Yamaha preview Lakes MX
The penultimate round of the Nokia MX Nationals, to be held at the Lakes motocross venue this weekend, will be a significant one for Yamaha Racing.
The penultimate round of the Nokia MX Nationals, to be held at the Lakes motocross venue this weekend, will be a significant one for Yamaha Racing, as it looks to tighten its grip on a premier class title.
Since the opening round, Jake Moss has continually demonstrated his desire and commitment to claiming Pro Lites honours, constantly setting the pace and consistently collecting points to keep his tally ticking over.The Serco Yamaha team had set a goal that they could very realistically achieve at Lake Macquarie – to build an unbeatable points advantage ahead of the final round.
Moss is 76 points clear of second-placed Mitch Hoad, but said he would not be taking the task lightly.
“There is still an opportunity to take a few more round wins left in the season, and it would be great to go out on the highest of highs by continuing the form we began the season in,” said Moss.
“However, it is all about the championship and I just need to have a consistent round this weekend to wrap it up. Then we can have some fun at the final round and give it everything to make sure Serco Yamaha finishes the season on top in every way!”
Team Manager Gavin Eales said he was proud of Moss’ achievements, coupled with the hard work of the entire team, and said it was rare in such a competitive sport to have the opportunity to win a championship ahead of the final event.
"Our plan is to ensure that we take the championship this weekend, in order to do this Jake is going to need a good start in moto 1 and to ride conservatively, that in itself is a big ask of Jake as everytime he gets on the bike he just wants to win," said Eales."Second place is never good enough for that kid, no matter what the circumstances are!"
Yamaha privateer entrant Michael Phillips will be gunning for another good round after recording a breakthrough victory at Wonthaggi. It is always exciting to see a fresh face on the winner's podium, and the YZ250F-mounted rider has shown consistent pace throughout the season.The top performance of Yamaha's Pro Lite contenders sees them also leading the ADB Manufacturers Cup, with a good advantage over second place.
Also in action from Serco Yamaha this weekend is Brenden Harrison, returning to the Under 19’s class after a number of rounds shaking up the top contenders in the Pro Lites field as a wildcard entrant.Harrison, along with fellow Yamaha riders Kirk Gibbs and Dean Ferris, looked right at home amongst the senior riders, and the inclusion of the young guns forced the regulars to dig very deep in order to combat their enthusiasm and speed.
A Team Seven Yamaha frontrunner, Gibbs was a revelation in the Pro Lites competition, consistently challenging for podium placings, and will head back to his regular spot in the Under 19’s class brimming with confidence.
It will be a similar story for GYTR/QYDT’s Dean Ferris, who put in a number of fantastic performances against experienced campaigners aboard his YZ250F.
The factory Yamaha riders will be out to continue their dominance of the series standings, with Brenden Harrison ready to extend his 10 point lead at the top of the table. Gibbs sits comfortably in third, with Ferris keeping him honest in fourth.With its championship aspirations shattered due to injury, Yamaha’s Pro Open teams will be out to show they can battle with the best at Lakes.Cheyne Boyd will be looking for back-to-back podiums for CDR/Nokia/Yamaha, despite having only returned to racing a few weeks ago.
No one could question Boyd’s commitment and talent, as he took his YZ450F to an incredible third overall at Wonthaggi, just days after being cleared to ride after a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
He said the time spent watching other riders battle it out for the title he felt he could have won only fired him up further, and was aiming to go two better and take a win at Lakes. "I've had a few more weeks to prepare for the last two rounds of the season and my recovery is going very well," said Boyd."It was great to bounce back to form so quickly at Wonthaggi, and disappointing to think of the season that could have been, and I'm definitely looking to be back on the podium again."
Championship Standings.
Pro Open MX Championship
1. Daniel Reardon, 355
2. Daryl Hurley, 295
3. Cody Cooper, 284
4. Jay Marmont, 279
5. Troy Carroll, 222
6. Kade Mosig, 160
7. Matt Moss, 150
8. Nathan Brochtrup, 138
9. Nathan Crawford, 138
10. Shane Metcalfe, 118
Pro Lite MX Championship
1. Jake Moss, 337
2. Mitch Hoad, 258
3. Danny Anderson, 236
4. Kyle Tobin, 210
5. Cody Mackie, 209
6. Michael Phillips, 202
7. Lewis Stewart, 200
8. Adam Monea, 187
9. Michael Addison, 160
10. Peter Boyle, 144
Under 19's Championship.
1. Brendan Harrison, 216
2. Todd Waters, 206
3. Kirk Gibbs, 180
4. Dean Ferris, 174
5. Matt Ryan, 145
6. Lawson Bopping, 144
7. Kody Wheeler, 127
8. Matt Hair, 98
9. Mat Arnautovic, 85
10. Joel Passlow, 76
