibbs 67
1) Caleb Ward 67
1) Wilson Todd 67
2) Matt Moss 63
2) Jay Wilson 62
2) Connor Tierney 63
3) Luke Styke 62
3) Dylan Wills 53
3) Mitchell Evans 60
4) Daniel Reardon 52
4) Luke Clout 52
4) Jayden Rykers 60
5) Adam Monea 51
5) Luke Arbon 51
5) Toby Stevens 51
MX1 Championship
MX2 Championship
MXD Championship
1) Kirk Gibbs 411
1) Jay Wilson 343
1) Wilson Todd 329
2) Luke Styke 351
2) Luke Clout 338
2) Connor Tierney 319
3) Adam Monea 334
3) Takeshi Katsuya 323
3) Jayden Rykers 293
4) Kade Mosig 331
4) Jed Beaton 300
4) Jesse Madden 282
5) Lawson Bopping 320
5) Wade Hunter 288
5) Bailey Coxon 261
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SEV D UN O R
MX1 Round Overall
MX2 Round Overall
MXD Round Overall
1) Kade Mosig 65
1) Caleb Ward 62
1) Jayden Rykers 70
2) Adam Monea 60
2) Takeshi Katsuya 61
2) Mitchell Evans 62
3) Kirk Gibbs 58
3) Jay Wilson 60
3) Wilson Todd 58
4) Luke Styke 57
4) Luke Clout 59
4) Connor Tierney 58
5) Daniel Reardon 54
5) Nathan Crawford 58
5) Bailey Coxon 50
MX1 Championship
MX2 Championship
MXD Championship
1) Kirk Gibbs 471
1) Jay Wilson 403
1) Wilson Todd 387
2) Luke Styke 408
2) Luke Clout 397
2) Connor Tierney 377
3) Kade Mosig 397
3) Takeshi Katsuya 384
3) Jayden Rykers 363
4) Adam Monea 394
4) Jed Beaton 349
4) Jesse Madden 320
5) Lawson Bopping 375
5) Wade Hunter 329
5) Bailey Coxon 311
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N e w S o ut h Wale , a r w s No ||
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EIGH D UN O R
MX1 Round Overall
MX2 Round Overall
MXD Round Overall
1) Daniel Reardon 67
1) Luke Clout 65
1) Jayden Rykers 70
2) Dylan Long 59
2) Jay Wilson 62
2) Wilson Todd 64
3) Kade Mosig 58
3) Dylan Wills 61
3) Zak Small 54
4) Luke Styke 55
4) Nathan Crawford 54
4) Mitchell Evans 54
5) Adam Monea 55
5) Takeshi Katsuya 51
5) Jesse Madden 54
MX1 Championship
MX2 Championship
MXD Championship
1) Kirk Gibbs 530
1) Jay Wilson 465
1) Jayden Rykers 70
2) Luke Styke 465
2) Luke Clout 462
2) Wilson Todd 64
3) Kade Mosig 456
3) Takeshi Katsuya 435
3) Zak Small 54
4) Adam Monea 449
4) Jed Beaton 395
4) Mitchell Evans 54
5) Lawson Bopping 429
5) Wade Hunter 362
5) Jesse Madden 54
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MX1 Round Overall
MX2 Round Overall
MXD Round Overall
1) Kade Mosig 70
1) Jay Wilson 65
1) Wilson Todd 67
2) Adam Monea 60
2) Takeshi Katsuya 65
2) Jayden Rykers 63
3) Ben Townley 58
3) Caleb Ward 64
3) Jesse Madden 62
4) Kirk Gibbs 56
4) Dylan Wills 54
4) Mitchell Evans 53
5) Luke Styke 53
5) Wade Hunter 49
5) Kaleb Barham 49
MX1 Championship
MX2 Championship
MXD Championship
1) Kirk Gibbs 589
1) Jay Wilson 530
1) Wilson Todd 518
2) Kade Mosig 528
2) Luke Clout 509
2) Jayden Rykers 496
3) Luke Styke 518
3) Takeshi Katsuya 500
3) Connor Tierney 471
4) Adam Monea 513
4) Jed Beaton 443
4) Jesse Madden 436
5) Lawson Bopping 471
5) Caleb Ward 417
5) Bailey Coxon 393
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MX1 Round Overall
MX2 Round Overall
MXD Round Overall
1) Ben Townley 67
1) Jay Wilson 70
1) Wilson Todd 67
2) Adam Monea 61
2) Nathan Crawford 62
2) Mitchell Evans 65
3) Luke Styke 58
3) Jed Beaton 56
3) Toby Stevens 56
4) Kirk Gibbs 54
4) Caleb Ward 56
4) Bailey Coxon 55
5) Dylan Long 53
5) Luke Clout 50
5) Jesse Madden 52
MX1 Championship
MX2 Championship
MXD Championship
1) Kirk Gibbs 647
1) Jay Wilson 600
1) Wilson Todd 585
2) Kade Mosig 586
2) Luke Clout 559
2) Jayden Rykers 528
3) Adam Monea 577
3) Takeshi Katsuya 541
3) Connor Tierney 518
4) Luke Styke 577
4) Jed Beaton 499
4) Jesse Madden 488
5) Lawson Bopping 523
5) Caleb Ward 473
5) Bailey Coxon 448
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WE BUILD A TRIP TO THE PODIUM INTO EVERY TYRE.
