Inside Dirt - Issue 13: MX Nationals Round 8

INSIDE UNCUT LIFE ON THE ROAD TO MXN

RIDERS TIPS NAVAGATE WINTER MX

pg. 56

pg. 28

PLUG CHOP INTERVIEW WITH JAYDEN RYKERS

MYTH BUSTERS THE FUN OF CONTROVERSY

pg. 42

pg. 40

JED BEATON GAINS CONTROLL OF THE RED PLATE IN MX2 After a dominating performance at broadford and some bad luck from our early series leader Caleb Ward, Jed Beaton has grabbed the red plate with no sign of letting it go. Can he go all the way? pg. 110

WHO WILL IT BE? ONLY 15 POINTS SEPERATE THE TOP 3 IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP, WILL IT BE DEAN FERRIS, TODD WATERS OR KIRK GIBBS

ROUND 8 S H E P PA R T O N

MX NATIONALS

ISSUE 13 26.7.2016

Todd Waters

Wilsons Cool Air Motul Suzuki Team

MX Nationals When it was announced that Todd Waters was returning from Europe to race the Australian MX Nationals, there was a shudder heard throughout the pits. Todd’s raw speed and technical approach to his racing craft is what puts him at a level above most. Combining Todd’s talent with the technical know-how from his mechanic Jason, there is nothing left to chance. And when it came down to engine performance and protection, they both demanded Motul 300V.

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MAGIC MOMENT Nothing beats that feeling of standing on the podium spraying the guys you compete with all day in the face with champagne! Dean Ferris, Kirk Gibbs and Todd Waters getting into it..

FLIP YOUR PHONE HORIZONTAL TO VIEW THE FULL IMAGE

MAGIC MOMENT You now what they say keep your friends closer and enemy’s closer, Well in this case the top 3 boys in the MX1 class choosing to line up next to each other in both motos at round 7.

FLIP YOUR PHONE HORIZONTAL TO VIEW THE FULL IMAGE

TA K E T O T H E U N K N O W N

COMP CODE: 47- TODDWATERS

Two weeks have passed since we dropped our last issue, and there’s been plenty of racing across the country since then, ensuring this edition of Inside Dirt is just as big as the last!

The Motul MX Nationals had its second mud round for the year in the ‘Sunshine State’ Queensland just over a week ago, and championships in all three of the national classes are now tighter than ever.

In the Thor MX1 class the top two riders are separated by 6 points, the top two in the Motul MX2 class only 7 points, and the red plate holder in the Pirelli MXD class leads by a tiny 13 points. One thing is for sure, every single moto is going to count from here to Coolum.

As well as looking at all of the Motul MX Nationals, will also bring you all of the results from Rounds 7 & 8 of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship at Hedley in Victoria.

As always expect unique, killer columns from our regular contributors, bringing you in to the world of Motorcycling Mythbusting, Riders Tips and more as we head into round 8 of the championship.

So if you want the scoop on what is happening across the country in the world of dirt bikes, start turning the pages, because Issue 13 has just landed.

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WHATS INSIDE 16

Behind the Gate

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Round 7 Retro Round Gallery

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Riders Tips

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Myth Busters

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MW Plug Chop - Jayden Rykers

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Inside Uncut - Life Inside MXN

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Race Recap - Jed Beaton

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GoPro Trackside Gallery

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7 Questions with Dan Reardon

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Ex Champ unlocks pro’s secrets

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Hit and Miss

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What’s on Sunshine coast

105 Round 7 Schedule 108 MX1 Round Recap 118 MX2 Round Recap 126 MXD Round Recap 138 Spy Offtrack Gallery 144 MXN Team Press & Gallery 173 AORC Rounds 7 & 8

ID ISSUE #13

INSIDE UNCUT What’s life like on the road with the MX Nationals?

Aiden shares his life experience.

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Page 56

MYTH BUSTERS The fun of controversy! We compare the different rider personality’s in our sport and find which is better long term.

Page 40

74 RIDERS TIPS Winter is coming! Well its already here and I’m sure your feeling it on and off the track. Here are some tips to improve your raceday performance in Winter.

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THROWBACK WITH JOHN TISDALE This was a SX National Event held at Gosford.

Chad Reed had flown in by helicopter and there was an audience of about 18,000 people. A big deal for a little kid (Kieran Tisdale) I have no idea where he came but his mother seems to think he podiumed but you need to be wary of mothers memories.

As a parent, the fact that he treasures that moment and photo makes everything worthwhile. “Have fun. If you’re not having fun, there is no point in being here. The rest will come”

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MAJOR GIVEAWAYS INSIDE STAY TUNED TO @INSIDEDIRT AND @MXNATIONALS SOCIAL MEDIA TO FIND OUT HOW TO

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Inside Dirt Competition Terms and Conditions.

The Inside Dirt Digital Magazine Product Competition is a competition promoted by Williams Event Management. Entrants must reside in Australia, and have an Australian postal address. Competition will start on Thursday July 28 at 5:00pm AEST and will close on Thursday August 11 at 5:00pm AEST. Winners will be chosen at random. By entering the Inside Dirt Digital Magazine Product Competition entrants give permission for Williams Event Management, the MX Nationals, and partners to add entrant’s details to distribution lists. Prizes will be as stipulated in Competition description unless product is not available, where by it will be replaced with an alternative prize. Standard SMS charges apply.

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BEHIND THE GATES If you wanted to see Australia’s Motocross Championships go down to the wire this year, well you’ve sure got what you asked for across all classes at the Motul MX Nationals.

With seven rounds in the books, I’m still pinching myself that we are only three rounds away from crowning our champions, but also that this year’s racing really couldn’t have been scripted better.

At the last round at Conondale just two weekends ago, we were dealt with our second ‘mudder’ for the year. Now, we haven’t had a lot of mud races at the MX Nationals in recent years, so it’s being very interesting to see who shines when

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things turn to slop.

In the Thor MX1 class we were all treated to a real European experience in moto one at Conondale. Todd Waters and Dean Ferris were riding at speeds that were seriously unfathomable – if it was wet, they certainly weren’t slowing down for it, and I think I can speak on behalf of all fans who were at Round 7, that those guys proved that they mean business when it rains. To top off Waters and Ferris’ performances in race one at Conondale, Kirk Gibbs lifted in moto two and kept the pace of both of the former MXGP riders, which was very cool to see. As you’ll see on the front cover, Kirk is well and truly

a world class rider, and it’s fantastic to know that the speed of our athletes here in Oz is on par with the rest of the globe.

In the Motul MX2 class it was awesome to see Victorian Jed Beaton take the round win once again at Conondale.

Not only did it really tighten up the points between himself, Nathan Crawford and Caleb Ward, but it proved just how skilled the DPH rider is in the mud. Jed won the overall back at our first mud round at Broadford too, and if he can keep the ball rolling for his next three outings, then the final standings in the MX2 class could be very interesting by the time we get to Coolum!

“IT’S FANTASTIC TO KNOW THAT THE SPEED OF OUR ATHLETES HERE IN OZ IS ON PAR WITH THE REST OF THE GLOBE. ” _________ KEVIN WILLIAMS SPEAKS ABOUT AUSTRALIAN RIDERS BIENG WORLD CLASS

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For me it was great to see riders like Zak Small and Cooper Pozniak running up the front in the Pirelli MXD class at Conondale. I always say it, but this class is where dreams are made, and I’m looking forward to welcoming a new wave of junior riders from all over Australian to the MX Nationals in the years to come.

Finally, Having the likes of Craig Anderson and Cameron Taylor back racing at Round 7 in the YMF & YMI Veterans classes was a real honour. Both of those guys have been a part of so much of the rich history of Motocross here in Australia, and to see the old boys kick start the engines again and put on a show for everyone, even years after retiring was very special.

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I’d like to personally congratulate Craig and Cameron on taking out two more Australian championships, and we can’t wait to have them back racing again in 2016.

Now as the Motul MX Nationals moves on to Shepparton, we say goodbye to the oldies (the vets haha) and welcome back some of our talented junior riders in the Yamaha Rising Star Rookies class.

These young riders are the future. They are the next Australian Champions, and possibly even World champions, so we are very excited to be hosting another round for them at Shepparton, and welcoming them back to our MX Nationals family.

As many people will remember,

“LAST YEAR WHEN WE VISITED SHEPPARTON, THE TRACK FORMED UP TO BE ONE OF THE DEEPEST, RUTTIEST CIRCUITS WE HAD SEEN IN YEARS” last year when we visited Shepparton, the track formed up to be on of the deepest, ruttiest circuits we had seen in years. A number of riders struggled with the conditions, and others rose to the occasion. However, this weekend when we visit, there will be no time for the front runners to ease in to their racing.

With less than 15 points separating the top riders in all classes, a crash, a DNF, or simply a bad result could decide this year’s championship.

GoPro Superpole is also going to be more important than ever from here on out. Unbelievably Dean Ferris has collected 4 out of 6 possible Superpole wins, and if he continues to do so, he’ll be snatching up another 5 valuable championship points at each round before the gates have even dropped!

Shepparton will also mark our last Victorian round before we head to Queensland for the final dash to Coolum,

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and we intend on leaving the south with a bang, so if you’re planning on heading to Round 8 this weekend, you’re in for one hell of a day at the races! With championships across all classes getting to the pointy end of the series, riders are hitting the track with one goal, to edge closer and closer to a title, and they won’t let anyone stand in their way.

So jump in and read more. I’ve heard the latest issue of Inside Dirt has some Interesting insights into this year’s championship, and we’re looking forward to bringing you more of the action this weekend at Round 8 of the Motul MX Nationals.

Story by, Kevin Williams

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Welcome to Greater Shepparton There is so much to see and do!

Shopping, family fun and entertainment, outdoor activities, fresh produce, great restaurants and cafes, interesting small towns and museums.

The Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre would like to welcome participants of the Greater Shepparton 2016 MX Nationals and we invite you to utilise our information and booking services.

We can help with advice on:  Accommodation information and booking services  Free maps, guides and touring routes  Advice on local attractions and activities  Local gifts and products  Shepparton MooovingArt information

For a copy of the Greater Shepparton Visitor Guide or more information contact: Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre 33-35 Nixon Street, Shepparton Phone: 1800 808 839 Email: info@discovershepparton.com.au www.discovershepparton.com.au

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RIDERS TIPS NAVIGATING WINTER RACING

Hi everyone and welcome to a switch up in my “Riders tips” articles for 2016. For round eight of the series at Shepraton this weekend, I am changing focus a little from our usual riding / race technique and will be discussing how riders can successfully navigate the extreme cold conditions this round presents for all riders.

Sheparton has been running in July for the past two seasons and previously it was at Swan Hill in 2014. On the calendar round eight is deep into the Victorian winter and that can mean anything from sub zero temperatures overnight, to rain, hail, high winds and occasionally clear skies with very limited vision due to low and direct sun light.

So let’s discuss some of these factors, how you as a rider can help manage them and the implications they can have on your performance negatively if you do not prepare for the extreme weather you will be competing in.

Story By: Joe Stevens

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EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES This is the most obvious factor that will affect a rider’s performance in a winter race event. I remember Sheparton last year had Temperatures below zero when MX2 qualifying took to the track on Sunday morning, essentially the track was thawing out as the riders were taking their hot laps! Here are a few tips to help deal with the cold on race day; LAYERS: This does not mean riding in a hoodie, but there’s a fine balance between wearing too many layers and consequently overheating mid race. It is important to remember your body temperature will be able to compensate for the cold once you are in race mode. I would suggest layering a sports compression brand long sleeve or short sleeve top under your jersey. The best brands even offer the ability to keep your core temperature warm before competition and cool you down once you are perspiring and in race mode!

Wear a jacket to the start and don’t take it off until the green flag waves.

WARM UP: Warming up gets the blood pumping to your working muscles and means you are primed for competition when the gate drops and your heart rate explodes to being maxed out. A side effect of warming up is of course, generating body heat through your muscles. It’s a no brainer here but make sure you go to the start line after a decent warm up, wear a jacket to keep this body heat in and then reap the benefits of being ready to push hard on the opening lap, while everyone else is adjusting to the cold.

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“The body part that suffers the most on a cold race day in my opinion is the hands, They’re placed in the firing line of sub zero air and cold winds”

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“In the cold temperatures we do not get as thirsty as a summers day.

However we sweat a large amount even in the cold weather�

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HYDRATE: This concept seems simple enough but it has the potential to ruin your race day if not addressed properly. In the cold temperatures we do not get as thirsty as a summers day. However we sweat a large amount even in the cold weather, especially with layering clothes and riding gear. Dehydration is a killer for any athletes performance, so even on a sub zero winter’s day, stay hydrated with lots of water and drink your sports supplement electrolyte drinks as you would any other race day.

HANDS: The body part that suffers the most on a cold race day in my opinion is the hands.

These extremities are placed in the firing line of sub zero air and cold winds, wearing nothing more than a breathable few millimetres thick material of a riding glove. I’m sure everyone reading this has experienced numb and tingling hands from extreme cold riding, and essentially it renders your hands useless to work the controls and also extremely painful and distracting. Some riders choose to double up on gloves or wear air filter gloves under their riding gloves, this is a viable option, however I recommend running baby powder or talcum powder on your hands first as you will sweat a lot with this option and the powder can help dry your hands out. HAND GUARDS are also a great way to keep the cold air away from your fingertips and give you the luxury of having frozen chunks of dirt in the form of roost stay away from your frozen hands and knuckles.

ROOST: Roost hurts! Full stop. And when the ground is frozen, that means the chunks of dirt being thrown off that 450’s real wheel in front of you are also frozen. The best comparison I can make to cold or frozen roost is getting hit straight on at paintballing.

Although over the top of your jersey body armours and hand guards are not cool, it can save you from some serious pain, distraction and even broken bones. So run some extra protective wear and sacrifice a few likes on your next Instagram pictures, because dressing for the occasion will hurt your pride a lot less than your body!

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LOW SUN AT THE START AND END OF THE DAY If we have a clear day, your winter blues as a rider will not be over.

The sun will be extremely low at the start and end of the day and if you are unlucky this will leave the track almost completely blind for certain sections of your race. There are a few tricks you can employ to navigate the low sun; TINTED GOGGLES: This seems like a no brainer, however the sun can drop low or come out from behind the clouds in a few seconds turn around.

Don’t get caught off guard. Have your mechanic bring clear and tinted goggles to the line and leave the decision for your goggle lenses until the parade lap or even the green flag. It’s better to be over prepared than getting caught off guard with a low sun and no vision.

EXTENDED PEAK: A few brands are starting to manufacturer a clear Perspex extended peak that fits your model brand helmet. If not, take some of your old goggles lenses and tape them to your peak to create an extension that you can lower into the sun when needed during a race and shield the sun from your eyes. Surprisingly this trick does not limit your vision that much and will allow you to focus on the track and not the sun on the blind spots of the track.

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RAIN AND WET CONDITIONS When it comes to the rain it really is a roll of the dice as a rider. If you are unlucky enough to be in a mud race, and it is actually raining during that mud race, there really isn’t much you can do to make things easier. Having extra sets of goggles with your mechanic, ensuring you run roll offs and long peaks are just a few things that may help make your life easier. My biggest advice would be to holeshot and don’t look back!

I hope this helps everyone reading in their next winter race meeting! Don’t foget to tune into NRGTV on race day to catch all the race action live! Thanks for reading, See you all at the races Joe Stevens

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MYTH BUSTING THE FUN OF CONTROVERSY

When you look back in sporting history, which athletes do you remember? You might not usually categorise them, but you without doubt find that it is the legends, the indestructibles, and the personalities.

Some of the legends that quickly come to mind in our sport of motocross are Ricky Carmichael, Roger DeCoster, Bob Hannah, Stefan Everts, and more recently Ryan Villopoto. The indestructibles (toughest, grittiest riders able to push through adversity) list features names like Heikki Mikkola, Hakan Carlqvist, Danny Chandler, Ryan Hughes, and Australia’s own Chad Reed.

