Round 2 of the 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals is drawing nearer, with the Appin motocross track set to host the next round of Australia’s premier motorcycle racing competition.
The second round will roar into town on Sunday 13 April, and if round one was anything to go by – we are set for an absolute feast of action this weekend.
As well as the Monster Energy MX 1 (Pro Open) class, the Motul MX2 (Pro Lites) class and the Pirelli MXD (Under 19s) class, the Appin event will feature the first round of the Yamaha 125cc Rookies 13 – 15 years class as a support category.
Speaking ahead of the event, Williams Event Management (WEM) Director Kevin Williams, said that the second round will help to prove or dismiss theories to come out of the season opener.
“I am looking forward to it immensely,” Williams said.
“The new talent that we saw on show at round one added a whole new level of interest to this series.
“Because of that, there is as much anticipation for round two as there was for round one. We all want to see if we are looking at one- hit wonders, or see if they can back up their performance this weekend.
Williams said that the venue is one of the best from a spectator’s point of view, and encouraged fans to come down and enjoy the benefits the Appin facility offers.
“Appin is one of the best venues of the series for watching the racing action.
“It is well located and spectators can make their way around all 360 degrees of the circuit.
“It has a great pit paddock, great viewing areas, wonderful opportunities to meet and greet the riders and the teams – no matter where you stand, you are up close to the action.”
When talking about the racing, Williams noted that the change to the traditional 2-moto format for the second round meant results in each race will be crucial to the overall championship.
“As we always say, the championship can’t be won at the first round – but from here in, every round is important.
“Consistency is the key with only two motos and only 70 points up for grabs so results here are critical.
“We have over 150 competitors in the main classes, and a full grid of 40 for the Yamaha 125cc Rookies class, so it will really be one round on the calendar not to be missed!”
Round Two Information:
- Gates open from 7:30am
- Practice starts 8:30am
- Racing starts from 10:30am
- Tickets available at the gate
- Adults $30.00
- Kids 5 to 15 $20.00
- Kids under 5 – free
- Family 2 Adults and 2 kids (5 to 15) $70.00
- Track located at Brian Road, Appin
Round One – Broadford – Reports/Results – Gallery A – Gallery B – Gallery C – Gallery D – Gallery E
Round One – Broadford – Reports/Results – Gallery A – Gallery B – Gallery C – Gallery D – Gallery E
Yamaha Preview
Yamaha Racing’s motocross teams are full steam ahead for round two of the Monster MX Nationals, to be held at Appin Raceway, just south west of Sydney, this weekend.
It was a mixed opening round for the factory Yamaha teams, with each team experiencing some challenges as well as some good results but all riders are excited about the upcoming weekend and look forward to some great racing.
CDR Yamaha – MX1
Billy Mackenzie led the CDR Yamaha charge at round one, scorching the field in the Go Pro Superpole and showing great speed in many of the races. Unfortunately, Mackenzie wasn’t able to capitalise on his speed advantage but still managed a hard earned fourth place finish for the round and is well placed heading into round two.
“I was happy with my riding at the opening round, I just need to turn that speed into results. The bike is awesome and it’s nice to be able to get some time at home and get into my usual routine as so far this year I have been bouncing between NZ and Australia,” Mackenzie explains.
Jay Marmont is looking for an improved performance at round two and with the Appin circuit close to where Jay lives and he also spends plenty of time training at Appin, expect Marmont to come out swinging this weekend.
“Broadford has always been a track that I have struggled with, even in my championship years,” Marmont offers. “But with round two at Appin, I feel more confident heading into the round and I know there will be plenty of friends and family there to cheer me on.”
Serco Yamaha – MX2
Crashes and a once in a lifetime mechanical issue held back the Serco charge at the championship opener but with both riders working hard and the mechanical gremlins eliminated, the Serco Yamaha team are looking for redemption at round two and get their season back on track.
Luke Clout showed speed at Broadford and if it wasn’t for his bike getting jammed in first gear during the opening moto, then his day might have turned out much better. Sydney based Clout has done a lot of laps at the Appin track and admits it is one of his favourite on the tour.
“Appin has always been a track I have liked and I try to race there as often as possible. I like the ruts that form and also the good mix of offer camber turns and jumps. Things didn’t turn out the way I hoped at round one, but the plan is to right the ship this weekend and get back to where I belong.”
Jay Wilson had a huge fall in race one at Broadford that literally took the wind out of his sails. Under duress, he battled through the final two motos but with the two week break since the first round, he has been able to get back to 100% and feels ready going into this weekend.
“I was a bit battered and bruised in the lead up to and also at Broadford, so it was good to get a few days to recover after the race and I feel much better. I have put in some good riding and training and this round will be much better than what we experienced at Broadford,” Wilson said.
GYTR Yamaha – MXD
The GYTR Yamaha took two fresh out of juniors riders and through them to the lions at the opening round of the championship, with both guys showing the fight and tenacity it takes to race at this level. Jed Beaton claimed the win for the day, while Wilson Todd impressed with a seventh place finish and the results have left the boys hungry for more.
“The first round was a bit of an eye opener,” states Wilson Todd. “The formats, the racing, the track, pretty much everything is a lot different to juniors. I even nearly missed a race as I was watching the MX1 guys. But both Jed and I know how it works now and this weekend will be a lot of fun.”
Jed Beaton was in top form at the opening round and charged to the front in the final two races, but he also understands this is a 20 race championship and there are a lot of racing laps to go.
“It was nice to win the opening round but it doesn’t mean much if I can’t continue riding well and being in the championship battle at the end. It was back into training right after Broadford and l’m looking forward to the Appin round.”
Round One – Broadford – Reports/Results – Gallery A – Gallery B – Gallery C – Gallery D – Gallery E