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M X 1
C H A M P I O N
#1
KIRK GIBBS HIS JOURNEY TO GLORY
Round 1 Horsham: (1st, 1st)
still a lot of rounds a lot of racing
1st Overall - 70 points
to go so anything can happen, so
Coming off a second place finish in
we’ll just keep our head down but
the MX1 Championship standings
up, and keep moving forward.”
in 2014, KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs headed to
Round 2 Appin: (3rd, 2nd)
round one determined not to be
3rd Overall – 62 points
bridesmaid in 2015. With a solid
With renewed confidence after
pre-season in New Zealand under
his success at round one, Gibbs
his belt Gibbs, raced to a close
headed to Appin in New South
to perfect result at the opening
Wales looking for a round one
pick it up and into damage control
round. Taking both race wins, and
repeat. In moto one, Gibbs was
– just go as hard as I could right
securing second in SuperPole,
caught up in a first turn crash that
to the end. Although it was really
Gibbs took the points lead at
proved to be costly, and although
disappointing to go down in the
Horsham, and set himself up for a
Gibbs recovered and raced to third
first turn it still wasn’t too bad.”
year of success.
place, in his books it was just not
“It feels good, I was only one
good enough. In moto two, Gibbs
my bad days, I had my back brake
point off being perfect for the day.
showed his determination, and
fade away about 10 min into the
I got a good start and put myself
despite losing his rear break, raced
second moto, so, trying to ride
in good positions to lead some
to second position, handing him
this track with just a front brake
laps and ride my own lines, which
third for the day, and maintaining
was pretty tricky, but I was still
was nice. I was really comfortable
his championship lead.
good enough to even close the gap
today with the track and everything
“Qualifying went good; I
there on Dan. I just had to ride the
and my bike was awesome, so I’m
qualified fastest and felt really
best I could with what I had. But
really happy, but like everything
well. I got the holeshot in the first
hats off to the team, the boys had
there’s always next week.”
moto, but then just pushed a little
to work very hard between motos
“So I’ll just keep building it
too hard around the second turn
because I bent the bike up a little
and keep getting after it. There are
and lost the front. After that, it was
bit.”
50
“Let’s hope this is one of
51
Round 3 Broadford: (7th, 1st)
early on I came together with John
chipped away at his lead, got back
3rd Overall – 59 points
Phillips and went down so I had to
on and just waited for my move.
As the series progressed to the
regroup and get going again. I was
When I put it on him I just tried to
historic venue of Broadford, Gibbs
charging, got up to third and was
sprint away at the end and I pulled
showed the motocross fraternity
catching those front two boys, but
out about a five or six second lead.
why in 2015 he was labeled the
was just pushing too hard and had
I’m really happy to bounce back with
‘diesel’ of the MX Nationals. In race
another big crash, so it was just
a win, but I’m going to have to keep
one Gibbs once again was caught
sort of damage control from there
my bike off the deck in future, that’s
up in an early crash, and despite
- trying to ride the best I could with
not the way to win a championship,
recovering and looking to move
my bike all bent up. It was a decent
so I’ve got to be a little bit smarter
into third, Gibbs once again went
crash that second one so I’m going
with that.”
down, eventually crossing the line
to be sore for a couple of days - a
in seventh. In race two however,
stupid mistake that could have been
Round 4 Murray Bridge: (1st, 2nd)
his ‘never give up’ attitude was
pretty costly.”
1st Overall – 67 points
showcased. A sore and sorry Gibbs
“In the second moto I got a
When the MX Nationals headed
fought hard to bounce back with the
great start and I got into the lead
to Murray Bridge, Gibbs had the
win in race two, once again handing
pretty quick. Then Reardon had
upper hand as the MX1 series
him third spot on the podium, and
a couple of better lines and was
leader returned to his home state
the red plate leading in to round
riding well, but I knew if I stayed
in South Australia. Having had
four.
with him I could pressure towards
success at the venue in 2014,
“Second in the super Pole
the end. I made a little mistake and
Gibbs was determined to put in
was good for points, and in the
he got away from me, but I just put
a solid performance on home
first moto was going all right, but
my head down and charged and
turf for his family and friends. In
53
race one, Gibbs rode to a tidy first
1-1. I’m really happy with extending
podium and with a 52 point lead on
place, while in race two Adam
the points lead though, and making
teammate Luke Styke as the series
Monea edged Gibbs out handing
a decent gap to keep trying to open
kick started the mid-season break.
him second. However no one quite
up.”
had what it took to knock Gibbs off
“That first moto was a little
bit tough - I had a great start and
his perch, eventually claiming his
Round 5 Coolum: (4th, 1st)
just went down. It was hard to know
second round win on home soil, and
2nd Overall – 63 points
where people wanted to be on the
further extending his ever growing
With the series having it’s first hit
track, so it was hard to pass, but
championship lead.
out at Coolum for the year, Gibbs
I finally got up to fourth so I was
I
looked to set himself up with a
reasonably happy, but at the same
qualified well, but I hit a marker in
healthy championship lead, before
time disappointed. I knew with a
SuperPole and my front brake went
the MX Nationals commenced the
good start I could do well in the
a bit spongy. I got two ripper starts
mid-season break. In moto one,
second moto, and I did that, and led
and just tried to ride smart and safe
Gibbs was caught up in a crash
every lap.”
and kept clicking off clean laps.”
after the first turn, which forced
“The boys were pressuring
him to have to fight for a fourth
now. Coming off a strong year last
me, but I was good enough to come
place finish. In race two however,
year and a great off-season, I knew
away with a win in that first moto. I
Gibbs once again proved that no
that I’d be right there, and obviously
made a couple of silly mistakes and
matter what, he will always bounce
going 1-1 in the first round just
Monea got by me, but I was able to
back. After an average moto one,
further boosted my confidence.
keep him honest. I was happy with
Gibbs got to work, and took his
Now when I go to the line I believe
my speed today but those couple of
fifth race win for the season in race
I’m going to win every race. It’s a
little mistakes probably cost me a
two, landing him in second on the
good feeling.”