The list of personalities, however is a little different. Put simply, there is no

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big risk that comes with being a legend or an indestructible – these guys do their jobs, do them well, and are remembered for their efforts. Personalities on the other hand, are guys that cross the line or go against the grain, and as a result get a bit of smack talk happening – much to the fans’ delight. Whether they’re an outspoken punk, an aggressive rider, a smartass, an atagoniser, or a guy that quite literally speaks his mind and doesn’t give a shit about what anyone thinks, these are the kids we recall with a smirk on our faces when looking back through the history books. They bring with them controversy and pit arguments, busted helmets and big egos, but most importantly they

Story By: Todd Jarratt

IDEAL ROLE MODELS FOR YOUNG RIDERS, GENERALLY DON’T SAY OR DO ANYTHING CONTROVERSIAL IN THE PUBLIC EYE. BUT, IS THERE MERIT TO BEING A BIT OF A REBEL? 41

provide a whole heap of spotlight for their teams and sponsors – regardless if it is for the right or wrong reasons.

Have a think about the guys you see as quiet and reserved, or politically correct... They are a sponsor’s dream and summed up as consummate professionals... I think of guys like Trey Canard, Jeremy Martin, Cole Seely, Antonio Cairoli, Kirk Gibbs, Jay Wilson and Ryan Dungey. They’re all unbelievable at representing their sponsors and are ideal role models for young riders, as they generally don’t say or do anything

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controversial in the public eye. But, is there merit to being a bit of a rebel?

For instance, compare Ryan Dungey to Ken Roczen... At this point in time, Dungey has been the guy to wrap up more titles (both indoors and outdoors), which by most people’s definition within our sport means he has been more successful. He is seen as a workhorse, a guy that is very predictable in everything he does, but he also gets a lot of criticism for being “too perfect” or “boring”. I can understand this, because although Dungey’s results always highlight his consistency, his podium speeches, social media posts, and interviews are just as consistent, which can become boring and predictable.

In contrast, Roczen hasn’t had the success of Dungey, but what he has provided is constant surprises and media attention – something sponsor’s may prefer over titles (remember from last issue, companies want a return on investment, which may not necessarily come from number one plates). Roczen has switched teams from the juggernaut KTM outfit to an unproven Suzuki setup, parted ways with arguably the greatest trainer in our sports history – Aldon Baker, constantly posts personal and humorous content on social media, and even “takes the piss” out of critics by joking about

“There are always guys who speak their minds and say what others are thinking – which is why they each have such a huge following. ”

the crap he eats during the week, or the lack of training he does while still winning races. Yeah, he might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s hard not to love the young German’s charismatic and often provocative behaviour.

Then you have guys like Chad Reed, Ben Townley and Jason Lawrence, who have always been known for speaking their minds and saying what others are thinking – which is why they each have such a huge following. Some other

personalities we all love to see are the bad asses – people like Weston Peick, Tyler Evans, Justin Barcia, and Jason Anderson, who either provoke fights or seem to be constantly involved in them as a result of their riding style. Now, although this isn’t the best way to get publicity, have a think – how many times did you see Weston Peick featured in the supercross telecast earlier in 2016 compared to someone like Justin Brayton who was running similar positions week in and week out?

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The answer – a hell of a lot more. Why? Because controversy is the easiest way to grab people’s attention, so from a marketing point of view, airing some huge, angry monster punching another rider in the head repeatedly mid race might not be optimal for the sportsmanlike conduct situation, but it sure as hell got widespread media attention for almost half of the season!

The final group, are the individuals that have their own separate personality that stands out like a turd in a punchbowl.

This includes guys like Malcom Stewart, Dean Wilson, and Jimmy Albertson who create their own humour for the fans

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and sell it damn well! Stewart’s dancing and social media, Wilson’s Scottish/ Canadian/American accent that he plays on, and Albertson’s red-neck alter ego – that all engage the fans! Then there are riders like Josh Cachia and Cooper Webb, who speak their mind, antagonise competitors, and talk absolute smack during live interviews and manage to get away with it just by giving the interviewer a smirk. These are the personalities fans hang out to see, that keep the crowds rolling in, and the ones that keep every event exciting for all of the wrong reasons!

So if you’re reading this boys - keep the antics coming!

MYTH BUSTED? SHARE YOUR OPINION

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TA R G E T J AY D E N RY K E R S 19-year-old Jayden Rykers has burst on to the Motul MX2 scene this year, challenging some of the most talented and experienced riders in the class. But for Rykers, fourth in the MX2 championship standings after seven rounds is exactly where he expected to be, and says he is in no way slowing down on his hunt for the top step of the podium.

We caught up with the Western Australia rider to hear how his season has played out so far, what the goal is for 2017, and find out whether or not an international career is on the horizon for the KTM two-stroke rider.

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J R 3 You took your second Motul MX2 podium for the 2016 season at Conondale. When you stepped up to the MX2 class this year, did you think you would be getting these results in your rookie year?

Yeah I did. That was kind of my expectation. Coming in to this year, I set myself out some goals and the goals were some consistent top fives and some podiums, and I’d also like to get a round win. So I knew my ability was there, it was just a matter of putting it all together and learning quickly within those first couple of rounds so I could achieve those goals as the season went on.

Tell me a bit about your support from Davey Motorsports this year?

So originally at the start of the year we got in to talks with KTM, and Davey’s.

They sorted out a deal where they could take care of the logistics side of things, taking my bikes to each round. That took a lot of pressure off me. Last year I had to drive to all of the races, but this year I’m able to fly to all of the rounds and I can just meet dad at the airport. In those terms, it took a lot of the stress off mine and my dads shoulders. I’m still doing my own bike prep, but having the support of Davey’s has been a big help. It’s really like a family environment, there’s not a lot of pressure and everyone gets along so it’s You’re currently sitting in fourth in the worked out really well this year. overall championship standings, do you believe third or even second in the What’s behind you riding a two stroke? championship is still achievable?

The reason we actually went with the two Oh for sure. It’s a little bit hard to fault stroke was just budget. We can’t really the top three guys and they would afford to go racing on the four stroke, and need to lose a bunch of points for me to to keep it competitive all season. With the move forward, and everyone is just so two stroke we can turn the bikes over and consistent. Even if you went out for the freshen them up pretty often, where as rest of the season, dominated and went with the four stroke it just gets a lot more 1,1 at every round it would still be hard to expensive really. That’s the only benefit, move in to that top three, but in saying especially with the season so far. A lot that it is doable. of the tracks that we’ve been to with the 50

MX Nationals are more four stroke tracks.

They’ve been muddy in the morning which is slick on a two stroke anyway, and then as the day goes on, the tracks have formed up to be really shiny and slick ground which tends to be a lot harder to ride on a two stroke anyway. So for me it’s just been a budget factor.

Would you consider moving to a four stoke in the future?

For sure. I’ve already got myself a four stroke for Supercross, so I’ll be moving to a four stroke for the Supercross season this year. Not many people know but I’ve actually jumped between the two and the four stroke quite often. Last year I flew back to Western Australia and competed in the state championships there on a four stroke and I won the championship on it. I’ve only really started to build my name up lately, but people just haven’t

really got to see the other side of me which does ride a four stroke. When I first started in Under 19s the results were the same once I moved to the two stroke at the end of the season, so I feel like I’m pretty versatile between both of the bikes.

Where are you hoping to be in terms of teams for next year?

One of the goals for this year was to try and get a factory ride. I didn’t want to set anything too high, because I wanted to take this year as a learning experience, but I just wanted to get some good results and then hopefully pick up some factory support. If I can do that, hopefully I can go for the championship in 2017.

You’ve had some experience riding overseas, is that the end goal for you?

To end up in Europe or America?

Definitely. I’ve always said I want to win 51

a championship in Australia and then move on from there. I want to finish what I started here and then move on. After the MX Nationals finished here last year, I left for Europe that night and had two months over there riding. Unfortunately, I missed Supercross in Australia but I learnt a lot when I was away and that’s the direction I want to take in my future. I don’t want to just hit a wall and not progress any further, I want to keep progressing and take my career as far as I can.

Are there any riders that you look up to?

For me personally, when I finished juniors I didn’t compete at the Nationals straight away so I missed a couple of years where Ferris and Waters were in the spotlight 52

before they moved over to Europe, so now to watch those guys and even just to talk to Dean a bit has been pretty cool.

Especially Kirk Gibbs as well, with the two GP guys coming back, everyone sort of doubted him a bit so it’s been cool to look up to him as well.

Who’s the biggest influence in your racing career?

That’s a bit of a hard one… My pop used to race but I never really got to see him ride. I heard that he was fast though so I’ve always sort of just followed in his footsteps a bit. Then I guess I’d just see fast guys at the track, and although they weren’t all at a National level, I would just let them motivate me to reach to

where they are and so on. But I’ve never really had someone in the spotlight that’s pushed me to do this, it’s always been what I wanted to do.

to make it happen before the last round, but Coolum would be cool, especially to leave the season on a good note, and show people what I can do for next year.

So if you’ve got a championship on the Thanks for the chat Jayden and good mind for 2017, by the time we get to luck at Shepparton.

Coolum this year, could we possibly see Thanks heaps! you take your first overall round win?

Towards the end of last year, I went 1,1 xx at Shepparton and then was near those results at both Toowoomba and Coolum too. So of course I’m going to be looking to go 1,1 at Coolum – being a sand track and it being pretty close to what I’m used to riding at Wanneroo, it would be great to do it there. But in saying that I’d like

MW

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INSIDE

UNCUT LIFE ON THE ROAD WITH MX NATIONALS

REGULARLY

MY

ARTICLES

REVOLVE

AROUND MY INSIDE VIEW OF THIS SPORT WE LOVE, YET NEVER ACTUALLY THE INSIDE VIEW OF THAT WHICH I KNOW BEST IN THIS SPORT, IM AM TALKING DIRECTLY ABOUT THE MXNATIONALS AND MORE PARTICULARLY WHAT LIFE IS TRULY LIKE ON THE ROAD TRAVELLING WITH SUCH A HUGE CHAMPIONSHIP. HERE MY INSIGHT BEHIND THE MXN ROADSHOW. Words By: Aiden Williams

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Regularly my articles revolve around my inside view of this sport we love, yet never actually the inside view of that which I know best in this sport. I’m talking directly about the MX Nationals and more particularly what life is truly like on the road travelling week by week with such a huge Championship.

To all my friends, travelling around the country with a sport that I love seems almost too glamourous to be true, and to be honest that’s not far from the truth. I get to hop in my van every second weekend and travel to every corner of this great country and due to the nature of motocross being in rural areas I get to see a whole side to the country very few are lucky enough to witness.

Cruising along the Eurobodalla Coast, windows down, music blasting, or the sound of truckies horns as you and five of the boys’ unload for a slash on the middle of the Nule, all because Goondiwindi is still a couple hundred K’s, are all vivid and exciting memories. The places the MX Nationals takes you, will literally at moments will take your breath away. Like catching wild pythons in the tropics of Gladstone, or pulling an early morning swim at

Coolum beach, right up to the simpler nights like a quiet one on the edge of the river at the Watering hole in Murray bridge haha.

In that regard, I’m the first to admit that I’ve got it pretty good working with the MX Nationals. And for me one of the coolest things is I get to do it with my brother Jake. Not many sports or jobs can manifest into you chilling with your bro all over the country but mine does.

I’ve seen that kid bust his ass at skateparks from Holbrooke to Mackay, raced gokarts in more cities than I’d like to think, and eaten enough fast food to increase shares at maccas.

There is a flip side to the MX Nationals being such a vast and successful series, that’s the reality of what it takes week in week out to take the rolling spectacle on the road.

As the championship gets bigger and bigger the job gets harder and all too often, the one thing we are rushing not to run out of is time.

Take the last round Conondale, a perfect example. As we saw the heavens open and turn the green spectacle of the glass house Mountains to deep dark mud.

“HOP IN MY VAN, CRUISE THE COAST, WINDOWS DOWN, MUSIC BLASTING”

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TRAVELLING IN TOTAL AROUND 70,000 KM ON THE ROAD BETWEEN 3 VEHICLES NOT TO MENTION AROUND 50 RENTAL CARS AND UPWARDS OF 300 FLIGHTS IN AND OUT OF EVERY STATE

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For the average rider, this is going to add a good few hours onto the job of cleaning the bike and gear. However, add the two days travel time from the Sunshine Coast to our home base in Poowong Victoria and you only have seven days to fully gut, wash, recharge and reset literally a truck and trailers load worth of equipment, covered completely in mud back to brand new and be back on the road setting up to go again.

This takes 4 washing machines alone working around the clock just in order to get sponsorship banners back to the presentable best, not to mention, tents, eskys, tables, flags, buggies and vehicles the list goes on.

Travelling in total around 70,000 km on the road between 3 vehicles not to mention around 50 rental cars and upwards of 300 flights in and out of every state in the country.

It would surprise most to know that on any event weekend around 20 people will be behind

the scenes making the machine tick, and that is in WEM staff alone. Add to that a crew of 8-10 with NRGTV and television, 10-20 doctors and nurses making up the Racesafe medical crew plus 2030 volunteers from local clubs and your closing in on a hundred people to make a round of the Nationals happen.

The earliest of us get to the track on Wednesday morning to start the job of turning a motocross track into a MX Nationals venue.

Standardly there’s four of us working 10 hour days from Wednesday to Friday trying to get as prepared as possible before the trucks, riders, families and fans start to fill the pits on Saturday as we must allow time for final touches like corporate areas, scaffolds, interviews etc.

Fast forward to Sunday morning, with the entire crew up before first light, ready to roll our sleeves up and chip in to improve something I know every single one of us are proud to be apart of.

The WEM team is

less of a team and more of a family as it doesn’t really matter if you’re a TV presenter, maintaining the waiting zone, or swinging off a blue flag, everyone at the end of the day comes together to give a hand in whatever needs doing.

The last of us packing up well after dark, never not the last truck out so we can be back on the road first thing Monday to get home and start the system all over again at the next round.

This family mentality is also incredibly strong on the days that something does go wrong, the days where you need a true friend to wrap their arms around you wipe the tears and say its going to be alright. I can personally say this year has without a doubt been the toughest in 20 years, and the entire extended family travelling with us each week has never battered an eyelid in those toughest of moments. Thanks Guys.

Yes, it can be gruelling long hours with times where a day off seems like a distant imaginary friend but is it all worth it?

Hell yeah it is, and it’s for the little reasons, Australia as a country is too vast to fathom unless you have seen it in a car. From Northern Queensland towns like Banana, to iconic towns like Bega or Glenrowan, every town has its own story its own heritage and something special to see and we literally see it all and everything in between, sure a plane may be quicker but it is about the journey not the destination. And this journey, this whirl wind rollercoaster called the MX Nationals is still just getting started, and its fair to say I’m loving every second.

This is what we love, This is motocross Story by: Aiden Williams NRGTV Presenter 61

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RACE RECAP

JED BEATON MX2 victor recalls winning weekend in Conondale, Queensland

Yamaha-mounted rider Jed Beaton edged his way to victory in the quarter-litre MX2 class. After a hard charging first moto to take second then a dominent performance in the second moto to take the win and the overall, we sit down and talk to the young Victorian.

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Jed Beaton with the moto two victory and overall win. You must be happy with a great result?

I’m pretty happy with it. The first moto didn’t really go to plan after I got off to a really shocking start, I think I was second last into the first turn, but I came back to second. I gained a bit of confidence from that and I really wanted to put my head down and get it done in the last moto. I got a good start and I began to click off my laps. I got arm-pump there for a little bit, but I just tried to breathe and relax. I got into a groove, but the track was brutal – it really chopped up with bumps everywhere. It’s good to get the win.

Once you finished that opening moto and came through the field, did you know that if you had the track position, you could’ve come through with the win?

I had a look at my lap times and they were pretty decent in the first race. I knew if I got off to a good start, I could just click my laps off and hopefully get the win. I ended up getting it, so I’m pretty pumped with that.

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There has been a bit of rain in the lead-up to the event. Did the track change much throughout the day?

This morning during practice, I actually had a paddle tyre on. It worked for the first five laps, but it went to that hard base pretty much straight away.

I changed back to the MX3S and the track dried out during the day. It just chopped out with a lot of bumps, but all in all it was pretty good.

No worries mate, well done.

Thank you.

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TRACKSIDE GAL L E R Y

JE SSY NEL SON

OVER

Photo by: Jessy Nelson

MOUNTS

ACCESSORIES

#BEAHERO

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QUESTIONS WITH

DAN R E A RDO N You’ve just undergone a pretty innovative knee surgery, tell us a bit about that and how it’s all healing up?

