Ryan Lancaster wins Aus ATV title

by Dave · October 29, 2008

Yamaha’s Ryan Lancaster has claimed the national number 1 plate after a dominant performance at the 2008 ATV Quad Motocross Championships in Smithton, Tasmania last weekend.

The West Australian-based rider entered as one of the favourites for event honours following his runner-up placing last year, and was determined to put his YFZ 450 on the top step of the podium in 2008. The two-day event threw up a number of variables for riders to deal with, the primary being wildly contrasting track conditions, with organisers watering the track on the second day to reduce high levels of dust.

Lancaster was in his element on the opening day, winning moto 1 by over 10 seconds and moto 2 by more than 15 seconds to take an important edge overnight. The third moto was re-scheduled to be run Sunday morning, and racers were greeted with a soggy track which allowed almost zero visibility in the pack. Lancaster had a tough start to his day, spinning on the first corner and forced to attack from dead last.

Despite losing his goggles mid-way through the race, he pushed through to grab fourth, a significant result which kept him in the hunt for the title. An intense battle was waged in the fourth moto, with Lancaster crossing the line in second place and tightening his grip on the trophy. He only needed to finish in fourth in the day’s final moto, but disaster struck when he was spun again on the start. Determined not to meet the same fate as 2007, Lancaster staged an incredible fightback, weaving his way through the pack to finish second and take the title. He said it was a fantastic feeling to win the title which had eluded him last season.

"It’s really good to get the job done after doing the hard yards in the leadup," said Lancaster. "I’d been working with a trainer to maintain my fitness and build endurance for the event and it certainly paid off." "I had a couple of great wins and a couple of mixed results – the WA competition was tough as always and I found myself scrambling from the back of the pack to get the necessary points.

"The YFZ 450 was fantastic all weekend, it really suited the conditions and was definitely the pacesetter on the weekend. I’ve had a chance to check out the new ’09 YFZ 450R and I’m really excited about its potential looking ahead to next season, Yamaha has further improved on an already superior model".

With the job done and number 1 plate next to his name, Lancaster will take some time out to relax before engaging in another intense physical fitness regime to ensure he is ready for the 2009 season.