“The
day
was
good,
“ We’ve got a big points lead
Round 6 Raymond Terrace: (2nd,
to turn it around and have some
Having crashed while training,
1st) 1st Overall – 67 points
good luck is a bit of a weight off
Gibbs made his way to Victoria
Fresh off a break from the MX
my shoulders to finally get a win
with a fractured shoulder blade,
Nationals,
to
here. First moto I pulled a ripper
and was forced to ride through
competition at Raymond Terrace,
start, but I just struggled a little bit
excruciating pain in order to
looking to break the bad luck
and just didn’t feel 100% confident
maintain his championship lead.
tradition that the venue has dished
in the bike, so after that first moto
However in his true ‘diesel’
out the KTM rider in the past. And
I sat down with a team, Danny did
engine style, Gibbs fought through
break tradition he did. In moto
some changes to the suspension
pain, and not only maintained his
one, Gibbs went head to head
and we went 100% in the right
championship lead, but concluded
with defending MX1 champ Matt
direction.”
the round in third overall.
Moss, both putting on one of the
performances of the year – Moss
ride in that second moto. I just
toughest day pain-wise that I’ve
managing to put the pass on Gibbs
had a lot of fun, I was third with a
had - ever, probably. That first
forcing him to settle for second. In
start, and Reardon got past me in
moto nearly had me in tears at
race number two Gibbs had a point
the first couple of laps while I was
the end of it, that’s how bad the
to prove, battling with a number of
gelling with the bike, and then I
pain was. I just thank God for the
riders before launching himself
started ticking off laps and went
adrenaline - once it kicks in.”
into the lead and taking the race
into the lead.”
Gibbs
returned
“It was such a blessing to
“That’s
probably
the
“It was the sort of track
that suits me with big deep ruts
win. With bad luck behind him, Gibbs extended the MX1 lead at
Round 7 Shepparton: (3rd, 4th)
and all that. But in the condition
Raymond Terrace, and continued
3rd Overall – 58 points
that I was in, I’m easily happy
to set himself up for his first 450
Coming off the high experienced
to come away with third overall
championship win.
at round six, Gibbs headed to
today. Now I just want to go away
“It was a good day, like I
round seven at Shepparton feeling
and get this thing back two 100%
said beforehand, Raymond Terrace
the low the sport dishes out, and
and just come out at Nowra injury-
hasn’t been the best for me, so
with a tough task ahead of him.
free and have a good go.”
55
Round 8 Nowra: (5th, 4th) 6th Overall – 54 points With only a two-week turnaround from round seven to round eight, Gibbs was behind the eight ball as the MX Nationals headed to Nowra. Despite Gibbs still recovering from his fractured shoulder blade, he kick started his round eight campaign in spectacular fashion – riding to the Go Pro Super pole win, on a tough and tight circuit. However when racing commenced, luck proved not to be on Gibbsy’s side – after collecting fifth in race one and fourth in race two, Gibbs finished the round in sixth overall – round eight being the first time in 2015 that Gibbs was not present on the Monster MX1 podium.
“Just a lack of bike time and silly mistakes
cost me today. It was great to get fastest Super Pole lap, but in the first moto I was sitting fourth and after the rain and just struggling a little bit with water behind my tearoffs. I had a little crash, regrouped, then had another crash so two crashes really set me back. In the second I got a good start and was sitting third and felt like I could win, but made another little mistake and went down.”
“I was coming back through again and then
stalled it! I’m looking forward to getting some good bike time in over the next couple of weeks and getting back to where I know I can be.”
56
Round 9 Toowoomba: (5th, 3rd) 4th
Overall – 56 points
good guys though and make a good
coming, and it’s so hard to explain
As the MX Nationals headed to an
charge, but towards the end I just
because you put so much time and
old favorite – Echo Valley, Gibbs
made a couple of little mistakes
effort into it, and this year has felt
was provided with the opportunity
and those two boys got away. I’m
so long for me,” he said.
to wrap up the 2015 MX1 title early.
disappointed, but overall I only lost
Determined to put his toughest
three points. Hopefully we can get
swinging this year, and had a really
round of the season at Nowra
this thing wrapped up in the first
good pre season, and that showed at
behind him, Gibbs took to the track
moto at Coolum and then I can
round one when I took 1-1 results.
at Toowoomba looking to redeem
come out swinging and try to finish
himself. After moto one, hopes of
on a high.”