So when you do your ACL, you have three options in terms of if you’re going to get surgery. One is a LARS which is a synthetic ligament, one is the traditional way where they take a tendon from another part of your body, like your patella, knee or your hamstring, or the third way is an allograft which is the one I got. Basically I have a donor’s tendon inside my knee. So the procedures are pretty similar for all three, it’s just what you use is different. In terms of healing, mine has one of the quickest turn arounds. That was the reason I opted to have that type of surgery. It was actually a hard decision for me because it was just time. If I had all of the

time in the world I probably would have gone with the traditional surgery, and if I had to be on the bike sooner, I would have opted to have no surgery at all. I actually left the surgeons office after my appointment down in Melbourne, and in my mind I wasn’t having surgery. But as I was on the way home I actually had the car pulled over and changed my mind. I turned around after they had cancelled everything and got the surgery done that afternoon. I haven’t done my ACL before so this is new for me, but things are going really well. I’m walking already and we’re just trying to get rid of some of the fluid in my knee. Everything is on track though, and we’re actually a bit ahead of schedule which is nice.

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Will we definitely see you back for I think this year is going to be bigger and Supercross? better again, well I know it is, and for our Yep, 100%. sport that’s perfect. I’ve done some things to try and boost my own publicity outside What’s your thoughts on the state of of our sport. Obviously that’s a little bit Motocross and Supercross in Australia selfish but it’s also for the sport as well. at the moment?

We need to educate people about what I wasn’t that involved in the sport when we do and that our sport is professional.

I guess it was at a low point, but I think We live and breathe it, and it’s about that you can see there’s passion back sharing that with the outside world too. in the fans, and I guess that where I’ve seen the most difference. People are Can we expect to see you racing in going to spend money within the industry Australia in 2017? regardless, when the fans a passionate I have a best case scenario and a worst that carries a lot more momentum. The case scenario for next year and in both of Motocross series at the moment is very those scenarios it involves me racing in exciting to watch, there’s a lot going on Australia at some point for next year. I’m and it’s a fairly stacked field, and last working on that all right now actually – I year throughout Supercross I had a lot of have been for the last month or two, and people tell me how great that series was. I’m just trying to make something work 76

obviously the physical side of it, and then the mental side of it too that plays a role.

It’s weird, mentally I feel stronger now than I ever have in my entire racing career.

I don’t know if it’s age, or whether it’s to do with stepping away from the sport but mentally I still feel very strong. Physically I still feel really strong as well. Regardless of my recent injury the body itself still feels really good. It’s hard to put a time frame on it, but I’ll just keep going until one of those two aspects stops working.

At this stage I’m still very passionate about going racing and I love doing it – When I say I’m trying to prolong the time until I retire again, it’s not that I’m trying to milk the scenario but I want to be at the top for as long as I possibly can be again. I’m for everybody. I knew coming back racing glad that I’ve made it to the top again in what it was like to retire and what it’s like some aspects so I want to stay here. on the other side of the fence, and the grass is not necessarily that greener over And what’s the plan when you retire there, so I want to spend the time that I next time? have left in this sport being competitive. I I have things in mind, but at this stage I don’t know how long that will be – when don’t really want to disclose it. I can say I initially came back I said three or four though it won’t be what I did last time. I years, and I’ve already been back racing sort of dabbled in some different things for two years already so you just don’t last time, and I was really passionate about know how long you have left. But for the the whole training and gym side, but it time that I’m here, I want to do it the way was a hard market professionally in our I want to do it, and I’m going to do it that sport. People might take this the wrong way. way but I don’t really like people (laughs).

My passion to train people would come How many more years of racing do you from the athlete side of things, I never think you’ve got left now? really got in to it, in terms of the general Back when I said three or four years I just public. I did have some satisfaction in that didn’t know what I’d feel like. There are so area, but that wasn’t really why I did it. So many factors involved in racing, there’s 77

I won’t be entering into that realm again, time, but I’m highly driven, and when I set and I DEFINITLEY won’t be heading out my mind to things I do everything I can West to work in the mines, put it that way! to make it work. I like to take chances in life and try new things. If what I have in Where do you see yourself in five year’s mind works out that would be cool, if not time? at least I can say I tried. But we’ll have to In five years’ time, I think there’s a big part wait and see. of me that would still like to be involved in the sport in some aspect. Now, by Awesome, thanks for the chat Dan and that time, I don’t think that I’ll be racing heal up quick! professionally unless I’m given some No problems, thanks. super human strength and the body is unreal and I’m faster than ever. But in five years’ time I hope to be involved in some degree. By that time, I hope that I’ve moved in to a new career path that I’m happy with too. My personality tends to get me in a bit of trouble some of the 78

Interview By: Misty Walton

“championships are won monday to friday, races are won on sundays” - AIDEN WILLIAMS, NRGTV

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EX NATIONAL CHAMP UNLOCKS THE PRO’S SECRETS CAMERON TAYLOR’S PLAN TO BACK TO BACK RACE WEEKENDS

#CHAMPIONSHIPPLAN

“GEE I WISH I KNEW SOME OF THE THINGS I KNOW NOW” After racing at a National level for many seasons of about (19years).

From my first crack at a senior National MX Championship way back in 1991 in WA on a CR125 &CR250 (2 day event) to my last few MX Nationals in 2010 for some fun on my Trusty YZ250.

It’s fair to say I’ve learned a lot.

I managed to snag a few wins along the way but gee I wish I knew some of the things I know now. The what to do’s and what not to do’s. When you read the below you will see the word recovery a lot. And it’s a thing I didn’t pay enough attention too.

Always thinking I needed to do more, more, More motos, more cycling more weights and never leaving enough time to recharge for the coming race weekend.

This week’s column is a plan on how I think you should approach your race weekend based on back to back race weekends. All this planning is assuming you have put all the off bike and on bike pre season training that is required to build the base needed to compete at this level week in week out.

This training and recovery plan is based on a State Championship race followed by an interstate MX Nationals race.

The typical leading privateer who still does all the driving to the races (yes there are some).

Let’s get started.

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THE SCHEDULE SUNDAY - State Champ Race As soon as your done with your celebrating at your State MX race victory its time to start your recovery for the following week ahead.

We need to get a recovery drink into you as soon as possible with plenty of Protein to help those muscles repair. Get your skins on (Compression suit to aid recovery) Follow this with a nice big high protein meal.

If you plan on a few drinks to help celebrate your win remember that alcohol is a diuretic and will dehydrate you and slow your muscles recovery.

MONDAY - Recovery day.

After a good sleep and some breakfast, plan on some active recovery maybe a walk or easy cycle or swim.. Something low impact and keeping your heart rate 55-65% of your max.

Cold water therapy if your game is a great way to help bring your muscles back to life.Water about 14 degrees staying in there for a total of 7mins is all that’s needed.

Maybe a massage as well. I miss those weekly massages now.

TUESDAY - Skills day I know i never did enough of this is my time, too many long motos and not enough time spent working on my weaknesses.

First of all lets plan on riding tracks this week that are closer to the upcoming weekends National track, (Hills, track surface sand-hard pack, ruts etc).

Our riding today is based on sharpening those skills, maybe working on some things that let you down the past weekend.

Maybe a turn track, practice ruts, ruts and more ruts, race starts, jumping etc.

Maybe some testing is needed to iron out some kinks in your bike set up.

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WEDNESDAY - Hardest Day Warm up ride 10 mins 35 min moto using your girlfriend as your mechanic with lap times every lap to help maintain the motivation to push hard for whole time.

For your second moto lets change it up and help maintain that all important intensity.

We will do 15 laps in total Based on a (2 min lap time). Race start and do 5 hard laps, Stop for 1 min. Do another race start then 4 hard laps rest 1 min.

Race start 3 laps rest 1 min, race start race 2 laps rest 1 min and a final start and 1 lap moto. All this should get you doing 30 mins but break it to help will help you push harder throwing in some race starts as well.

THURSDAY - Short motos, skills, test day Time to mix it up today, Short motos 10 mins Race starts, skills Testing- suspension, ignition, gearing etc.

Bit of planning for the weekend, Book dinner in town your staying at (it can be hard sometimes to get the food you want) Do some shopping, food drinks for the road trip to help you not get temped into road house tucker.

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FRIDAY - Travel day If you can after arriving do some light exercise to help get those muscles moving again. Stretch and get a good night’s sleep.

I really struggled to get a good night sleep the night before the race (nerves etc) so Friday night sleep was so important for me.

SATURDAY - Sign on-track walk Some riders need to ride on Saturday (I didn’t) to get them ready for following day. Make sure if you do ride, you finish on a positive note.

Track walk, sign on - Talk to the team or your Dad about your bike set up and changes that may be needed. I liked to have a kick of the footy (AFL Style) to have some fun and get the blood pumping. Have a good stretch, a good feed, keep well hydrated and rest up for the night.

SUNDAY - Race Day You should have your race day food and drink planned and ready to go. Make sure your goggles are ready to go having spare ones with your mechanic every time on the track.

Make sure your pressure washer is ready to go.

Go out there and make all the planning and hard work count.Good qualifying, great starts and strong rides.

I hope this gives you some insight into a week to week of average leading privateer- Wanna be factory racer.

Of course, some off bike training will be thrown in there and remember to keep it fun. Or as fun as possible.

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RIDER 2015 TITLE Dan Reardon AUS SX Romain Febvre MXGP Jay Wilson AUS MX Cooper Webb AMA SX Dan Milner A4DE Wilson Todd AUS MXD Hunter Lawrence AUS MXR

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HIT& MISS MotoOnline.com.au pulls out the microscope and dissects some of the surprises, standouts, shockers and disappointments from a challenging seventh round of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals at Conondale.

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HIT. THE HIGHS FROM ROUND 7 OF THE 2016 MX NATIONALS

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CONONDALE HAS NEVER BEEN AS TOUGH OR CHALLENGING AS IT WAS TODAY. IT WAS A REAL RIDERS’ TRACK AND IT SEPARATED THE RIDERS. ” - DEAN FERRIS

Dean Ferris: Two consecutive overall wins and four Super Pole victories in-a-row – Dean Ferris is currently at the top of his game.

The CDR Yamaha rider negotiated the difficult conditions at Conondale with class, slotting in behind Todd Waters in moto one to claim second, then going onto conclude the day with a race win in moto two. Ferris has now moved to within six points of series leader Kirk Gibbs, tightening up the championship with just three rounds remaining.

to the opening moto to not only reward him with the overall win, but also shift him to second in the championship, seven points behind red plate holder Nathan Crawford.

Jayden Rykers: KTM-mounted Jayden Rykers didn’t have the greatest start at Conondale, qualifying in eighth and finishing the first moto in sixth – his chances of landing on the podium were slim. The favourable Western Australian turned his results around in race two, positioning himself well from the beginning of the moto, racing home to a comfortable second.

Due to the mixed results within the MX2 category, Rykers was able to edge out Caleb Ward for third overall, awarding him with his second podium finish in his rookie year.

Jed Beaton: Jed Beaton showcased his exceptional skills in the tricky and muddy conditions at round three at Broadford and with round seven providing a very similar track surface, he was a clear favourite for the win. Delivering on those expectations, the 18-year-old rode two smart and consistent races despite a difficult start

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MISS. THE LOWS OF ROUND 7 OF THE 2016 MX NATIONALS

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showed as he would encounter several mistakes throughout the weekend. The 18-year-old concluded the weekend in a lowly seventh, still maintaining the championship lead by 13 points.

Wilson Todd: In contrary to Rykers, Wilson Todd started the day strong as the fastest qualifier, however a costly DNF in moto one denied him the chance of scoring that elusive podium finish in the MX2 category. He was able to bounce back from his misfortunes in race two, beating home Crawford by under a second to claim third. The MX2 rookie has shown glimpses potential throughout the year, although has struggled to put together two solid finishes on race day.

Connor Tierney: Conondale could go down as the turning point in the MXD championship in 2016 with longtime series leader Connor Tierney losing another chunk of points in what was a healthy lead. Waking up with an illness on Saturday wasn’t the ideal preparation for Tierney and it

Caleb Ward: Coming off a dominating performance at the previous round in New South Wales and in pursuit of regaining the championship lead, Caleb Ward was expected to come out swinging at Conondale. A third in moto one didn’t look bad on paper, however with series leader Crawford two positions ahead, it’s exactly what the Queensland rider was trying to avoid. He unfortunately wouldn’t help his cause in race two, navigating his way through the field from a poor start to end the race in fifth. Narrowly missing out on the podium in fourth, Ward lost some very valuable points and has currently dropped to third in the championship standings.

FOURTH OVERALL NORMALLY WOULDN’T BE TOO BAD, BUT WITH HOW CLOSE THE CHAMPIONSHIP IS, I WANT TO WIN.” - CALEB WARD

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Welcome to the Naturally refreshing Sunshine Coast

Official holiday destination for the MX Nationals

visitsunshinecoast.com

Make a Sunshine Coast event part of your next holiday Highlights include the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, the Hawaiian Airlines Va’a World Sprint Championships, International Rally of Queensland, World IRONMAN 70.3 Championships, Wanderlust and the Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games.

In 2016 the Sunshine Coast will play host to its largest portfolio of events ever. With a range of national and international events in addition to our already impressive events calendar there is sure to be an event that you will want to be part of.

From major events that are all about the surf or sporting participation, to tantalising food and iconic music festivals, you’ll always find a fun and exciting event to include in your holiday plans.

Maleny Wood Expo

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MAY

30 April - 2 May Maleny Showgrounds

There is no doubt The World is coming to the Sunshine Coast in 2016.

You should be here!

Australian Outrigger Aussie Aito Noosa Food & Wine 2016

20-22 May Noosa Heads

20 May Mooloolaba

JUN

57th Australian National Square Dance Convention

Downunder Beachfest

26 June -4 July

9-13 June

University of the Sunshine Coast Sports Centre, Sunshine Coast Square Dance Centre and Mantra Mooloolaba

Caloundra and Hinterland

Queensland State Club Gymnastics Championships and Border Challenge

Etchells Australasian Winter Championships 9-12 June Mooloolaba

Va’a World Outrigger Sprint Championships 5-15 May Lake Kawana

Australian Surf Life Saving Championships - The Aussies

16-24 April Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands & Mooloolaba

Australian Outrigger Marathon Titles

21-22 May Mooloolaba

Pumpkin Festival 29 May Goomeri

Noosa Ultimate Sports Festival 28 May Noosa Heads

Sunshine Coast Winter Bowls Carnival

International Rally of Queensland

28 May-27 July

17-19 June Maroochy River, Beerwah, Kenilworth, Imbil

JUL

AUG

SEP

Open Cockpit Weekend

MX Nationals Round 10

Maroochy Music and Visual Arts

2-3 July

27-28 August

Queensland Air Museum Caloundra

Coolum Beach

24-29 June Caloundra Indoor Stadium

Gympie Music Muster

25-28 August Amamoor State Forest

10 September

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships

4 September Mooloolaba

Horton Park Golf Course

Mitchell Creek Rock 'N' Blues Fest 15-19 September

Queensland Garden Expo

08-10 July Nambour Showgrounds

Northern University Games

Noosa Long Weekend

3-7 July

15-24 July

Sunshine Coast Stadium

Noosa area

OCT

22-24 October

October

Blackall Range

7 Sunshine Coast Marathon

17 July

Conondale

World Series Swims - Swim Queensland

The Blackall 100

Mitchell Creek

MX Nationals Round 7

19-21 August Alexandra Headland, Cotton Tree, Maroochydore

Tin Can Bay Seafood Festival 24 September Tin Can Bay

DEC

NOV

National Outrigger Junior Titles

Trans Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama 22-23 September

24-26 September Lake Kawana

Lake Kawana

Christmas lights December

Mooloolaba

Triathlon Pink and Fun Run Pink November

Kawana Sports Precinct / Sunshine Coast Stadium

Caloundra Music Festival

30 September-3 October

Gatorade Qld Tri Series - Kawana

November

Kawana Sports Precinct / Sunshine Coast Stadium

Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival 30 October Noosa Heads

Caloundra

Mary Valley Australia Zoo Scarecrow Festival Festival 31 October - Australasian Police and 21 October - 1 November Emergency Service Games

12 November Mary Valley

Wanderlust Sunshine Coast

8-15 October 13-16 October Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast Stadium Novotel Twin Waters Resort Beerwah

Conscious Life Festival November

Innovation Centre Kawana

Holden Scramble Championship Finals November Twin Waters Golf Club

Woodford Folk Festival

27 December- 1 January Woodfordia

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100

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MXNATIONALS PROGRAM, RIDER LISTS, PROFILES AND PRESS RELEASES

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Sheppart on, V IC

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WHO W ILL WI N

DOWN TH G E IN

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D OUN

E SHEPPARTON. Round 8 heads to Shepparton in regional Victoria. This is the second year the National Championship will head to Shepparton. The track played host to the MX Nationals last year and provided spectators and riders with top level racing. The track may be in a flat paddock and be on the smaller end of the scale but it sure is one of the tougher tracks on the circuit, with deep, long and rough ruts this track will differently suit the more technically precise riders.

