Inside Dirt Special Edition - MXN Yearbook

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

For your nearest THOR stocklist, contact: Gas Imports Australia Pty. Ltd. Ph: 03 8331-0300 Fax: 03 9331-5816 Email: info@gasimports.com.au www.gasimports.com.au

N

SI

DE

T INTROD R I D U MX Nat ionals 2015 Sp ec ial Throwback Edit ion

CT

IO

N

I

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

Horsham V ict oria THRO

WB

AC

K

NALS CH O I AM AT

PI

O IP

20

SH

15

X

N

||

N

M

U RO

ONE ND

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

Watch It

ON DEMAND

n Appi

||

THRO

WB

AC

K

NALS CH O I AM AT

PI

O IP

20

SH

15

X

N

TWO ND

N

M

U RO

N e w S o ut h Wale s

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

Watch It

ON DEMAND

Broadf

||

THRO

WB

AC

NALS CH O I AM AT

K

PI

O IP

20

SH

15

X

N

EE

N

M

HR D T N U RO

ord V ict oria

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

Watch It

ON DEMAND

dge , S o ut h Aust i r B rali rray u a || THRO R U M O WB D F K

NALS CH O I AM AT

PI

O IP

20

SH

15

X

N

AC

N

N

M

U RO

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

Watch It

ON DEMAND

m, Queensland u l o o C THRO

WB

AC

K

NALS CH O I AM AT

PI

O IP

20

SH

15

X

N

||

N

M

FIVE D UN O R

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

Watch It

ON DEMAND

al, r t n e C MX SIX

OW

BA

CK

NALS CH O I AM AT

PI

O IP

20

SH

15

X

N

D

N

M

R

N OU

N e w S o ut h Wal es || THR

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

Watch It

ON DEMAND

art on, V ict oria p p e h S ||

THRO

WB

AC

K

NALS CH O I AM AT

PI

O IP

20

SH

15

X

N

EN

N

M

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

Watch It

ON DEMAND

N e w S o ut h Wale , a r w s No ||

THRO

WB

AC

K

NALS CH O I AM AT

PI

O IP

20

SH

15

X

N

T

N

M

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

Watch It

ON DEMAND

om Toowo

||

THRO

WB

AC

K

NALS CH O I AM AT

PI

O IP

20

SH

15

X

N

NINE D N

d

N

M

R

OU

ba, Q ueenslan

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

Watch It

ON DEMAND

C oolum

||

THRO

WB

AC

NALS CH O I AM AT

K

PI

O IP

20

SH

15

X

N

ND

N

M

ROU L NA FI

, Queensland

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

Watch It

ON DEMAND

WE BUILD A TRIP TO THE PODIUM INTO EVERY TYRE.

CONGRATULATIONS

JAY WILSON - 2015 MX 2 CHAMPION 62 trips to the top step of the Podium in the MX GP Championship and consecutive MX Nationals titles in Australia prove we build winning tyres.

The Pirelli Scorpion MX range is no exception. Six tread patterns and compounds, built to dominate in all conditions. It’s the choice for professional and amateur riders who want podium performance out of every ride.

FOLLOW PIRELLI MOTO AUS:

L150351

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

ESTER LUBRICANT TECHNOLOGY “Whether it's racing the Australian Off-road Championship or just going riding all day with mates, it's nice to know my bike is lubricated and protected by the best oils on the market.”

Geoff Braico

The 7100 line is a 100% synthetic ester oil and is formulated to meet the latest Euro manufacturer specifications including KTM and HUSQVARNA. ✓ Supreme Engine Protection ✓ Increased Torque and Horsepower Gains ✓ Extreme Gearbox Protection ✓ Ultra Smooth Shifting ✓ Maximum Clutch Performance Available in: 10W40, 10W50, 10W60, 20W50

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

FREELELI PIR

IE BEHAEN VERY WIT

ES* PAIR OF TYR

WE BUILD A TRIP TO THE PODIUM INTO EVERY TYRE AND FOR THE COOLER MONTHS GET A FREE BEANIE WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO RIDE ON SCORPION MX

se e h t Buy

is h t t Ge PLUS SCORE A FREE PIRELLI BEANIE!

62 trips to the top step of the Podium in the MX GP Championship and consecutive MX Nationals titles in Australia prove we build winning tyres.

The Pirelli Scorpion MX range is no exception. Six tread patterns and compounds, built to dominate in all conditions. It’s the choice for professional and amateur riders who want podium performance out of every ride.

To claim head to www.linkint.com.au/pirelli_scorpion_mx_beanie_promotion_2015.html Offer for purchase of 2 Scorpion MX tyres from 01/06/15 to 30/09/15 *Proof of purchase at Australian Motorcycle store is required to claim free Pirelli beanie.

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

HIGH TORQUE REVERSE FED ENGINE I SUPREME HANDLING I TWIN CHAMBER SPEED SENSITIVE KYB SUSPENSION OPTIONAL POWER TUNER I CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON

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

5

FORD DALE RETIRES

6

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.

81

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.

7

SERCO’S MURRAY BRIDGE SHOCKER

8

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.

83

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.

9

YAMAHA CLEAN-SWEEPS TWO ROUNDS

10

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

R.7

R.10 R.1

R.4

R.3

R.2

R.8

R.9

R.5

R.6

M X N T E A M 2 0 1 5

WEM Staff Kevin Williams

Series Director

Christine Williams

Admin Manager

Logistics Jake Williams Jake van Vleit

Race Management Cameron Scheuber

Clerk

Mark Hancock

Assitant Clerk

Margaret Davenport

Race Secretary

Raelene Clout

Sign-on

Media

WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT THE

Misty Walton

Media Manager

T E A M B E H I N D

Jeff Crow

Photographer

Rhys Van Slooten

Designer / Social Media

Y O U

A L L .

U S .

W E

T H A N K

B R I N G

O N

2 0 1 6 !

93

Race Safe Simon Maas

Dr Caroline Heggie

Jon Park

Dr Esra Kilavuz

Paul Van Den Akker

Paul Bellman

Nigel Freeman

Bob Holton

Jacqui Louder

Daryl Pendrey

Melissa Marks

Ben Lynch

Dr Ruth Mitchell

Karen Pendrey

Dr Greg Harris

Peter Monks

Dr Michael Thumm

Ben Clifford

Dr Munish Krishnan

Mick Murray

Dr Andrew Couch

Race Staff

Motorcycling Australia

Steve Cachia

Peter Doyle

Damon Scheuber

Claire Lawrance

Gerard Thooey

All MA Stewards

Dave Garry

Tim Funge

Round Promoters and Partners

Colin Foulds

Horsham MCC

Macarthur MCC

NRGTV

Motorcycling Victoria

Jade Foggo

Director

Lyn Hiddle & Team

Angus Muire

Producer

South Coast MCC

Aiden Williams

Presenter

Motorcycling NSW

Joe Stevens

Commentator

Nowra MCC

Brendan Harrison

Commentator

MX Central

Cooper van Vleit

Cameraman

Todd Huges

Harry Watts

Cameraman

Goulbourne Vally MCC Sun Coast Juniors MCC

Todd Jarratt

Track Commentator

Toowoomba MX Club