I’ll be racing the MXGP at Glen
“I was able to pick off some
It’s been such a long time
“I made sure a came out
“I just got some news that
Helen in a couple of weeks so, I’m
an early wrap up look dismal with Gibbs taking fifth. In moto two, a
Round 10 Coolum: (3rd, 7th) 4th
excited to chase over there and see
disappointed Gibbs raced to third,
Overall – 54 points
what it’s all about.
and was handed with fourth overall
As the series headed to the final
for round nine. Despite losing three
round of the year in Coolum, Gibbs
is really unexplainable. When I had
championship points at round nine,
was armed with the knowledge that
that injury a little doubt did enter
Gibbs headed to Coolum with a
only a 20th position in moto one
my head, but we fought through
healthy 61 point lead on CDR’s Kade
would see him crowned Australia’s
and I’m just so happy that I was able
Mosig who moved into second after
national champion. After getting to
to get this done. It’s an amazing
round nine.
a decent start in moto one, Gibbs
feeling and to win an Australian MX
“In the first moto I struggled
fought hard and raced to third
Nationals championship is a dream
with the ruts – they moved a lot
position in the opening race – third
come true.
because they were so moist but
being more than enough to secure
when I changed my lines, they were
his first ever Monster Energy
the people who support me. It takes
actually worse. Second moto was a
MX1 title. With the championship
a massive team and it’s an amazing
lot better, but some dust got blown
done and dusted, Gibbs rode to
feeling having so many people
in front of me coming into turn four
a comfortable seventh in moto
believe in you, and I’m so happy to
and I couldn’t see going into a rut
two, relishing in being crowned
be able to finally repay them with a
and nearly went down.”
Australia’s newest Champion.
title.”
“Getting this championship
“I wouldn’t be here without
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M X 2
C H A M P I O N
#1
JAY WILSON HIS JOURNEY TO GLORY
Round 1 Horsham: (4th, 2nd)
a lapper and ended up finishing
4th Overall - 60 points
fourth, which now that I look at it,
Coming off a New Zealand MX2
cost me the overall for the day.”
Championship win, Wilson headed to round one in high spirits,
Round 2 Appin: (1st, 2nd)
looking to put together a solid,
2nd Overall – 67 points
consistent
Having spent the two weeks after
motocross
season.
After qualifying third, Wilson got
Horsham
to impressive starts in both motos.
his family, while brother Dylan
In moto one, Wilson was sitting
was in ICU in a coma, Wilson
in second position, before coming
headed to round two of the series,
together with a lapper resulting
underprepared and going through
in him dropping positions, and
emotional turmoil. Despite many
having to settle for fourth, while
people
in race two Wilson rode to second.
Wilson would show at round two at
accident at round one.”
However, the turning point in the
all, Wilson arrived at Appin ready
day for Wilson came post race,
to get his job done. In moto one,
it was one of the hardest days of
when his brother Dylan Wilson
Wilson rode to the most emotional
racing mentally I have ever had.
was involved in a critical incident
race win of the season after battling
in the MXD class, causing racing
with former teammate Luke Clout.
awesome
to be cancelled and Wilson’s world
In moto two, it was Clout’s turn to
day, and although it was a hard
thrown in to disarray.
take the race win, and with a victory
emotionally, the racing itself was
each, Clout was awarded the round
awesome.
pre season was very good, but we
two win on a count back.
“Today was a rough day. My
in
being
unsure
into
with
whether
Appin,
brother having a life threatening “To be completely honest,
“Clouty and I had some battles
the
whole
“I really would have liked to
were a bit rushed getting the bike
I
have gotten the win in the second
set up for round one.”
had only rode on the Saturday
moto to get the overall, but second
“I felt really good in the
before and it had been a complete
for the day was good for me
first race, but I came together with
emotional rollercoaster with my
considering the circumstances.”
58
“Heading
Melbourne
59
Round 3 Broadford: (2nd, 15th)
him finish in a disappointing 15th
Round 4 Murray Bridge: (4th, 7th)
6th Overall – 48 points
place. Taking sixth overall for the
6th Overall – 52 points
With things beginning to get back
round, Broadford saw Wilson lose
With
on track on the home front, and
valuable championship points, with
Broadford
confirmation that brother Dylan
Clout collecting the round overall.
headed to round four at Murray
would make a full recovery, Wilson
“It took me a while to find my
Bridge hoping to make a real
headed to round three at Broadford,
flow in moto one, and really I was
charge on the 2015 championship.
looking to get back into the swing
lucky to come away with a second
Despite two poor starts, and going
of the championship. In moto one,
in that first race.”
down during qualifying, Wilson
Wilson chased former teammate
“In race two, I got a terrible
recovered to take fourth in moto
Clout for the entire 30 minutes,
start in race two, and I was penalized
one, and seventh in moto two (after
however was unable to catch him,
twice which dropped me back to
a first turn pile up, to take sixth
eventually finishing the race in
15th - I had to work really hard in
overall for the round. Despite less
second. Moto two at Broadford
that moto to try and fix things.
than desirable results, Wilson was
was one Wilson would prefer to
“If you put yourself in bad
able to capitalize on the misfortune
put behind him. After getting to an
positions, bad things happen, so
of closest rival Clout who crashed
average start Wilson was penalized
we’ll regroup and look at what we
hard in qualifying, and narrow down
twice during moto two, costing him
can work on to make sure the same
the championship lead at Murray
30 seconds, and eventually seeing
things don’t happen again.”