104

RND 8 SCHEDULE START

CLASS

DURATION

8:30am

MX2 Practice / Qualifying

25 Min

9:00am

MXD Practice / Qualifying

25 Min

9:30am

Rookies Practice / Qualifying

20 Min

10:00am

MX1 Practice / Qualifying

30 Min

10:30am

Go Pro Super Pole

10 Min

10.40am

Official Opening

5 Min

10.45am

Motul MX2 Moto 1

30 + 1 lap

11:25am

Pirelli MXD Moto 1

20 + 1 lap

12:05pm

Thor MX1 Moto 1

30 + 1 lap

12:40pm

Lunch

45 Min

1:25pm

Rising Star Rookies Moto 1

15 Min

1:55pm

Motul MX2 Moto 2

20 + 1 lap

2:35pm

Thor MX1 Moto 2

30 + 1 lap

3.20pm

Pirelli MXD Moto 2

20 + 1 lap

3:50pm

Rising Star Rookies Moto 2

15 Min

CHAMPIONSHIP POINT ALLOCATION PER MOTO 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

35 32 30 28 26

6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

25 24 23 22 21

11th 12th 13th 14th 15th

20 19 18 17 16

16th 17th 18th 19th 20th

15 14 13 12 11

21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th

10 9 8 7 6

26th 27th 28th 29th 30th

5 4 3 2 1

105

With tough, tight racing on the grass sprint format tracks today, competitors kicked their bikes into gear in the hope to redeem championship points and take the top step on the podium at Round 5 of the 2016 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship at Murray Bridge, South Australia.

With fine weather and a flat track, The Yamaha AORC produced some close racing as over 300 competitors took on the tough terrains today. The record entry numbers bringing in spectators from all over the country to witness the E1, E2, E3, EJ, Vets, Womens’ and Masters National Championship classes maneuver over the obstacles and fight through the trees.

The E1, E2, E3 and Transmoto 19 and Under classes competed on the Grovescaff test today.

E1 E1 competitor and KTM mounted Jack Simpson showed his knowledge and talent on the Grovescaff grass track, much like a Motocross track from Simpson’s background. The young rising OffRoad star concluded the day with a time of 1:05:43.063 and took out

R N D

M X 1 108

7

MX1 PRESENTED BY:

DEAN FERRIS 2 ROUND WINS IN A ROW CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris has taken the round seven victory, and made up valuable points in the Thor MX1 championship, at the picturesque Green Park circuit for the offiicial ‘Retro Round’ of the Motul MX Nationals at Conondale in Queensland today.

Despite the venue receiving a good drenching of rain throughout Saturday night, when racing got underway today, the skies had cleared, and the revitalised freshly laid out circuit provided the perfect stage for today’s action to unfold.

When the Thor MX1 bikes hit the track for their practice and qualifying session, many riders opted to spend much of their time in the mechanic’s area, minimising the dirt build up on their machines, and keeping the weight off to ensure fast times.

When the session wrapped up, Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki’s Waters, CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris, KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs, Kade Mosig (National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Dylan Long (Crankt 109

Protein Honda Racing), all progressed through to GoPro Superpole, and when all five riders put down their fastest times, it was CDR Yamaha’s Ferris who collected the Superpole victory, for the second consecutive round with a flying 1:58.516 lap time.

When the Thor MX1 class lined up for moto one, thousands of spectators had poured through the gates, all waiting to watch Australia’s fastest riders battle it out across two motos. And when gates dropped, it was Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team’s Long who fought off a hard charging Waters to take the first MXStore holeshot of the day.

However, with a crew of Red Bull cameramen on hand at Round 7, Waters was determined to put on a performance, and it took no time at all for him to move in to the race lead, while Ferris also managed to get by Long to slot in to second position.

From there, Ferris and Waters checked out, leaving Long, Mosig, Gibbs and Jay Wilson to fight for the remaining positions behind them. And battle they did. After only a few turns, Mosig and Gibbs made their move on Long to slot in to third and fourth positions, leaving the Crankt Honda duo in fifth and sixth places.

With only nine minutes run, the Thor MX1 class began to head in to lapped traffic, allowing Ferris to close in on Water’s lead, and set the first moto up as a dash to the finish line.

And thankfully for spectators, the battles on track did not stop there – with 110

Gibbs also edging closer and closer to Mosig’s rear wheel, the KTM mounted rider determined to snatch up valuable championship points, and minimise the damage of Water’s and Ferris’ domination.

By the time race one had reached the half way point, the running order had only slightly changed. Waters continuing to lead from a hard charging Ferris, followed

by Mosig and Gibbs who were locked in to a battle for third. The Crankt Protein Honda duo Wilson and Long, held down fifth and sixth places respectively.

As race one reached its closing stages, Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki’s Waters and CDR Yamaha’s Ferris were riding on a level above the rest – attacking the muddy conditions, and using their European experience to showcase just what they could do at Conondale.

And when the last lap board was shown, Waters had maintained enough of a gap on Ferris to relax a little, however for Mosig, the final lap would be far from relaxing – Gibbs making one final attempt at third position before the chequered flag would fly.

However, when riders crossed the finish line, it was Waters who had reason to celebrate, taking the opening moto win, with the support of family and friends watching on. Ferris put in a smart ride to finish in second, followed by Mosig who held off Gibbs to finish in third. Gibbs, and Wilson completed the top five finishing positions respectively.

With championships on the line,

“WE’VE BOUNCED BACK, AND THAT’S WHAT CDR YAMAHA IS ALL ABOUT.” - DEAN FERRIS

when the gates dropped in race two, spectators expected to see one of the top three championship contenders through turn one first, but it was the Crankt Honda machine of Wilson who took the hole shot and moved in to the race lead. However, he didn’t stay there for long – after only a few turns Wilson stalled, allowing Ferris, Waters and Gibbs to move up to positions one and two and three.

But in what was a big upset for race one winner Waters, the Suzuki rider went down on lap one, and was forced to rejoin the race in 14th position, dashing his hopes of an overall victory at Conondale.

From there, spectators were treated to plenty more action on track, with Ferris continuing to lead and holding off Gibbs by less than a second, while Mosig kept the lead pair just in his sights in third position.

But it was Waters’ charge from the rear of the pack to fifth by the 11-minute mark, that had spectator’s eyes firmly fixed on the Suzuki machine – Waters making the pass on Wilson, and from there he began to eye off the rear wheel of fourth placed Jacob Wright.

By the time the Thor MX1 class reached the halfway mark in moto two, Ferris continued to maintain his gap on Gibbs, while Mosig had dropped off the 111

pace but maintained third position – Waters had made his way in to an impressive fourth, while Wright completed the top five places.

As riders reached the 20-minute mark, Waters had reeled in Mosig’s Kawasaki machine, and with maximum points well and truly on his mind, Waters made the pass on Mosig for third position, keeping his championship hopes alive.

With five minutes left to run positions remained unchanged, Ferris maintaining his lead on Gibbs, while Waters occupied the final podium position in third.

And it was in that order that they stayed. Ferris taking the final moto win from Gibbs who crossed the finish line for the last time today in second. Waters who put in one of the hardest fought rides of the day, charged back from his earlier crash to finish in third.

With 2,1 results, CDR Yamaha’s Ferris

was deservingly awarded with the round seven victory, while Waters took second on the day, followed by Gibbs in third.

KTM’s Motocross Racing Team’s Gibbs retains the red plate and continues to lead the Thor MX1 Championship by six points.

Dean Ferris after winning round 7 “I’m really happy to get another round win.

It was one of those rounds where it could have gone either way because of the conditions. I’m usually pretty comfortable in the mud, but so are Todd and Kirk,” Ferris shared.

“Two wins in a row is a good start to the second half of the season for me.

After that round at Wanneroo, I’ve just wanted to lay a solid foundation and I feel like we’re doing that.”

“I’ve got six points to make up on Gibbs now,”

T H E R E S U LT S

112

MX1 Round Results:

MX1 Championship Standings:

1) Dean Ferris – 67 points 2) Todd Waters – 65 points 3) Kirk Gibbs – 60 points 4) Kade Mosig – 58 points 5) Jacob Wright – 50 points 6) Dylan Long – 50 points 7) Jay Wilson – 50 points 8) Daniel Banks – 43 points 9) Luke Wilson – 43 points 10) Michael Menchi – 42 points

1) Kirk Gibbs – 470 points 2) Dean Ferris – 464 points 3) Todd Waters – 455 points 4) Kade Mosig – 381 points 5) Matt Moss – 381 points 6) Dylan Long – 359 points 7) Jay Wilson – 296 points 8) Jacob Wright – 291 points 9) Michael Menchi– 265 points 10) Daniel Banks – 253 points

113

PRESENTS

MX1 RIDER LIST #

Name

Manufacture

Sponsors

1

Kirk Gibbs

KTM

KTM Motocross Race Team - ETS Racing Fuels - Motorex Oils - Dunlop - Troy Lee Designs - Sony - NGK

6

Jay Wilson

Honda

Crankt Protein - Honda

8

Kade Mosig

Kawasaki

NPE Monster energy Kawasaki

15

Luke Wilson

Suzuki

Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki - NRG TV - THOR - SPY - JetPilot - Akrapovic - Pirelli - MX Store

34

Daniel Banks

KTM

DAVEY MOTORSPORTS KTM - Tunetech Suspension - AJ Motorcycles - Temporary Fence Hire - M2R

37

Jacob Wright

Yamaha

MXRP, ktm australia, shift, fox, oakley, FIST, pirrelli, motul, RK, GET, work4me

47

Todd Waters

Suzuki

Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki racing - Cairns coconut resort - Red bull - Berry sweet strawberry

52

James Alen

KTM

71

Kurt Gow

Husqvarna

On Two Wheels Motorsports - Ficeda Accessories - Yamaha - Parrish plumbing - Kennedy's Automotive

74

Travis Tough

Honda

Rapid Pacific

83

Joel Green

Yamaha

Kickstart Industries - VICT - ZIPFIX - Wildlife Clothing

109

Brodie Sims

Yamaha

111

Dean Ferris

Yamaha

CDR Yamaha

117

Dylan Long

Honda

Crankt Protein - Honda

134

Jayson Tough

Honda

Rapid Pacific

222

Michael Menchi

KTM

264

Izak Maule

Yamaha

AAA Parts - Ipone - Fox - Yamaha - Northern motorcycles - SK Designs

414

Jesse Dobson

KTM

KTM Motocross Race Team - Motorex Oils - Troy Lee Designs - Sony - Dunlop - NGK - ETS Racing Fuels

114

Tech 10

Tech 8RS

Tech 7

Tech

h5

AL PIN ESTARS2015 2016 Boot BOOT RAN GE Alpinestars Range COMP CODE: 199-NATHANCRAWFORD

Click to watch the Alpinestars boot video

Kids Boots

Tech 1

Tech 6s www.monzaimports.com.au

Tech 3s

alpinestarsaustralia

alpinestarsaus

R N D

M X 2 118

7

MX2 PRESENTED BY:

JED BEATON KEEPS CHAMPIONSHIP ALIVE DPH Motorsport Yamaha’s Jed Beaton has continued to keep his Motul MX2 championship hopes alive, racing to an impressive Round 7 Motul MX Nationals overall victory at Conondale in Queensland today.

The Motul MX2 class were welcomed with muddy and wet conditions as the first class to hit the track this morning, and after a consistent down pour of rain throughout Saturday

night, the wet track played havoc with the talented field.

After riders wrapped up their 15-minute qualifying session this morning, Serco Yamaha’s Wilson Todd snatched up the first MX2 gate pick with a 2:03.066 lap time, followed by red plate holder Nathan Crawford (Husqvarna) and Hamish Harwood (KTM) who were awarded second and third picks of the grid after putting down their fastest qualifying laps.

119

When bikes lined up for moto one, the conditions remained wet and difficult, however when gates dropped it was game on, and it was Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Dylan Wills who launched out of the gates to take the first MXStore hole shot of the day.

However, it took less than one lap for Husqvarna’s Crawford to assert his authority on Wills, making his move in to the lead position by lap two, while in third place Proformance Racing’s Kale Makeham showed impressive form – managing to navigating the slippery Green Park circuit.

Two notable absentees from the front of the field were DPH Motorsport’s Beaton and KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Caleb Ward, who were both back in 9th and 12th places – putting Crawford in a position where he could potentially stretch out his championship lead by a big margin.

With ten minutes run in moto one, Crawford continued to maintain his lead on Wills, while Makeham and third fastest qualifier Harwood trailed the front two riders by a huge ten seconds.

Serco Yamaha’s fastest qualifier Todd maintained fifth, followed by Davey Motorsport’s Jayden Rykers in sixth.

However, an unexpected DNF mid-race from Yamaha mounted Todd paved the way for Beaton to make up significant 120

ground, and with ten minutes to go, Beaton had passed four riders to move in to a solid fifth position.

As moto one for the Motul MX2 class reached it’s closing stages, there had been little changes to the top five positions, with Crawford stretching out his lead to 24 seconds on Wills, followed

by Harwood, Makeham and Beaton.

But just as riders looked as if they had settled in to their respective positions, Beaton began a late charge to the front, passing both Makeham and Harwood to move in to third position, where he also began to eye off the rear wheel of Wills.

And it was on the second last lap that DPH Motorsport’s Beaton managed to make his move on Wills, slotting up in to second position, ensuring he snatched up close to maximum points despite a tough start to the race.

In what was a disappointing result for Wills, the KTM rider made a crucial mistake which saw him go down, dropping back to ninth despite holding a podium position for the majority of the race.

But when the chequered flag flew, there was no denying Crawford’s outstanding performance – The Husqvarna rider taking an unchallenged first win for the day at Conondale, followed

by Beaton, and KTM’s Ward, who put in an impressive late charge from outside the top five up to third position. Harwood, and

“I WAS CONFIDENT COMING IN TO CONONDALE, ITS MY FAVOURITE TRACK, SO THE CONDITIONS DIDNT MATTER “ - JED BEATON

Makeham wrapped up the opening moto in fourth and fifth places respectively.

When race two got underway for the Motul MX2 class, Wills once again launched out of the gates to take his second holeshot for the day, however it was Beaton who after one lap had taken control of the race, followed by Rykers and Wills.

With Beaton out in front and Rykers hot on his tail, Wills, Makeham, Todd, Crawford and Ward became locked in to five-way battle for third position, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.

By the time race two had reached the half way mark, Beaton had stretched out his lead on Rykers to an impressive eight seconds, while behind the front two, Wills continued to hold off Todd by only a small margin, followed by Crawford and Ward who held down fifth and sixth places respectively.

With only a three laps left in race two, Beaton was simply unstoppable out in front – continuing to put ground between himself and Rykers, and placing himself in a healthy position to take the final race win and the round victory.

Meanwhile behind Rykers, Wills had once again dropped off the pace, allowing 121

both Todd and Crawford to make passes on the KTM rider and slot in to third and fourth respectively.

But when the chequered flag flew for the final time, it was Beaton who had the crowd in applause, taking the final race victory by a huge margin, followed

by Rykers who crossed the finish line in second, while Todd held on to redeem himself after this morning’s DNF to finish in third.

With a second in race one, and a moto two victory, Beaton concluded the day with the Round 7 Motul MX2 overall, while Crawford’s consistent 1, 4 results placed him second, followed by Rykers wrapped up the weekend in third overall.

Crawford continues to hold the red plate, and leads the Motul MX2 Championship by 7 points with three rounds remaining.

Jed Beaton After winning round 7 “Today was a good day. I really want this championship, and like I said, I’m going to do everything I can to get it. I’ve been working really hard with Ross (Beaton) over the past two weeks, and it’s paid off today,” Beaton shared.