Bridge
a
challenging behind
outing
him,
at
Wilson
61
“Two bad starts today. I
of how racing would play out. With
moto one, and they removed the
went down in the first turn in the
Clout booked in for surgery straight
strapping as I was finding it hard
last moto, and made that whole
after the round, Coolum provided
to breathe and stand up, and the
race pretty difficult for myself.”
the perfect opportunity for Wilson
result in the second race proved
“I had to come from second
to close in on Clout’s championship
that was the right decision.
last through the pack and being the
lead. However with injury strapping
shorter moto of the day, I ran out of
inhibiting Wilson’s mobility in race
for a while, but Crawford and Ward
time.
one, he raced to a disappointing
passed me with a few laps to go and
“No excuses though, I’ll be
seventh. In race two, Wilson led for
I ended up third. Third overall for
working on my starts over the next
a good portion of the moto, before
the day is an improvement, but we
couple of weeks, and we’ll look to
crossing the line in third, handing
can do better that’s for sure.”
turn things around at Coolum.”
him third for the day, and narrowing
the points margin after a tough Round 5 Coolum: (7th, 3rd)
outing for Clout.
3rd Overall – 54 points
Rumored to have had a nasty crash
a pretty nasty fall during the week
in the lead up to the fifth round of
while training, and I was in a lot of
the MX Nationals, Wilson headed to
pain in moto one.”
familiar territory at Coolum unsure
“I went and saw Racesafe after
“Prior to this round, I’d had
“I was leading in race two
Round 6 Raymond Terrace: (3rd,
and we managed to take the lead
hands. For 20 minutes, Clout and
2nd) 2nd Overall – 62 points
in the championship after the first
Wilson went head to head – Clout
Arriving
race.”
eventually edging out Wilson
to
Raymond
Terrace
fresh off a month of training in
“I
knew
I
needed
to
to take the race win. However,
New Zealand with multiple time
capitalize on Cloutys results this
consistency proved to be key at
champ, and team manager Josh
weekend, and we had a solid finish
round seven, Wilson finishing
Coppins, Wilson was tipped to be
in race two.
the day in third overall, and
a force to be reckoned with when
maintaining
the series recommenced. In moto
in the championship, so we’ll just
lead.
one, Wilson battled with the likes
take it race by race, and focus on
of Dylan Wills and Caleb Ward
our program for the rest of the
like it was going to be a technical
ensuring that his title threats
year.”
track, but they way it formed up
“We only have a small lead
his
championship
“Shepparton didn’t look
through out the day, it ended up
remained behind him – a third place being all that was required
Round 7 Shepparton: (4th, 2nd)
being one of the toughest tracks
to secure the championship lead
3rd Overall – 60 points
we have all rode this year.”
from former teammate Clout.
As the series progressed back to
With a second place in race two,
Victoria, Wilson looked to maintain
one and second in moto two,
and Clout having a round to forget,
his newly acquired championship
we managed to finish on the
Wilson emerged from round six
lead. With Clout looking to be
podium again, and maintain that
the new MX2 championship leader.
back to form, and Takeshi Katsuya
championship lead.
up
continuing to pose a real threat
struggled. I got arm pump in moto
on the 2015 MX2 title, Wilson
the moment is to keep things
one, and Willsy and Ward managed
lead for the majority of moto one,
consistent, and finish every race.
to pull a bit of a gap on me – my
before struggling with the track
I’m not thinking too much about
main goal in moto one was to
and dropping back to fourth. In
the championship, just putting
finish ahead of Taka and Clouty, so
moto two, Wilson knew he had
together some good races.”
I just did what needed to be done
a
“Today
I
straight
championship
fight
on
his
“With a fourth in moto
“The
goal
for
us
at
Round 8 Nowra: (3rd, 2nd) 2nd Overall – 62 points As the MX Nationals continued in New South Wales, the Clout and Wilson battle for the MX2 title continued. On a track where starts were absolutely crucial, Wilson felt the blow of a first turn pile up, that saw the red plate holder forced to have to race to a podium from dead last. With Clout out in front, Wilson put the foot down, and recorded the ride of his season, crossing the line in third and narrowly holding on to his championship lead by a single point. In moto two, the result would determine who would leave round eight with the red plate. With that in mind, Wilson got to work, blowing past Clout to finish in second behind Wills – maintaining his red plate status, and gracing the podium for the third time since Raymond Terrace.
“Today was one of the best days I’ve
ever had racing. On paper it could have been better, but I felt really comfortable on the bike, and my speed was where it needs to be.” “I knew lining up for that second moto that I had to beat Clouty to keep the lead in the championship, so I got to work and did what needed to be done.
“A good day for me in the books,
and I’m feeling good about heading over to new Zealand for some more testing, and then back to my home state in Queensland now for the final two rounds.”
63
64
Round 9 Toowoomba: (3rd, 1st) 1st
done quite well at Toowoomba - I’ve
win he did. Wilson raced to his best
Overall – 65 points
actually won every senior race I’ve
finish for 2015, taking both race
When the MX Nationals arrived at
done here so far so I’m stoked.
wins and collecting the 2015 Motul
round nine of the series at Echo
MX2 Championship, undefeated at
Valley
Wilson
the JCR Yamaha team. We’ve been
Coolum.
entered the round with only a
working hard this season and it’s
“This feels unbelievable, we have
slim three-point lead on Clout.
showing, our bikes are running
worked so hard to get this win, and
Determined to take control of the
awesome,
a lot of people didn’t believe in me
championship and head to the final
myself and I just can’t wait to get to
at the end of last year,” he said.
round at Coolum in a comfortable
Coolum.”
“I have had Josh Coppins, my family,
in
Toowoomba,
“I can’t say enough about
I’m
really
enjoying
Mike Ward, Ray Howard and the top
position, Wilson raced to third in moto one, behind Ward and
Round 10 Coolum:(1st, 1st)
guys at Yamaha in my corner this
Katsuya, and secured the race win
1st Overall – 70 points
year – they believed in me when no
in moto two, handing him a career
When JCR Yamaha’s Jay Wilson
one else did.
first MX2 round win, and a 21 point
arrived for the final round of racing
“It has been a tough year, with my
lead on Clout as the series moved
on the Sunshine Coast in Coolum,
brother having that big crash at the
on to Coolum for the grand finale.
the well supported privateer effort
start of the season, and honestly I
“It’s good to get the monkey
looked to wrap up a 2015 MX2 title.
was shattered, so to get this done
off my back and get this overall
With a healthy 21 point lead on
for him too is pretty special.
that’s for sure - now I can focus on
Serco Yamaha’s Luke Clout, Wilson
“We’ve worked so hard, and to see
trying to win this championship.”
lined up for moto one, determined
it all pay off today is an absolute
to take race wins at round ten. And
dream come true.”
“I’m pumped, I’ve always
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150279
M X D
C H A M P I O N
#1
WILSON TODD HIS JOURNEY TO GLORY
Round 1 Horsham: (4th) 4th
week break before the next round,
Overall - 28 points
hopefully I will be feeling better
GYTR
Yamaha’s
Wilson
and be able to race properly.”
Todd headed into round one of the 2015 MX Nationals series, carrying
Round 2 Appin: (3rd, 1st) 1st
a number of niggling injuries.
Overall – 65 points
Despite uncertain expectations,
As the series moved on to Appin,
Wilson fought hard at round one,
Todd capitalized on the two week
leading moto one for a period of
break in between round one and
time, before having a small crash,
two, in order to recover from his
forcing him to drop back to fourth.
injuries. With top results put on
With the MXD outing cut short at
the board at the challenging New
round victory.”
round one due to the red flagging
South Wales circuit, it was proof
of race two, Todd concluded the
that the additional healing time
to do a lot of riding but at least
opening round of the year in fourth
was just what was required. Todd
now I’m in a position to be able to
overall.
raced to an outstanding third in
ride and train again so I hope to
sound
moto one, and secured the race
continue to improve from here.
too good but just a few days ago I
win in moto two, to take the round
wasn’t sure if I would even be able
overall and the MXD championship
today as the ruts were long and
to ride.”
lead after round two.
deep. I tried to not over ride them
“It has been a hectic couple
and just be as safe and consistent
the day and get some points which
of months so it was good to just be
as I could and that was enough to
was important and with a two
able to get a race win and take the
get the job done.”
“Fourth
doesn’t
“I was able to get through
66
“I still haven’t been able
“The
track
was
tough
67
Round 3 Broadford: (1st, 3rd) 1st
further extend his championship
round three and we still have a
Overall – 65 points
lead.
seven rounds to go and a lot of
When the series progressed to
historic Broadford, GYTR’s Todd
moto two but I locked bars with
looked to further increase his MXD
the rider alongside me and got off
Round 4 Murray Bridge: (1st, 27th)
championship lead. Fresh off his
balance forcing me to shut it off. I’m
11th Overall – 39 points
first round overall win for the year
not sure if I was last around the first
As the series moved on to the red
at Appin, Todd headed to the State
turn but I wasn’t far away from it. I
loam of Murray Bridge, Todd once
Motorcycling Complex in Victoria
was too scared to turn around and
again looked to be in top form to
quietly confident that he could get
find out.”
secure another round win. Following
the job done once again. Todd got
“But I was able to pass a lot
tradition, Todd once again took
to a flying start in moto one, and
of guys in the first couple of laps
the race win in moto one, before
secured his second moto win for
and when I got to third, Cory let me
disaster struck in race number two.
the season, however in moto two
know the situation on the pit board,
With Murray Bridge proving to be
Todd came together with another
so I just maintained my position and
one of the most challenging tracks
rider and had to fight from close to
finished the race safely.”
so far in 2015, a rough section
dead last to third position. At the
“I was able to gain a few
caught Todd out, leaving him with a
conclusion of the round, Todd did
more points in the championship
wrist injury and forced to circulate
enough to take the round win, and
today which was cool but it’s only
for the remainder of the moto.
“I thought I jumped ok in
racing to do.”
69
“I’m not too sure what happened
and ready to go.”
in those whoops. It’s like I hit
it was uncompetitive and that’s not how I want to race.”
something just under the dirt and it
Round 5 Coolum: (3rd, 1st) 2nd
skipped sideways pretty fast.”
Overall – 65 points
“The second race was better and
“I had been going through
With Coolum marking the half
with a good start it made things a lot
them pretty well all day with no real
waypoint in the 2015 MX Nationals
easier. It wasn’t great and still not at
dramas, so that is hard to explain.
season, Todd headed to familiar
the level I think I should ride at, but
I’m looking forward to the day that
ground in Coolum, determined to
it was a step in the right direction
I turn up at one of these rounds
survive round five and maintain his
and now with a month break before
100% fit and ready to go.”
MXD championship lead. After a
round six, I can get to work and get
“Each round I have had to
round to forget at Murray Bridge,
my season back on track.”
manage some injury or niggle and
Todd raced to third in moto one,
it’s starting to get frustrating. I just
and then took an outstanding race
want to be able to race and ride the
win in moto two, to hand the GYTR
way I know I can and not just get
Yamaha team with second overall
through. After the next round we
for round five.
have a month break so hopefully
in that time I can heal up a bit and
it’s not that it was a third but I didn’t
hit the last half of the season full fit
ride well, my arms pumped up and
“The first moto was terrible,
Round 6 Raymond Terrace: (1st,
nice to get a good result here and
and charged to a much healthier
2nd) 1st Overall – 67 points
reassure that we are headed in the
second, securing another podium
When the MX Nationals resumed
right direction.”
result from round seven in third
from the mid-season break at
overall.