“I was confident coming in to the weekend. Conondale is my favourite track so it didn’t really matter what the conditions were like, I’d hoped that I would go well, and even with having so much rain and the track forming up the way it did, I knew we could do it.

“I got a bad start in the first race, but I managed to fight back and take second, then to take the win in the last race was awesome. We came here with a goal, and it all came together so I couldn’t be happier.”

T H E R E S U LT S

122

MX2 Round Results:

MX2 Championship Standings:

1) Jed Beaton – 67 points 2) Nathan Crawford – 63 points 3) Jayden Rykers – 57 points 4) Caleb Ward – 56 points 5) Kale Makeham – 49 points 6) Dylan Wills – 47 points 7) Dean Porter – 45 points 8) Richie Evans – 45 points 9) Hamish Harwood – 43 points 10) Joel Wightman – 41 points

1) Nathan Crawford – 447 points 2) Jed Beaton – 440 points 3) Caleb Ward – 431 points 4) Jayden Rykers – 393 points 5) Wilson Todd – 354 points 6) Dylan Wills – 334 points 7) Hamish Harwood – 309 points 8) Joel Wightman – 299 points 9) Kyle Webster – 296 points 10) Dean Porter – 291 points

123

PRESENTS

MX2 RIDER LIST

#

Name

Manufacture Sponsors

2

Wilson Todd

Yamaha

Serco Yamaha

3

Jayden Rykers

KTM

Davey Motorsports - KTM Australia - Moss Institute - Fox Head Australia - Oxy Fresh Australia - Tracrite

9

Kale Makeham

Yamaha

Proformance Race Team - Yamaha - Bulk Nutrients - Maxima - Procircuit - Pirelli - Scott - MX Ink

11

Ricky Latimer

Yamaha

TLR - Fuchs Silkolene - Pirelli - Goodridge - RK Chains - Moto Junkie Clothing - Dinasaw

12

Jed Beaton

Yamaha

DPH motorsport yamaha

17

Caleb Ward

KTM

TroyLee Designs - KTM Racing Team - Alpinestars - Scott - Motorex - Kustom - Dunlop - Sly

20

Lachlan Davis

Yamaha

Proformance Race Team - Yamaha - Bulk Nutrients - Maxima - Procircuit - Pirellii - Scott - MX Ink

23

Wade Hunter

Yamaha

serco yamaha

25

Bailey Coxon

Yamaha

JBC MOTORSPORTS - SHELL ADVANCE - YAMAHA

30

Joel Wightman

Honda

CRF HONDA RACING - Honda Motorcycles - Honda Genuine Oils - Honda Genuine Parts - Pirelli Tyres - Fly

51

Jayden Conforto

Suzuki

byrners suzuki - dirtybits moto - zipfix suspension - VICT - JDC plumbing - The Collective Family - tweaked

64

Dylan Wills

KTM

Raceline Motorsport - Alpinestars - KTM Newcastle - Bell Helmets - Oakley - Pirelli - Motorex - Willmax

66

Meghan Rutledge

Kawasaki

KAWASAKI AUSTRALIA - FOX - HITACHI POWER TOOLS AUSTRALIA - SMART CITY VOCATIONAL

74

Tom Jones

Suzuki

Ken Lift Mobile Crane Hire - Cycleworld Tasmania - Nolan Helmets

85

Brandon Gray

Yamaha

90

Hadleigh Knight

Husqvarna

Dr Trim, Fox NZ, Shift NZ, MotoMuck, Workshop Graphics, Pirelli NZ

96

Kyle Webster

Honda

CRF Honda Racing

100

Allister Kent

Honda.

Mum&Dad, Rhys Evans Honda, Vanika Industries. EliteTracks, Flexxbars, Suerior Cabinetry, Thor, Spy,

103

Stephen Krop

Kawasaki

PeterStevens Motorcycles - Bell Helmets - Alpinestars - Oakley - Tracrite Suspension - The Collective

143

Brandon Stewart

Kawasaki

CMC/Canberra Towbar Fitters Racing - Garage Thirty Customs - Cir-Q-Life - Baffles Café - Motorex Aus

144

Keiron Hall

Yamaha

City coast motorcycles - MOTUL - SPY Goggles

151

Nick Sutherland

Yamaha

Westend LPG Cylinder Testing

153

Hamish Harwood

KTM

CML Racing Team - Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park - Golly's Civil Excavations - You Foodz - JT Racing

188

Tomas Ravenhorst

KTM

Dirty Bits Moto - Ravo Maintance - Alpinestars - Fox Head - Kickstart Industries - JP Preformance - Elevate

199

Nathan Crawford

Husqvarna

Husqvarna Racing Team - Belray Oils - BEL HELMETS - Alpinestar - P2P Replenish - Oakley - Advanti

306

Geoffrey Chalmers

KTM

EDD racing - PMR suspension - ipone - JR Motorcycles - Dunlop

392

Calib Best

Yamaha

City Coast Motorcycles - Motul

430

Dean Porter

KTM

Berry Sweet Strawberries - Mandurah City KTM - fasthouse - troy lee designs - Spy goggles - KTM power

124

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www.kawasaki.com.au

R N D

M X D 126

7

MXD PRESENTED BY:

MITCH EVANS UNDEFEATED AT ROUND 7 Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team’s Mitchell Evans raced to a dominating 1,1 result for the first time in his career in the Pirelli MXD class today, in what were challenging track conditions at Conondale in Queensland.

When the Pirelli MXD class headed out for qualifying this morning, riders were forced to learn quickly, with the track conditions varying from wet, to sticky and slick – And after 15 minutes it

was Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team’s Evans who showed his form from the get go, putting down the fastest time with a 2:06.713, while Cooper Pozniak (KTM) and Lochie Latimer (Yamaha) finished the session with second and third picks of the grid.

When riders lined up for their first race of the day, all competitors were forced to contend with another MX Nationals mud race. And when the gates 127

dropped, there was plenty of excitement, with fans treated to a spectacular start, Zak Small taking the first MXStore holeshot, while a number of other riders were caught up in a start straight pile up.

With two gruelling laps in the books, Small continued to lead from Yamalube Yamaha Racing’s Evans, while Pozniak had slotted in to third position ahead of Luke Abela.

Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Wade Kirkland found his way in to fifth, while Jordan Hill completed the top six standings.

From there, the deep rutty track evened out the field, allowing Evans to close in on race leader Small – setting the two up for a battle for the race one victory. But despite it looking like the pair would go head to head, a crash from Small allowed Evans to inherit the lead – where he would stay for the remainder of the moto.

With three quarters of the race run, the running order saw Evans out in front, followed by Small, Pozniak and Hill who had made a late charge through the field to an impressive fourth position.

When riders were shown the last 128

lap board, Evans had put himself in the box seat to take the opening Pirelli MXD victory – and with only just over two minutes left to hold on, the Yamaha rider put his head down to get the job done.

And when Evans flew over the finish line for the final time, he had plenty of reason to celebrate collecting the opening race victory. Pozniak finished in second position after managing to get by Small, who wrapped up the opening race in third. Hill and Kirkland concluded moto one in fourth and fifth places respectively.

When the second moto kicked off for the Pirelli MXD class, once again the Motul MX Nationals youngsters provided plenty of incentive for the crowd to stick around.

This time it was KTM mounted Pozniak who launched off the grid and in to the early race lead, followed by Yamalube Yamaha Racing’s Evans, but it took only three laps for Evans to make his move in to the top spot, relegating Pozniak to second place, while Latimer held down third.

By the 12-minute mark, the running order saw Evans remaining strong out in

“WHEN YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU’RE HAVING FUN, THAT’S WHEN YOU RIDE YOUR BEST SO I’M JUST FOCUSSING ON PUTTING IN HARD WORK AND ENJOYING MYSELF, AND IT’S ALL PAID OFF. “ - MITCHELL EVANS

front, ahead of Pozniak – but the battle for third position was what kept spectator’s eyes glued to the track. With Yamalube Yamaha’s Hill on a charge to the front, Latimer came under pressure, and before long Hill had snatched up third position, leaving Latimer behind him.

The remainder of the moto, proved to be relatively uneventful, and when riders crossed the finish line the top positions had remained unchanged. But for the first time in his career, when the chequered flag flew, Evans took two from two race wins, ahead of Pozniak in second, while Evans’ team mate Hill finished in an impressive third.

With 1,1 results, Evans collected maximum points and was awarded with the round seven victory, while Victorian KTM rider Pozniak wrapped up today’s racing in second overall. The final position on the podium was taken by Hill, handing Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team with a 1,3 result at Round 7.

129

Despite being a notable absentee from the front of the field throughout round seven, Husqvarna Racing’s Connor Tierney retains the red plate, and continues to lead the Pirelli MXD Championship by 13 points.

so the team is pumped, I’m pumped and we’re all just loving being at the races.

“When you’re happy and you’re having fun, that’s when you ride your best so I’m just focussing on putting in hard work and enjoying myself, and it’s all paid off.”

Mitchell Evans After winning round 7 “I had a bit of bad luck at the start of the series, and since then we’ve been playing catch up, but today everything came together and we finally got what we’ve been working for,” Evans shared.

“I came here with the hope to go 1,1 and that’s what we came away with,

T H E R E S U LT S

130

MXD Round Results:

MXD Championship Standings:

1) Mitchell Evans – 70 points 2) Cooper Pozniak – 64 points 3) Jordan Hill – 58 points 4) Zak Small – 51 points 5) Lochie Latimer – 50 points 6) Wade Kirkland – 50 points 7) Connor Tierney – 49 points 8) Hugh McKay – 46 points 9) Luke Abela – 45 points 10) Ryan Eden – 42 points

1) Connor Tierney – 359 points 2) Mitchell Evans – 346 points 3) Wade Kirkland – 342 points 4) Cooper Pozniak – 338 points 5) Jordan Hill – 322 points 6) Kaleb Barham – 300 points 7) Zak Small – 294 points 8) Lochie Latimer – 285 points 9) Hugh McKay – 228 points 10) Levi McManus – 198 points

131

PRESENTS

MXD RIDER LIST #

Name

Manufacture Sponsors

5

Wade Kirkland

KTM

ktm - raceline - pirelli - alpinestar - motorex

7

Connor Tierney

Husqvarna

Husqvarna - Goldfields People Hire - Tierney Contracting PL - MXR&D - MXINK

16

Kaleb Barham

Husqvarna

SD3 Husqvarna - Husqvarna Australia - Fox - Shift - Oakley - Belray - Dunlop - Rival Ink - Toowoomba

17

Cooper Pozniak

KTM

lusty industries - KTM Australia - Fast House - Newcastle KTM - CFX Seats - WillMax - all Pro racing

25

Dylan Wood

Kawasaki

Pirelli - Fox - AXIS Motorsport - MDM Racing - Singleton Motorcycles

43

Mitchell Evans

Yamaha

Yamalube Yamaha Racing - Yamaha

46

Hugh McKay

Yamaha

Proformance Race Team - Yamaha - Bulk Nutrients - Maxima - Procircuit - Pirelli - Scott - MX Ink

57

Wyatt Fogarty

Kawasaki

Pumpworks, Fox, FactoryFarrar, FTF, Rosco Holden, Maca coaching, - Pump Works - Evolution

88

Jordan Hill

Yamaha

Yamalube Yamaha Racing

94

Levi McManus

Suzuki

Deakin Motorcycles - RaceLine Performance - Power Plus Racing Fuels - WillMax Graphics - Rebel Racing

105

Jackson Coulson

Yamaha

City West Motorcycles

127

Cory Watts

Honda

Scrivens Racing Honda, KCR, KAJX, Mooores Bulk Haulage, LOWES BP, Choice suspension, Fox, Astars

168

Zhane Dunlop

Yamaha

Custom Mx - Costanzo Racing - Dragon Goggles - Thor - Top Gun Motorcycles - M2R Helmets - Kwala

195

Justin Hart

Husqvarna

HUSQVARNA AUSTRALIA - TYRES FOR BIKES - HART ROOFING - PIRELLI - MOTUL - DID CHAINS

198

Luke Abela

KTM

Davey MotorSports - MossInstitute - SPMX - DreamersandBelieversApparel - TheCollectiveFamily - ETS

237

Zak Small

Husqvarna

Husqvarna Australia - Mega Motorcycles Bundaberg - Fox - Motorex Oils - Pirelli - MPE Suspension

271

Jai Constantinou

Honda

Lee Hogan's BCP - Eight11 - Ringmaster Images - Honda Australia - Fox Head - Silkolene

311

Ryan Kenney

KTM

Trac-Rite suspension - ETS race fuels - EZE race products - DMT Visuals - Sunbury motohub - Monkey fit

353

Cody McMahon

KTM

Suttos - Mag Wheel Repairs

427

Bryce Ognenis

Suzuki

602

Lochie Latimer

Yamaha

132

TLR - Pirelli - Fuchs Silkolene - Goodridge - RK Chains - Moto Junkie Clothing - Dinasaw

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R A C E L I N E . C O M . A U 134

PRESENTS

R O O K I E S R ID ER LI ST

#

Name

Manufacture

Sponsors

1

Cody Dyce

Yamaha

Shift - YJR - Yamaha Motor Australia - GYTR - Collective - Zeta - Matrix - Yamalube - SPMX - FOX

3

Callum Norton

Husqvarna

Australian Junior Husqvarna team - Belray, Fox, Shift, Pod, Globe

5

Jake Williams

Yamaha

Yamaha Junior Racing - MPE Suspension

11

Dylan Wakartschuk

KTM

supa trik differentials , davey motor sport , ktm aus , aj`s motorcycles, tune tech suspension , fox

12

Josh Brewster

KTM

KTM, Peter Stevens, MAD, Foxhead,SPMX, Collectiv

15

Dominic Walker

Husqvarna

Husqvarna Australia Junior Racing Team, Alessi Motorcycles, Altech Suspension, BelRay, Funnel Web

16

George Knight

18

Mason Semmens

KTM

KTM Junior Motocross Racing Team - Alltech Suspension

22

Rhys Budd

KTM

KTM RacingTeam - Motorex - Troy Lee Designs - KMX - Dunlop - Race Pace - Grunt Racing,Dirt Bike

27

Riley Dukes

Husqvarna

HUSQVARNA RACING TEAM - BELRAY OILS - R & D HUSKY - THOR MX / GAS IMPORTS - HG

30

Zack Wright

TM

38

Morgan Fogarty

KTM

KTM, Evolution motorcycles, Pumpworks, Maben, KroozeTune, Fox, FactoryFarrar, FTF, HOT

41

Royce Anell

KTM

Ellroy Insulation Contractors - Racemaster Australia

42

Lachlan Wells

KTM

Filthy Habits Clothing Co - Southern Highlands Motorcycle Centre

44

Paris Rode

KTM

47

Bailey Malkiewicz

Husqvarna

Husqvarna Junior Racing Team - Belray - Moto GC - Thor - HG Stickers - Pod Active - Brigdestone

48

Chandler Burns

KTM

Davey Motorsports - Perelli - Motorex - Able On site Services - Fox Australia - The Collective Family

54

Jaxon Murphy

KTM

60

Caleb Grothues

KTM

KTM Australia, M2R, Scott, Choice Suspension, APL, Berry Sweet, Parramatta Service Centre,

68

Jake Cobbin

Yamaha

Hardiman MC - Fox Shox - Kenda Tyres - Lucas Oil

75

Brodie Ellis

Yamaha

3Zero MX Coaching, Horizon Motorcycles Yamaha, Fox, Fist Handwear, FlowForce, SPMX, NineTwo

100

Jy Roberts

Husqvarna

HUSQVARNA AUSTRALIA JUNIOR MOTORCROSS TEAM, AXO, IPONE, HG STICKERS, POWER

121

Liam Walsh

KTM

NT Motorcycle Centre - RGM Maintenance - Fox Head Au - SPMX Motorsport - EK Chain and Super

153

Korey McMahon

KTM

suttos/mag wheel repairs

233

Oliver Marchand

Yamaha

ARS - Lodes Motorcycle Repairs - Bridgestone Tyres - Thomas Lee Motorcycles

284

John Bova

KTM

SS Racing, Link Int. Coastal KTM, LKI, Mongrel Graphics, SRD Suspension

288

Michael Driscoll

Yamaha

Yamaha Racing - YAMAHA / GYTR - The Realty Group Macarthur - BIKETEK - i Pone Oils - Funnel

291

Hayden Matterson

KTM

Coffs Ktm - Chozen riders - Luke George coaching - Saxby bakery& cafe - Tld aus - Perilli aus

345

Jack Kukas

Yamaha

Topgun BSMX

705

Corey Crawford

Yamaha

WBR Junior race team

135

PRIVATEERS CUP MOTUL MX1 NORTH PRIVATEER CUP ROUND 2 - CONONDALE

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PRIVATEERS CUP PIRELLI MX2 NORTH PRIVATEER CUP ROUND 2 - CONONDALE

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k : Craig Dac R E G A N A F NER / M aha YZ450 TEAM OW m a Y : S E IK B S WON: 37 IP H S N IO P CHAM

#111

FERRIS #111 DEAN Class: MX1 Age: 25 W : Kyogle NS Hometown zer Aiden Melt Mechanic: heel111 IG: @ferrisw

#122

N L REARDO #122 DANIE Class: MX1 Age: 30 t : Gold Coas Hometown man Mike Land Mechanic: ardon122 IG: @danre

FERRIS FLIES AT CONONDALE MX NATS

CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris has collected another MX Nationals round win with a stunning victory at round seven of the MX Nationals at Conondale in Queensland over the weekend.

In wet, rutty and extremely difficult conditions, Ferris showed his skill and determination to win the round and now move just a handful of points away from the championship lead.

Lead up rain left the Conondale circuit wet and made it challenging for the riders, but Ferris adapted quickly to the conditions to post the fastest lap in the Superpole qualifying and hit race one full of confidence.

Ferris slotted into second place in the opening laps of race one and settled into a safe speed on a track that was quick to catch out riders that pushed too hard. It was a mature ride from the CDR Yamaha rider that saw him take second at the end of the moto and look forward to race two.

Another good start had Ferris well placed during the opening stages of race two. He moved into the lead not long after and when his nearest rival from race one fell, Ferris again put together another wellconstructed race to take the win and with it the overall round victory with his 2-1 results.

“I have always liked racing here at Conondale but it’s never been as tough or challenging as it was today. It was a real riders’ track and it separated the

FACEBOOK: /cdryamaha

riders because of how tough it was.

“Getting the win was important and after the win at Nowra I focused on consolidating my position and not just be a one round or one race wonder.

“We still have a long way to go and the last three tracks are good tracks that will continue to challenge us so I look forward to racing them.

“Thank you to the CDR Yamaha team as the conditions made it their jobs difficult but they did a great job as always,” Ferris ends.

Dean has now moved to just six points away from the championship lead so its full steam ahead for him and the team as they prepare for round eight of the championship at Shepparton on July 31.

INSTAGRAM: @cdryamaha

s : Gavin Eale R E G A N A F NER / M aha YZ250 TEAM OW m a Y : S E IK B IPS WON: 4 H S N IO P M CHA

#2

TODD #2 WILSON Class: MX2 Age: 18 QLD : Atherton, Hometown nes Peter Rabjo Mechanic: todd2 IG: @wilson

#23

HUNTER #23 WADE Class: MX2 Age: 21 D : Cairns, QL Hometown rew Stoppa d n A : ic n a h Mec hunter IG: @wade

SERCO YAMAHA’S SPIRITED FIGHT AT BROADFORD MX NATS

RIDER 2015 TITLE Dan Reardon AUS SX Romain Febvre MXGP Jay Wilson AUS MX Cooper Webb AMA SX Dan Milner A4DE Wilson Todd AUS MXD Hunter Lawrence AUS MXR

MODEL YZ450F YZ450F YZ250F YZ250F YZ450F YZ250F YZ250F

YAMAHA WINS, YOU BENEFIT!

1.00% comparison rate is available on new YZ250F/FX, YZ450F/FX and sports ATVs – plus all variants thereof. Finance is to approved purchasers only, conditions, fees and charges apply. Offer available while stocks last, at participating dealers on a loan term of either 24 or 36 month only. The comparison rate 1.00% is based on a secure loan for $10,000 over 3 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might results in a different comparison rate. Promotion starts on 14/03/16 and ends on 31/05/16. Credit is provided by Yamaha Motor Finance Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 29 101 928 670 Australian Credit License No:394553

FACEBOOK: /SercoYamaha

INSTAGRAM: @sercoyamaha

p cott Bisho S : R E G A N F TEAM MA AHA YZ250 M A Y : S E BIK IPS WON: 4 H S N IO P M CHA

#43

EVANS #43 MITCH Class: MXD Age: 17 D : Cairns, QL Hometown y Cory Hillsle Mechanic: evans43 IG: @mitch

#88

N HILL #88 JORDA Class: MXD Age: 17 D : Noosa, QL Hometown Mike Ward Mechanic: hill88 IG: @jordan

EVANS AND HILL SHARE PODIUM AT CONONDALE MX NATS

Yamalube Yamaha Racing’s Mitch Evans and Jordan Hill pulled down an impressive 1-3 finish in the MXD category (U19) at round seven of the MX Nationals, held at a rain socked Conondale circuit on the Sunshine Coast.

In conditions that proved to be difficult for riders and teams as the water logged track was punishing to even circulate, it was Mitch Evans who mastered the conditions to take a 1-1 finish in a dominant days’ racing.

Evans proved his mud riding capabilities in handling the conditions superbly and showed he meant business right from the get go when he posted the fastest qualifying lap to take pole position. With top four starts in each moto, Evans cut his way through to the front of the field meticulously in each race and had things under control out front by the half way point on each occasion.

From there it was a matter of keeping out of trouble in the wet and rutted conditions and bringing it home safely.

His day of domination has seen Evans charge into second place in the championship and now just 13 points away from the series lead.

“I had a great time out there today and even though it was tough to ride, I really liked the way the track formed up,” Evans said. “Good starts and keeping clear vision were important on a track like this so it was good to get pole position to choose a good gate and my starts were good in both races.

“The last couple of rounds have been good for me and I’m starting to ride like I should. This is the first time I have gone 1-1 and to get pole on top of that makes it a day I won’t forget.

“Thank you to the team as days like today are

FACEBOOK: /GYTRYamaha

hard work trying to keep everything clean and to have myself and Jordan on the podium shows how hard everyone worked,” Evans ends.

Jordan Hill returned to the podium at Conondale with 4-3 results that saw him take third for the round in a good return to form.

Hill struggled on the wet track in the morning practice but warmed to the occasion and improved as the day went on to ride the conditions well and deserve his podium spot.

Race one saw Hill come from just inside the top 10 to fourth place at the finish, snapping at the heels of the third placed rider. His last few laps showed great speed and left him confident of a good showing in race two.

The second moto and Hill didn’t quite get the start he needed, but he managed to slice his way through the pack and move into third at the mid-way stage of the race. He continued to fight all the way until the end of the 20 minute moto, posting his fastest laps of the day in the final stages of the race.

The podium result keeps Hill in fifth place in the championship but with only 37 points separating the top five riders, things are headed for a very tight finish in the MXD class with three rounds remaining.

“After a disappointing round at Nowra, it was good to get things back on track today here at Conondale. I’m not the greatest fan of mud but it’s the same for everyone and you just have to deal with it so I’m happy I was able to get a good result in conditions that aren’t my best.

“I want to be on the podium at the last four rounds and be as consistent as possible so today I hit that goal. I will keep working hard to get the best results I can,” Hill said.

INSTAGRAM: @yamalube_yamaha_racing

n yle Blunde K : R E G A N TEAM MA M 250 SX-F T K , F X S 0 45 BIKES: KTM S WON: 20 IP H S N IO P CHAM

BS #1 KIRK GIB Class: MX1 A Age: 27 Gambier, S t n u o M : n Hometow en Kyle Blund : ic n a h c e M bs IG: @kirkgib

#1

E DOBSON #414 JESS Class: MX1 9 1 : e g A QLD : Brisbane, n w to e m o H Jordan Yeo Mechanic: obson414 IG: @jessed WARD #17 CALEB Class: MX2 9 1 : e g A e, FNQ : Ravensho n w to e m o H an Jess Forem Mechanic: _ward17 IG: @caleb #17

#414

KTM’S GIBBS THIRD AT CONONDALE, RYKERS PODIUMS AGAIN

KTM Motocross Racing Team rider Kirk Gibbs earned his sixth podium finish from seven MX National rounds so far, in wild and woolly conditions at the seventh round of Australia’s premier motocross series at Conondale in Queensland.

Despite a lack of recent training time following a knee injury sustained at the last round a fortnight ago, Gibbs was still able to make the best of severely muddy conditions which placed a premium on good starts, and finished the day with 4-2 results.

The result means the defending MX National Champion will retain the coveted red plate, and take a six-point championship lead into round eight in a fortnight’s time.

Returned GP racers Dean Ferris and Todd Waters were first and second on the day.

Gibbs KTM team mate Jesse Dobson remained out as he waits for the broken hand he suffered during training to heal.

Kyle Blunden, KTM Motocross Racing Team Manager – “Jesse was out again with his hand injury, but for the other boys the weekend was extremely tough. We had some ups and downs, and overall to be leaving with two boys that are healthy and still in the hunt for two championships, is great. Both boys rode extremely well, our starts probably let us down more than anything today, and the one-line nature of the track made very important to get starts. Caleb threw his goggles super early in that opener so we brought him in, did a quick change and he was able to get back out and come back to third which was awesome. Kirk was brilliant. He was Mister Consistent as always but the lappers frustrated him in the first. His battle with Dean in the second was fantastic to watch, he had some really good speed today.”

Kirk Gibbs (KTM 450 SX-F) – “It was up and down today. Third in SuperPole was okay, then in the first moto I didn’t get the greatest start. I got into fourth, and kept trying to make passes on Mosig but every time we got into lappers the lapper would let him through and not me. I caught right back up and the same thing happened again, this lapper didn’t see me and turned into me and took me down. It was really frustrating. The second race went a lot better,

FACEBOOK: /KTMAustralia

I was feeling good in second behind Ferris, and was just about to make a push when I had a little off. He got away by 10 seconds, and I chipped that back to four by the end but it was too late. I’ve lost a lot of points over the last two rounds, but all in all with the knee injury and not getting to ride much in the last two weeks, it’s not a bad result, but I need to get back into those race wins.”

In MX2 racing, exciting MX2 rookie and Davey Motorsports rider Jayden Rykers has stretched his mid-season purple patch across the Conondale quagmire, powering his two-stroke KTM 250 SX to its second overall podium finish in three rounds, as he shared the podium with round winner Jed Beaton and championship leader Nathan Crawford.

Rykers’ 6-2 results shored up his fourth position in the category, while bad starts for KTM Motocross Racing Team rider Caleb Ward prevented the winner of four rounds so far from punching closer to the championship lead.

KTM Raceline Pirelli rider Dylan Wills was the next best of the KTM men, his 9-6 finishes, earning sixth on the day, just two points ahead of Dean Porter in seventh

Caleb Ward (KTM 250 SX-F) – “I had a rough one. I had a bad start in the first moto, came through, and got filled in real bad on the first lap. I was trying to wipe my goggles to get a bit of vision but it didn’t work so I ended up having to throw them. I got roosted pretty bad for a couple of laps so I ended up coming in for some freshies, and after my pitstop, went back out there and made a few passes, and got up to third.

I was really surprised about that, I thought I was a lot further back than that. In the second I got another terrible start and probably should have been a bit meaner; I was getting held up so much by the riders in front of me but with only one dry line, the only way I was going to move forward quickly was to smash into guys. I didn’t want to put myself on the ground either, so it was frustrating.

Fourth overall normally wouldn’t have been too bad, but with how close the championship is, I want to win.”

INSTAGRAM: @ktm.australia

Tisdale GER: Chris A N A M M A TE 250SX-F BIKES: KTM

#64

WILLS #64 DYLAN Class: MX2 Age: 20 W : Como, NS Hometown es Josh Smail Mechanic: wills64 IG: @dylan

#5

IRKLAND #5 WADE K Class: MXD ia Age: 16 er, Tasman d n a m a c S : Hometown m Dylan Pilgri Mechanic: dwade IG: @kirklan

WILLS AND KIRKLAND SHOW PROMISE DESPITE DIFFICULT CONDITIONS

Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Wade Kirkland and Dylan Wills fought through tough conditions and salvaged championship points at a wet Round 7 of the MX Nationals at Conondale in Queensland over the weekend.

Despite the Green Park circuit being drenched with rain throughout Saturday night, both Wills and Kirkland arrived at Round 7 optimistic that the team would once again achieve positive results, however when bikes hit the track, bad luck plagued Raceline Pirelli KTM at Conondale, with both riders suffering up and down results.

After qualifying in 11th position, Wills showed outstanding speed in race one for the MX2 class, taking the holeshot and leading for a good portion of the moto, however as the race reached it’s closing stages, a flat rear tyre whilst in second, cost him valuable positions, Wills eventually crossing the line in 9th. In race two, Wills once again took the holeshot, however suffered a small crash in the later stages of the moto to finish in 6th place. With 9,6 finishes, Wills wrapped up the round in 6th overall.

For Pirelli MXD class rider Kirkland, Conondale was a learning experience, being his first time to visit the picturesque Green Park Circuit. After also qualifying in 11th position, Kirkland showed plenty of determination in moto one, racing to 5th place.

Unfortunately, in moto two, Kirkland also suffered a flat tyre after hitting a rock, eventually finishing in 7th position. With 5,7 finishes Kirkland concluded round seven in 6th overall.

After yesterday’s racing, Wills now sits in 6th position in the MX2 class championship standings, while Kirkland now sits in third in the Pirelli MXD championship after the weekends round of racing.

FACEBOOK: /raceline.liquid.technology

Dylan Wills – MX2 – (9th, 6th) 6th Overall “Connondale was pretty good for me, I got two holeshots again which was pretty crazy,” he said.

“Moto 1 was going good, I was running in second but unfortunately hit a big square edge bump and got a flat rear tyre with about 4 laps to go and ended up finishing 9th, that was tough to cop on the chin but that’s racing and stuff like that happens from time to time.

“Moto 2 I was sitting third and had a little tip over about halfway which put me back to 6th, that was disappointing, but the fact that we are there battling now with the boys gives me confidence!

“We are right there now, it’s all just a matter of me putting it together now and that’s it, we will get there, the bike is awesome the team is awesome and we are having fun going racing!”

Wade Kirkland – MXD – (5th, 7th) 6th Overall “It was a bit of a day to forget for me to be honest.

Being my first time at Conondale I knew I would need to learn the track quickly, but track was really brutal and we had a bit of bad luck out there,” he said.

“From what I had heard about Conondale, it was fast and grassy, but when we got there on Saturday it was still raining, meaning the track formed up very different to what I had initially thought.

“There were a couple of big rocks out there, and I got a flat, but that is racing and there are going to be tough rounds. We managed to snatch up enough points to hold on to third in the championship, so now we’ll just focus on heading to Round 8.”

INSTAGRAM: @raceline_motosport

SX , KTM 250 F X S 0 5 2 ES: KTM

BIK

SUPPORT RIDERS #17

K ER POZNIA #17 COOP Class: MXD Age: 17 SW odrising, N o W : n w to Home Darren Mechanic: rpozniak17 IG: @coope

#3

RYKERS #3 JAYDEN Class: MX2 Age: 19 A : Byford, W Hometown kers Graham Ry Mechanic: rykers3 IG: @jayden

JAYDEN RYKERS GETS ON THE PODIUMS AGAIN

In MX2 racing, exciting MX2 rookie and Davey Motorsports rider Jayden Rykers has stretched his mid-season purple patch across the Conondale quagmire, powering his two-stroke KTM 250 SX to its second overall podium finish in three rounds, as he shared the podium with round winner Jed Beaton and championship leader Nathan Crawford.

Rykers’ 6-2 results shored up his fourth position in the category, while bad starts for KTM Motocross Racing Team rider Caleb Ward prevented the winner of four rounds so far from punching closer to the championship lead.

KTM Raceline Pirelli rider Dylan Wills was the next best of the KTM men, his 9-6 finishes, earning sixth on the day, just two points ahead of Dean Porter in seventh.