Raymond Terrace in New South
Shepparton which is a track I
“I wasn’t really happy after that
Wales, Todd showed the MXD
have never raced at before, so
first moto as the opening laps
field that with a month of training,
I’m looking forward to racing
were so frustrating with bikes and
testing and healing up his sleeve,
somewhere new and hopefully
riders going everywhere. I had
that he had all the right ingredients
continue to build on our last couple
riders get cross rutted in front of
to take a firm grip on the MXD
of weeks.”
me, others fell of and hit me and
“The next round is at
I was just losing positions just
championship. In moto one at MX Central, Todd once again crossed
Round 7 Shepparton: (5th, 2nd)
trying to stay upright and out of
the line in first position, while in
3rd Overall – 58 points
the way.”
moto two Todd raced to second
When the MX Nationals headed
handing the young gun and the
to Shepparton in country Victoria,
race two and I was inside the top
team yet another round win, and
no one could have expected the
five pretty quickly. I moved into
a healthy championship lead.
technical ability that would be
second and saw that Jayden had
started
required in order to be competitive
a good gap so I put my head down
to feel and ride the way I know I
at the brand new circuit. With most
and tried to make up the time. I
should. During the break in the
riders finding moto one nothing
managed to reel him in but he
championship, I worked hard on
short of a challenge, Todd found
was able to pick up where I was
my riding and then just last week
himself
and
faster and he stayed right with me
I did plenty of testing with the
battled to a disappointing fifth
until I fell with just over a lap to
team and we made some good
position. However in moto two,
go.”
improvements to the bike so it was
Todd looked to redeem himself,
“Today
I
buried
mid-pack
“My start was better in
71
Round 8 Nowra: (2nd, 2nd) 2nd Overall – 64 points With the series reaching the business end of the 2015 motocross season, Todd headed to round eight of the MX Nationals at Nowra looking to put yet another consistent result on the board. With KTM’s Jayden Rykers beginning to become a threat, Todd knew a podium position was the only option at the tight and technical Nowra circuit. In moto one and moto two, Todd raced to second position, and wrapped up yet another round on the MXD podium in second overall behind Rykers.
“The last two rounds I was in
position to win the final motos but I have made a mistake will just a couple of laps to go, so I’m not real happy about that. I felt I rode the last moto pretty well but I need to stay focused right until the very end.”
“We have a two week break now
before we go to Toowoomba so there is time to get things sorted and ensure I come out swinging at the final two rounds.”
72
Round 9 Toowoomba: (1st, 2nd)
in the past so I’m glad we could set
to second position, doing far more
1st Overall – 67 points
ourselves up for a solid last round
than what was required to wrap up
With only two rounds remaining
there.”
the 2015 MXD Championship.
until the final showdown for 2015 in
“I’m super pumped to get
Coolum, Todd headed to round nine
Round 10 Coolum: (1st, 2nd)
this championship win. I came into
determined to get back onto the
1st Overall – 67 points
the season with a lot of injuries and
MXD top step. And return he did.
When the MX Nationals arrived at
I just stepped it up as we went on.”
After taking the opening race win at
Coolum, Todd entered the round
Echo Valley, Todd raced to second
with a 22 point lead on Jayden
family so much, without them this
place in moto two, handing him his
Rykers, and looked to wrap up
really wouldn’t have been possible,
fourth round win for 2015.
his 2015 Pirelli MXD title. After
so it’s nice to reward them with
“The goal this weekend was
getting to a solid start in moto one,
this title after everything they have
to keep that points lead and that’s
Todd battled with Rykers who was
done.
what we did. I got a good start in
putting it all on the line, eventually
that first moto, and I was able to
edging out the KTM mounted
team have put in so much effort
ride my own race. In the second
youngster to take the opening race
this year, so to finish up today with
moto I got stuck behind a rider for
win. Armed with the knowledge
a championship is pretty special.
a while and had to push a bit harder
that he would only need to finish
to get that result.”
in 20th position in order to wrap
tomorrow morning, so I won’t be
“I’ve got a nice lead on
up the championship, Todd raced
able to race Supercross, but to finish
the championship heading in to
the wheels off his bike in moto
up the MX Nationals with the MXD
Coolum, and I have rode well there
two, charging from a rough start
title is awesome – I’m pumped.”
“I have to thank the Beaton
“The whole GYTR Yamaha
“I go in for knee surgery
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MXN TOP 10 BEST MOMENTS OF 2015 The 2015 MX Nationals was nothing if not eventful. Past champions returned, others retired, riders found form, while others floundered. After 10 dramap a c k e d ro u n d s t h e s e r i e s w r a p p e d u p a t C o o l u m o n S u n d a y. W i t h t h e d u s t only just settling after an epic season, we look back on the 10 big moments t h a t d e f i n e d t h i s y e a r ’s c h a m p i o n s h i p .
75
GIBBS BREAKS THROUGH
Right from the first gate-drop of the season KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs proved he was going to be the man to beat this year. The South Australian never left the podium during the first seven rounds and even on days he was beaten for overalls, he managed to continue stretching his championship lead with vital Super Pole points. Then, to gently bring the silverware home he circulated for 4-4-4 over the final three outings, winning his first national title since his junior days and KTM’s first MX1 championship since 2002.
1
THE LONG SHOT
2
Midway through the series Dylan Long received a phone call that he’d been working so hard towards – a fullybacked factory ride. After years operating as a privateer, Long’s seventh position in a choc-full MX1 field attracted the attention of NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Troy Carroll. When Jake Moss sustained his second broken leg of the year, Long was brought into the squad to replace Kiwi Johnny Phillips as the stand-in rider and quickly found his mojo. Within three rounds he found himself on the podium at Nowra and backed that up with a Super Pole win at Toowoomba. He still finished the season in seventh, but it was obvious to all that he could be a title contender next year.
77
NRGTV SUCCESS
After two years of live streaming, the MX Nationals partnered with NRGTV in 2015, to bring MX fans at home a whole new viewing experience. And deliver they did. With good camera placement, an all new live show prior to racing, and a solid production format, MX Nationals fans were able to have their Sunday race day experience from the comfort of their couches.
3
THE RETURN OF TOWNLEY AND REARDON
4
While it wasn’t much of a surprise to see Ben Townley line up for motos this year, his results were nothing short of impressive. For a guy who’s now only racing part-time, he’s still bloody quick. A third overall at Coolum and Toowoomba was backed up with his first overall win since 2012 at the Coolum finale, putting Honda back on top of the box for the first time in years. As for Dan Reardon, his last-minute, left-field inclusion in the CDR Yamaha team blindsided everyone, however he rarely looked out of place, regularly mixing it up at the front of the field and claiming a round win at Nowra.
79
WARD’S SCORCHING FORM
Entering 2015 as a serious MX2 title threat, Caleb Ward’s season started slow with a problematic eighth at Horsham then a knee injury at Appin that saw him sidelined until Murray Bridge. But holy smokes, did he come out with all guns blazing in South Oz. A 1-1 result there was just the start as he went on to win a string of overalls at Coolum, Raymond Terrace and Shepparton. But just when it looked like Ward could do the unthinkable and push for a podium place in the championship, the bad start bug bit him again at Nowra and the final round at Coolum, forcing him to settle for fifth in the final standings
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FORD DALE RETIRES
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One of the biggest surprises this year – and there were plenty of them – was the sudden retirement of 2012 MX2 champion and Penrite Oils Honda Racing factory rider Ford Dale. Fresh after a lengthy trip to the US where he trained with the GOAT Ricky Carmichael during the mid-season break, Dale announced that his heart simply wasn’t in racing any more and he wanted to focus on his young family. While it was a disappointing career finish for both Ford and the Honda team that helped him to his MX2 title three years earlier, the parting was amicable and there were no hard feelings from either camp.
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CLASH OF THE CDR TEAMMATES
There was absolute fireworks at the opening MX1 race at Broadford when CDR Yamaha duo Dan Reardon and Kade Mosig clashed while running 1-2 in the race and both went down. Reardon’s water pump was destroyed in the incident while Mosig limped home to 12th place. Understandably, team manager Craig Dack was livid that his two riders had thrown everything away in a moment of red haze and sat them both down and had a long, hard chat with them afterward. Any tensions between the two riders were left behind closed doors from that day on and from the outside at least, it looked like everything had been smoothed over and all parties had put their troubles behind them.
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SERCO’S MURRAY BRIDGE SHOCKER
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Until round four of the championship at Murray Bridge, the Serco Yamaha team couldn’t put a foot wrong. New rookie Jed Beaton shocked everyone with a round win on his pro debut at Horsham, then Luke Clout claimed wins at Appin and Broadford. Just when it looked like the pairing would carry on their waltz to a 1-2 in the championship, the wheels came off at Murray Bridge where Luke Clout suffered a huge crash in qualifying that rattled his head and broke his thumb. Beaton fared even worse with a brake pedal issue in the first race, then a crash and broken collarbone in the second. Clout finished the day in 10th and Beaton 21st – results that proved to be the beginning of the end of two riders’ title dreams.
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WILSON FINDS FORM
Coming off a dominant performance at the New Zealand Motocross Championships, JCR Yamaha’s Jay Wilson was tipped as a big favourite for the 2015 MX2 title. However it wasn’t until the sixth round at Raymond Terrace that he managed to claw his way into the red plate position. From that moment on he was never headed, although it was the final two rounds – immediately after being selected for the Motocross Of Nations team despite not winning an overall – that he really put the hammer down. Wilson won the final three races of the year on the trot on his way to claiming round victories at Toowoomba and Coolum. Where he ends up next year is still to be decided, but it’ll either be overseas or the MX1 class.
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YAMAHA CLEAN-SWEEPS TWO ROUNDS
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For a manufacturer, winning a round overall is tough enough. Winning all four classes on the same day is practically unheard of. To do that twice in a year is a mere fantasy, but Yamaha did just that this year at both Appin and Toowoomba where their riders won the overall in every class. On both occasions Kade Mosig (MX1), Wilson Todd (MXD) and Hunter Lawrence (Rookies) stood on top of the box, while in the MX2 class the spoils went to Luke Clout (Appin) and Jay Wilson (Toowoomba). There’s no doubt the blue machines – particularly the YZ250F – were devastatingly quick this year.
GALLERY ROUND 10 - COOLUM
N AT E A D A M S Photo by: Nate Adams
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