Jayden Rykers (KTM 250 SX) – “We had a fair bit of rain the day before and the track was fairly sloppy, so whatever lines formed up in qualifying and practice became the main line for the whole day. The day came down to getting really good starts, then basically maintaining that position for the race because there weren’t really too many passing opportunities unless the guy in front of you made a mistake and ran off the track. My first start was probably outside the top 10, and I picked a few off to finish sixth. I was in the top three off the line in the second, got up into second on the first lap and that’s where I stayed. Championshipwise I lost points on the front to guys, but gained one point on third and probably 35-40 points on fifth.

So, we haven’t moved anywhere, just firmed up our position a little bit.

FACEBOOK: /KTMAustralia

In the MXD class, seventeen-year-old KTM Newcastle rider Cooper Pozniak further improved his recent form with second on the day behind Mitch Evans.

Pozniak’s lightning fast clutch finger and snappy KTM 250 SX-F helped him towards 2-2 race results on the day.

Raceline Pirelli KTM Motocross Racing Team development rider Wade Kirkland’s promising run of podiums ended with sixth place at Conondale after 5-7 finishes, however the KTM 250 SX-F rider still managed to move a point closer to the championship lead.

Cooper Pozniak (KTM 250 SX-F) – “It (2-2) was a good day. It was raining all day yesterday so the ruts were unbelievably deep, I’ve never seen anything so did before. But the track turned out not too bad, there were a few good lines forming up. It was pretty rough, but it was good, and I didn’t mind it. I had good starts in both races, but even though I dropped it momentarily in the first one I still got two second places, so it was good. It was good to get a good result again, the first and second guys didn’t have a good day, so it was good to make up some points on those guys.

INSTAGRAM: @ktm.australia

ll : Troy Carro R E G A N A F TEAM M F & KX250 0 5 4 X K i k a as BIKES: Kaw IPS WON: 1 H S N IO P M CHA

MOSS #102 MATT Class: MX1 Age: 27 t, NSW Sussex Inle : n w to e m Ho ale Paul Teasd : ic n a h c e M 102 IG: @mossy OSIG #8 KADE M Class: MX1 6 2 : e g A le, VIC : Pearceda n w to e m o H Ben Dutton Mechanic: 8 IG: @mosig OSS # 6 JAKE M Class: MX2 7 2 : e g A NSW : Neringah, n w to e m o H ders Luke Saun Mechanic: oss06 IG: @jakem #8

MOSIG MAINTAINS CONSISTENCY

National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team MX1 pilot Kade Mosig again proved himself as a championship front-runner with a strong fourth overall at the seventh round of the 2016 MX Nationals at Conondale, Queensland, on Sunday.

The Victorian was in top form from the outset when he posted the fourth fastest time in Super Pole around the rain-drenched Green Park circuit.

In the opening race Mosig enjoyed a great start aboard the 2016 KX450F and rode a smooth and consistent race around an increasingly challenging track to finish the 30-minute-plus-two-lap race with a well-deserved third place.

Mosig then backed up his podium performance with a hard-fought fourth position in the second MX1 race. After another great start, Mosig maintained the balance between aggression and smooth, disciplined riding around the rough, technical track to finish his day in fourth overall.

“I always enjoy coming to Conondale and today was a decent day in challenging conditions,” Mosig reflected. “It would’ve been nice to have finished on the podium, but I’m happy to come out of the weekend with a good haul of points and will look to keep building on it as the series enters the home stretch.”

Mosig’s solid points’ haul from Conondale has seen him move up to fourth overall in the MX1 championship chase, tied on points with his National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team teammate Matt Moss. Both Matt and Jake Moss were absent from the Conondale round due to personal reasons.

FACEBOOK: /KawasakiAustraliaMXRacingTeam

INSTAGRAM: @kawasakimotors

n e McKinno v te S : R E G A 0 TEAM MAN C450, FC25 F a rn a v q s BIKES: Hu

#54

ARBON #54 LUKE Class: MX2 3 2 : e g A : Gawler, SA Hometown on54 IG: @lukearb

#16

BARHAM #16 KALEB Class: MXD 7 1 : e g A nd : Queensla n w to e m o H barham_16 IG: @kaleb_

HUSQVARNA’S KALEB BARHAM PUSHES ON

SD3 Husqvarna team rider Kaleb Barham was unable to find his trademark starts at Conondale, and found himself mired in the pack in the opening moto. The Toowoomba ace rebounded in the second to finish fifth – his 11th on the day enough to keep him in sixth in the Under 19s.

Kaleb Barham – “Conondale is a really nice, natural terrain track that tests you on a good day, but today, it was literally the most one-lined track I have ever raced on. After the start it just came down to whoever could ride the main line the most consistently for the longest. Staying on two wheels and keeping clear vision literally came down to the start. Unfortunately for me I didn’t get one of my signature starts, and I snapped a set of roll-offs straight up so I pulled in, because I knew it would be a long race if I didn’t. They only lasted me three quarters of a lap, so I ended up riding virtually the whole moto with no goggles. I ended up 16th in that one, but in the other one I made a better start and a pass and got fifth. It wasn’t the best weekend but we did what we could do.”

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sqvarna BIKES: Hu

FC250

RD N CRAWFO A H T A N 9 9 #1 Class: MX2 Age: 18 : Brisbane Hometown n199 IG: @_natha

#199

R TIERNEY #7 CONNO Class: MXD 8 1 : e g A , WA : Kalgoorlie n w to e m o H l_ct7 IG: @therea SMALL #237 ZAK Class: MXD 8 1 : e g A , QLD : Bundaberg n w to e m o H all_ IG: @zaksm

#237

#7

CRAWFORD MAKES THE BEST OF A TOUGH CONONDALE

On a day when a small slip was enough to make a big dent in a rider’s title aspirations, Husqvarna Factory Support racer Nathan Crawford kept his well on track as the seventh round of the MX Nationals unfolded at Conondale in Queensland.

Crawford finished second in the day’s MX2 stoush behind Jed Beaton and ahead of Jayden Rykers.

A solid Saturday of soaking rain skewed the pre-event track watering schedule sharply into a surplus state, and with a glut of deep mud and a dearth of usable passing lines, riders were prepared to sell their grandmothers for a lightning start.

Whatever the method he used, Crawford managed to pull an excellent start in moto one, and powered his Husqvarna FC250 to an impressive victory before an appreciative home crowd.

His start wasn’t quite as effective in the second, and he was forced to make his way forward through a shower of flying black roost to an eventual fourth place, in order to take the runner-up slot for the round.

Crawford will now take a seven-point lead into the next round of the championship at Shepparton in a fortnight’s time.

In the MXD category, Queensland Husqvarna Support racer Zak Small (3-10) fired his FC250 to his best result of the championship on (very wet) home soil, finishing fourth behind Mitch Evans, Cooper Pozniak and Jordan Hill.

Sounding more like he need a warm bed and a course of antibiotics than a muddy day at the track, MXD Championship leader and Husqvarna Factory Support racer Connor Tierney nonetheless rode to 7-6

plate with a 13-point buffer.

finishes at Conondale, to maintain his grasp on the red

I’ll pick it up at the next round.”

Nathan Crawford – “Treacherous conditions today, but we still came out of it pretty good. A bad start in the last moto cost me a little bit, but I’m still in a good position for the last three rounds, so I’m not complaining too much there. 1 – 4 is not too bad. Due to environmental considerations, we are not allowed to run tear-offs, so, vision was a struggle. Scott puts together a good Roll-Off system, but the amount of mud out there still made it hard to see. So, a few battles today, but we made the best that we could of it.”

Zak Small – “It was a pretty solid day all up. We didn’t have quite the right bike set up in the second race and I had quite a few little crashes. But I got fourth overall, and had an awesome first moto finishing third, so there were definitely some positives to take out of today. I pulled my first holeshot for the year in that opening race and led a national for 10 to 15 minutes. It was really hard to keep my cool and be patient trying to pass lappers on a really one-lined track when I was leading my first national race!”

Connor Tierney – “I woke up on Saturday morning pretty crook, and had a pretty poor start to today too, going down within the first few turns. It took me a while to get going and about three laps in I lost my back brake – I hit a rock or something – but I still made it back to seventh. I was out to redeem myself in the second, but still got a pretty shaky start. I was just in the top ten, but made a few silly mistakes and crashed twice. It really wasn’t my day, but I’ve still got a good bike, and a good team behind me, and the red plate.

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ip Harrison P : R E G A N TEAM MA a CRF450R d n o H : S E BIK

#6

SON #6 JAY WIL Class: MX1 Age: 21 W n Innes, NS le G : n w to Home Daryl Fenn Mechanic: son_6 IG: @jaywil

#117

N LONG #117 DYLA Class: MX1 Age: 21 IC : Benalla, V Hometown g rge Rawlin o e G : ic n a h Mec long IG: @dvlan

LONG AND WILSON REMAIN CONSISTENT

Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team’s Dylan Long and Jay Wilson raced to consistent results despite wet and muddy track conditions, at Round 7 of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals at Conondale in Queensland yesterday.

With the Green Park venue soaking up the rain throughout Saturday night, when Long and Wilson arrived at the track for racing on Sunday, they

through this weekend especially being a mud race, and now I’m just looking forward to Round 8 which will be at my home track at Shepparton.”

For Wilson, race one handed him his best result of the 2016 season – putting in a tidy and consistent ride to cross the finish line in 5th place. In moto two, the conditions on track were nothing short of gruelling,

were treated to a circuit holding plenty of moisture, and when bikes headed out for qualifying Long took to the conditions well, making it through to a second consecutive GoPro Superpole, where he finished in fifth due to a crash, while Wilson qualified in 6th position.

In moto one, Long launched out of the gates, snatching up the the first holeshot of the day, however a few small mistakes saw him drop back to 6th position by the end of the moto. In moto two, Long, was consistent once again – fighting through pain in his injured thumb to wrap up the final race of the day in 6th place. With 6,6 finishes Long wrapped up the round in 6th overall.

“It was a bit of a tough day today. I was really happy to get in to GoPro Superpole again, but I crashed on my hot lap and that forced me to have to settle for fifth gate pick,” Long shared.

“In race one I got the hole shot and even though I’m carrying an injury I felt really good, but the track caught me out a little, and I hit some slippery stuff which cost me positions.

“In the second one, I just tried to keep it consistent and ride smart which we did. I’m glad to get

however it was Wilson’s Crankt Protein Honda CRF450 machine which took the second holeshot of the day.

However, due to a small mistake Wilson was forced to drop positions, eventually crossing the line in 7th place in race two. Wilson’s 5,7 results saw him finish on equal points with Long, however was awarded 7th overall on a countback.

“It wasn’t a bad day for me. I’m not entirely happy with where I finished, but fifth in moto one was definitely a step in the right direction,” Wilson shared.

“Every race that we’re out there we are taking steps forward, and we are also taking positives from every round, so even though it doesn’t show on paper, we’re making the right improvements every weekend.

“The past eight weeks have been tough because I’m playing catch up and trying to get my wrist back to 100 per cent. It’s going to take some time, so I’m just doing my best every round and making sure I finish as many races as possible.”

After today’s racing Long continues to maintain 6th position in the MX1 Championship standings on 359 points, while Wilson sits in 7th on 296 points with three rounds remaining.

FACEBOOK: /TeamHondaRacing1

INSTAGRAM: @teamhondaracing

h ark Luksic M : R E G A N MA T: Glen Bell N E M P O L E RIDER DEV a CRF250R d n o H : S E BIK

#30

IGHTMAN #30 JOEL W Class: MX2 Age: 19 NSW ndonbrook le G : n w to Home an Ian Wightm Mechanic: htman IG: @joelwig

#96

ebster #96 Kyle W Class: MX2 Age: 19 A anneroo W W : n w to e Hom Mick Lillis Mechanic: ebster IG: @kylew

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er vin Crutch e K , n o s il le W y AGER: Nea son Corne a J : IC N A TEAM MAN H F HEAD MEC ki RMZ450 u z u S : S E BIK

#47

WATERS #47 TODD Class: MX1 Age: 25 D : Cairns, QL Hometown Mechanic: aters47 IG: @toddw

#15

WILSON #15 LUKE Class: MX1 Age: 26 QLD old Coast, G : n w to e Hom Mechanic: wilson15 IG: @__luke

PODIUM AND TOP TEN FINISH FOR WILSON COOLAIR MOTUL FACTORY SUZUKI AT CONONDALE Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki have left Conondale with plenty of reason to celebrate, after Todd Waters collected another podium and Luke Wilson a top ten finish in the Thor MX1 class, at Round 7 of the Motul MX Nationals in Queensland today.

From the minute the Suzuki RM-Z450 machines hit the wet and muddy Green Park circuit this morning, Waters and Wilson showed impressive speed, with Waters making it through to GoPro Superpole where he finished in second place with a 2:00.134 lap time, while Wilson qualified in 13th place.

When racing got underway Waters was simply on fire – utilising every inch of his European experience to attack the challenging Conondale track, riding on a level above the rest – and it was for that reason that Waters led from lap one all they way to the chequered flag, collecting his first race win for the day. Teammate Wilson also raced to an impressive result in moto one, the Suzuki rider taking well to the rough and rutty track conditions, and finishing in an outstanding 10th position in the talent packed Thor MX1 class.

In race two, Waters once again got to a solid start, however a crash on lap one forced him to re-join the race in 14th position and with a job on his hands to make up time. But Waters showcased strength and determination in moto two, picking off numerous positions to cross the line in third place after 30 minutes. Despite the deteriorating track conditions, Wilson also once again remained consistent in moto two, and stepped things up to conclude the final race of the day in 9th place.

With Waters’ 1,3 results, Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki wrapped up Round 7 with second position on the MX1 podium, while Wilson finished inside the top ten with 9th overall for the weekend.

Waters continues to sit in third position in the

FACEBOOK: /wilsonmxaus

Thor MX1 championship standings after today’s racing on 455 points. Wilson now sits in 13th place.

Todd Waters – MX1 – (1st, 3rd) 2nd Overall “I felt good today, I like Conondale a lot and I ride the mud well too. I was stoked with the win in the first race, but in race two I went down which probably cost me the overall today,” Waters shared.

“I knew when I crashed I had about 50 seconds between myself and Mosig to make up, and I just couldn’t believe that I was in that position, but we got back to third which was really positive.

“In the two days before Round 7, Jay Foreman and I did a lot of testing with the suspension, and earlier in the week I also did some testing with Jason Corney and it’s really paid off today.

“We’ve made some really positive changes to the bike, and that really gives you a lot more confidence – so today was a solid result, and now I’m just looking forward to Shepparton.”

Luke Wilson – MX1 – (10th, 9th) 9th Overall “It was a pretty good day for me – I got a 10th and a 9th which I was happy with. I struggled a little bit fitness wise, but it’s good when you know what the problem is, and we’ve got something to work on ahead of Round 8,” Wilson shared.

“I got 9th overall for the day, so I’m inside the top ten which is what I’ve been working towards. I usually don’t like the mud but it all seemed to work out for me here.

“I got some good starts today too which made my job a bit easier. I’m not usually a big fan of Conondale but we’re happy that we got through it, and we’ve come away with a really good result.”

INSTAGRAM: @wilsonscoolairmotulsuzuki

g ale Hockin D : R E G A N TEAM MA aha yz250f m a Y f, 0 5 4 z aha y IPS WON: 0 BIKES: Yam H S N IO P M CHA

#37

WRIGHT #37 JACOB Class: MX1 Age: 21 ba : Toowoom Hometown e Jarrod Pyn Mechanic: IG: @jw37_

#12

ATON #12 JED BE Class: MX2 Age: 18 IC : Churchill V Hometown n Ross Beato Mechanic: aton12 IG: @jedbe

BEATON MOVES CLOSER WITH CONONDALE MX2 OVERALL

Nothing but positives came out of Round 7 of the MX Nationals in Conondale QLD for the DPH team with both riders carrying momentum and gaining much needed Championship points in both classes.

“5th overall at Conondale which is my best result for the season so I’m pumped. Looking forward to being strong at the last three rounds of the Championship” Said Wright.

Jed proved to be a force to be reckoned with after 2-1 results gained him the top step on the podium once again. But first place didn’t come easy for Jed who had a small crash in moto 1 but was lucky enough to claw his way back from 22nd position. Jed now sits second in the MX2 Championship, just seven points from the lead.

“Pretty good day for me. I kept it fun because the track was very technical once it dried out. I’m looking forward to round 8” Said Beaton. Queensland local Jacob Wright had his most successful round of the season going 7-5 in moto’s to land him a 5th place overall for the round.

FACEBOOK/dphmotorsport

INSTAGRAM: @dphmotorsport

vis Whitten ra T : R E G A F TEAM MAN AHA YZ250 M A Y : S E BIK

AKEHAM #9 KALE M Class: MX2 Age: 22 IC : Echuca V Hometown Darryl Hurd Mechanic: akeham96 IG: @kalem

#9

IE DAVIS #20 LACH Class: MX2 9 1 : e g A VIC : Hamilton n w to e m o H n Derek Stee : ic n a h c e M d20 IG: @lachie MCKAY #46 HUGH Class: MXD 6 1 : e g A n TAS : Launcesto n w to e m o H ay Leigh Mck Mechanic: ckay46 IG: @hughm #46

#20

TEAM PROFORMANCE PERFORMS AT CONONDALE

After a series of results which weren’t where the team want to be, Proformance had a successful weekend of racing at Conondale. The muddy, rutted conditions seem to suit Proformance riders and with Kale and Lachie from Victoria and Hugh from Tasmania relishing in the tough stuff.

Meanwhile, the Proformance YZF’s were looking immaculate with their retro sticker kits.

MX2 Race 1 started off positively for both Lachie and Kale. After the first corner Kale proved his starting practise conducted all week had really paid off, as he held down second place.

Further back Lachie had also had a great start, and was where he wanted to be. Kale managed to hold 2nd position until very close to the end, where he finished in the top 5.

A finish of 13th in moto 1 for Lachie Davis was enough to make him smile, remembering this is his first year of National racing against experienced foe.

MXD rider Hugh Mckay had never raced at Conondale but he is very comfortable in difficult tracks. While the other boys were able to nail their starts, Hugh was about as far back as possible after the first corner. Not to be deterred, he put his head down and pulled back around 15 places, making it one of the best riders he has had all year.

In the second MX2 race, Kale again got a good start, placing him at the top 5 after the first lap.

He rode consistently strong but put the bike down on

FACEBOOK: /ProformanceKawasaki

the second last lap when attempting a pass. These chances are generally worth taking but this time luck wasn’t on his side as he finished 8th in race 2 resulting in a solid 5th for the day.

Lachie had a bit less luck finishing up 18th for the day, which is still a solid result in a stacked field.

In MXD, Hugh finished the day in 8th overall thanks to 2 very consistent finishes. He is racing with more confidence than the first half of the season and is putting together some great rides now.

INSTAGRAM: @proformance_racing

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Home of the Proformance Race Team

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OFFROAD

AUSTRALIAN OFF ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP PRESS RELEASES

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ROUnD 7

AORC 174

EPIC FINISH FOR HALL AND SANDERS AT AORC Hall and Sanders have claimed their first Cross Country race wins this season in what were some treacherous conditions at round seven of the 2016 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship today at Hedley.

Conditions out on track today were less than perfect as the Women’s and Masters were first up after the Juniors to put their bikes through the paces in what was beyond a muddy and wet track.

After only one hour in to the race it looked as though Jemma Wilson had cemented her fate leading ahead of a hard fighting Jessica Gardiner and Sophie Coldicutt .

However, the continued deteriorating conditions and sporadic showers throughout the remainder of the race wreaked havoc on positions, which significantly changed with the showing of the last lap board.

Teagan Hall shined out in front as she worked hard to take on Jemma Wilson and was successful wrapping up the race in first position, finishing with a final overall time of 2:02:49.095.

Sophie Coldicutt (2:03:27.270) also making pace in the last lap finished strong in second with Wilson (2:03:42.664) close behind in third after what was a brilliant race to the finish.

Masters competitor Derek Grundy was able to pinch top spot as they came into the concluding corners of the race to cross the finish line in first (2:11:24.434), while Peter Schaper (2:19:37.133) finished just behind in second and Wayne Vandenburg (2:19:51.767) rounded out the day in third.

As the last race of the day competitors of E1, E2, E3, Transmoto EJ and Veterans lined their machines on the start line ready to race!

KTM Enduro Racing Teams’ Tye Simmonds (E2) managed to steal the

lead from the remainder of the pack as Lyndon Snodgrass (E3) moved into a comfortable second and ex Motocross racers Jack Simpson (E1) sat in third after only one lap.

Spectators were kept entertained as the boys dipped, dived and scurried through the sand and the mud as rain and hail continued to fall heavily throughout eight lap race.

By the half way mark in the race it was KTM Enduro Racing Teams’ Daniel Sanders (E3) who plummeted to the lead hungry not to let team mate Simmonds through, but Simmonds in second was determined not to finish without a fight to the flag.

With positions remaining unchanged for the remainder of the race it was Sanders (2:45:54.863) who bought it home fighting through the cold, hail, rain and copious amounts of mud lengthening his overall lead in the championship.

Simmonds who started strong was 175

Overall results for E1, E2, E3, Transmoto EJ and Veterans: 1. Daniel Sanders (E3) 2:45:54.863 2. Tye Simmonds (E2) 2:48:15.472 3. Lyndon Snodgrass (E3) 2:51:54.437 4. Jack Simpson (E1) 2:52:15.340 5. Riley Graham (E1) 2:55:26.892 6. Tom McCormack (E3) 2:56:15.982 7. Callan May (E1) 2:57:19.152 8. Broc Grabham (E2) 2:57:42.613 9. Lachlan Stanford (E3) 2:59:55.138 10. Glenn Kearney (E1) 3:00:33.690 Overall results for Women’s: unable to beat the pace of Sanders who looked to be unstoppable concluding in a comfortable second with a time of 2:48:15.472.

Snodgrass concluded the race all smiles wrapping up the final podium position in third with a time of 2:51:54.437 just off the pace of his fellow competitors.

Motul Pirelli Sherco Factory Teams’ Wil Ruprecht (3:01:59.077) was victorious in the Transmoto EJ class, also fighting the tough conditions at Hedley today, while Damien Smith proved he deserved his first place finish in the Vets class with a concluding time of 2:56:02.869.

After a successful day here at Hedley in Victoria competitors and Teams will now rest tonight and prepare for round eight which will see the course transformed into a sprint layout for the 2016 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship.

176

1. Tegan Hall 2:02:49.095 2. Sophie Coldicutt 2:03:27.270 3. Jemma Wilson 2:04:42.664 4. Jessica Gardiner 2:07:25.946 5. Emelie Karlsson 2:12:17.056 6. Madison Bird 2:05:00.006 7. Kate Norman 2:18:02.719 8. Niki Bedford 1:56:07.374 9. Irene Vasilas 2:20:06.016 Overall Results for Masters: 1. Derek Grundy 2:11:24.434 2. Peter Schaper 2:19:37.133 3. Wayne Vandenberg 2:19:51.767 4. Ken Burt 2:20:28.075 5. Andrew Cais 2:20:49.885 6. Dean Shaw 2:23:27.643 7. stephen mason 2:26:26.930 8. David Salt 2:30:20.518 9. Anthony Patterson 2:01:51.612 10. Joe Ondrus 2:02:03.293

JOSH BRIERLEY TAKES FIRST AORC CROSS COUNTRY WIN AT ROUND SEVEN As the Juniors set themselves up on the starting line the skies looked as if they were beginning to clear for the first Cross Country race of the season at the seventh round of the 2016 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship at Hedley in Victoria today.

With this being the first time some of the juniors have competed in conditions like this, it was a test of not only speed but the ability to manoeuvre around the mud and through the yards of water that layered the sandy cross country track.

In the early stages of the race conditions proved difficult for some with spills and breakdown resulting in riders being forced to DNF.

Sporadic showers and strong winds continued to surprise the juniors as the track became rough and slippery, and at the showing of the last lap board, with half an hour to go it was Mason Semmens (J3) leading the pack overall, while Corey Hammond (J3) sat in second and Jake Gogol (J4) in third.

A crash on the first lap led to bike issues for the young Semmens who couldn’t quiet hang on to cross the finish line resulting in a DNF for the KTM mounted rider.

With Semmens out, it allowed Josh Brierley (J3) to slot in to first position taking the J3 class win and the overall win with a time of 1:57:30.728 and showing that he 177

had the skills over these extreme Hedley conditions.

Mitch Brierley (J3) couldn’t quite match the time of his brother finishing a close second behind with a concluding time of 1:59:25.076, while Hammond on the last lap slipped down a position to take the final spot on the podium in third.

Battling not only each other but the mud, wind and rain it was Harrison Tetley who clinched first place in the J4 class, while Ashden Gramlick put on another fine performance to claim the top spot on the J2 class.

Overall Junior Cross Country Results: 1. 103N Josh Brierley 1:57:30.728 2. 124N Mitch Brierley 1:59:25.076 3. 135N Corey Hammond 2:01:18.918 4. 750V Harrison Tetley 2:01:26.252 5. 155S Will Price 2:01:27.705 6. 782V Jake Gogol 2:01:39.226 7. 784V Jake Brennan 2:03:34.800 8. 783V Riley Fleming 2:03:49.975 9. 701V Tully O’Neil 2:05:32.668 10. 373T Connor Gee 2:05:45.446

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ROUnD 8

AORC 180

SANDERS MAKES IT A CLEAN SWEEP AT AORC It was a perfect start to a perfect day for KTM Enduro Racing Teams Daniel Sanders finishing on the top step of the podium overall for Round 8 of the 2016 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championships at Hedley this weekend.

With the sun beating down throughout the day and varying parts of the track drying from yesterday’s torrential weather conditions, it was straight in the Sprints for competitors of the AORC. AORC E1: Despite Daniel Sanders claiming the overall win with the fastest time of 32:02.953, it was Jack Simpson (33:21.080) who made use of the track to take his machine across the finish line first for the E1 class.

While only just off the pace it was Husqvarna Enduro Racing Teams Glenn Kearney (33:43.344) who finished today in second place,

cf-62a4-499d-b587-f7087c1299ea.jpeg

and capturing third position for Round 8 in the E1 class was Riley Graham finishing his final sprint clocking a time of 34:06.797.

AORC E2: With Josh Green being ruled out due to injury it was open slather for the E2 class today as KTM Enduro Racing Teams Tye Simmonds was hungry to prove his dominance on a tight and muddy track.

Although second overall, Simmonds snatched up first place for his class with a time of 32:53.359, putting valuable points on the board with only four rounds remaining until Champions are crowned.

Broc Grabham (33:38.252) and CDR Yamaha’s Chris Hollis (34:19.666) rounded out the final two positions on the E2 podium.

AORC E3: From the first test it was KTM Enduro Racing Teams Daniel Sanders out in front

as he led the 150 competitors around the 8 minute loop, almost 12 seconds in front of second placed Tye Simmonds (E2).

And with only four tests to show his strength on his KTM machine he wrapped up Round 8 victorious overall and for the E3 Class.

Lyndon Snodgrass (33:17.569) once again put on a great performance to be credited with second for the round and Active8 Yamaha’s Beau Ralston (33:29.553) lined up on the podium in third.

AORC Transmoto EJ:

Andrew Wilksch (34:27.218) snatched first place from his fellow Transmoto EJ competitors in a stunning victory while Motul Pirelli Sherco Factory Teams Wil Ruprecht (34:57.815) finished second.

Third place was Jonte Reynders who finished with a concluding time of 35:05.467.

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Masters:

Derek Grundy was first in the Master’s class with a 46:08.836 finishing time over the four sprints.

Second place was held by Wayne Vandenberg (48:12.632) and third place on the podium was snatched by Peter Schaper (48:40.800)

With Rounds 7 & 8 complete it leaves only four rounds for the competitors to put their bikes in to gear and accumulate the last of the championship points for AORC. Veterans: Also competing on the same track as the E1, E2, E3 and EJ classes were the Veterans which saw Damien Smith once again prove his pace on track carrying speed from yesterday to finish first with a concluding time of 36:17.518.

Second place was Glenn Stiles (39:13.666) and third place for the Vets class was Craig Wease (39:55.456) finishing the weekend on a high note for Round 8.

For Women’s and Master’s it was a change of scenery from yesterday’s Cross Country race as they rode alongside the AORC Junior classes for their four Sprints today.

Overall results for E1, E2, E3, Transmoto EJ and Veterans: 1. Daniel Sanders 32:02.953 (E3) 2. Tye Simmonds 32:53.359 (E2) 3. Lyndon Snodgrass 33:17.569 (E3) 4. Jack Simpson 33:21.080 (E1) 5. Beau Ralston 33:29.553 (E3) 6. Broc Grabham 33:38.252 (E2) 7. Glenn Kearney 33:43.344 (E1) 8. Lachlan Stanford 33:50.008 (E3) 9. Riley Graham 34:06.797 (E1) 10. Scott Keegan 34:09.999 (E1)

Overall results for Women’s: 1. Jemma Wilson 43:19.740 2. Emelie Karlsson 43:32.683 3. Jessica Gardiner 45:03.166 4. Sophie Coldicutt 45:22.109 5. Tegan Hall 46:04.765 6. Kate Norman 1:00:06.325 7. Irene Vasilas 1:03:06.843 Women’s: 8. Angela Angela 1:09:25.743 It was Jemma Wilson who proved her 9. Stacey Thompson 1:16:24.951

speed on the Yamaha machine, taking the number one position for the Women’s class in only 43:19.740 minutes.

Emelie Karlson (43:32.683) made serious pace as she rumbled through the mud and straight into second position just in front of Jessica Gardiner who improved from yesterday to secure a third place finish with a final time of 45:03.166 over the four sprints.

182

Overall Results for Masters: 1. Derek Grundy 46:08.836 2. Wayne Vandenberg 48:12.632 3. Peter Schaper 48:40.800 4. Ken Burt 49:41.973 5. Dean Shaw 50:49.170 6. Andrew Cais 51:07.034 7. David Salt 51:25.710 8. Joe Ondrus 51:26.253 9. Anthony Patterson 52:50.950

PRICE, BRIERLEY AND TOMICH TAKE AORC WINS It was an overall successful weekend for young Josh Brierley at Round 8 of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship this weekend, walking away with another overall win to his name.

Getting back to a Sprint layout for the juniors today after a grueling Cross Country yesterday, AORC competitors were faced with giant ruts and pools of water across their four sprints throughout the day.

Champ J3: Josh Brierley (41:23.670) secured his place on top today to make this weekend a clean sweep for the young New South Wales rider.

Carrying his pace from yesterday Brierley overcome the tough condition out there today to walk away with another first place trophy and all important championship points to go towards the end of the year.

It was brother Mitch Brierley (42:59.987) who finished just behind in second, however Champ J4: not without a fight, while Corey Hammond The muddy, rutted conditions didn’t stop Will secured third with a concluding time of Price however as he sped to a radical finish 44:10.002. for the Champ J4 class almost two minutes ahead of second placed Tom Mitten with a Champ J2: time of 42:41.883.

Tyran Tomich won on home turf today as the

Although the Mitten brothers both young Victorian set a time of 43:54.270 to gave their all today it seems they couldn’t steal first place from his gunning competitors. quite reach the pace of the J4 front runner It was Sam Noonan (46:19.479) who Price, Tom finishing with a time of 44:02.231 managed the ruts and wet to secure his while Zak (45:14.234) finished the day in third place in second while Greg Pye took third in position. the J2 class today with a total wrap up time of

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46:22.735, just off the pace of second placed Noonan.

Josh Brierley shared in his relief of getting back on the bike after missing the first four rounds due to a wrist injury, placing himself in front for both days.

“I am feeling pretty good. The weekend went great and it was really good to get back on the top step of the podium after a long break,” he said.

“It turned out to be an awesome weekend, we came away with the win both days which is really good.

“I missed out on the first four rounds because I broke my wrist so to get more round wins and time on the bike is great, and I am having fun,” Brierley concluded.

Overall results for J4, J3 and J2: 1. Josh Brierley 41:23.670 (J3) 2. Will Price 42:41.883 (J4) 3. Mitch Brierley 42:59.987 (J3) 4. Tyran Tomich 43:54.270 (J2) 5. Tom Mitten 44:02.231 (J4) 6. Corey Hammond 44:10.002 (J3) 7. Jye Bennett 44:36.763 (J3) 8. Zak Mitten 45:14.234 (J4) 9. Zane Temperley 45:23.297 (J4) 10. Harrison Tetley 45:40.957 (J4)

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