Todd, Ward and Jake Moss top qualifying – Riders get a feel for Coolum ahead of Grand Finale
Round 10 MXD, MX1 and MX2 practice and qualifying has now been completed and we have one day of action left to decide who will be crowned the 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals Champions.
Beautiful weather greeted spectators, officials, teams and riders as the final round of the series roared into action at Coolum Pines MX Track in Queensland.
Wilson Todd (GYTR Yamaha), privateer Caleb Ward and Jake Moss (NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki) recorded the fastest times in each of the three classes to take out qualifying ahead of the final day of racing on Sunday.
Monster MX1
With a sprinkling of water on the track, the Monster MX1 class headed out for practice, on an already rough and rutty Coolum circuit.
DPH Motorsport rider Kade Mosig was first to head out, leading a 40 strong pack of riders for the 15-minute session.
Again eyes were firmly fixed on the lap times of series leader, Team Motul Suzuki’s Matt Moss, who looked more than comfortable in the sand, clocking in the fourth fastest lap time.
It was CDR Yamaha’s Billy Mackenzie who took full advantage of the free practice session, clocking in fastest on track with a 1:47.623 lap, ahead of Jake Moss. Third quickest in the session was Jacob Wright (CDR Yamaha).
By the time the MX1 class made its way onto the circuit for qualifying, there were already doubts as to whether we would see times as fast as we did in the earlier practice session.
While Matt Moss posted a quick time early, it was brother Jake who set tongues wagging when he recorded a 1:47.983 on his third lap.
Mackenzie also clocked in with his best laptipme on lap three – his 1:48.598 enough to secure him second spot in the session.
Matt posted the third fastest time, while round nine sensation Wright and KTM Motocross Race Team’s Kirk Gibbs both qualified for the Superpole on Sunday.
Motul MX2
As the heavy hitters of the Motul MX2 class lined up for their free practice session, eyes were on Serco Yamaha’s red plate holder Luke Clout, looking super relaxed prior to heading out.
When bikes hit the track it was the usual suspects out first. Penrite Oil Honda’s Josh Cachia lead the pack for lap one the 15-minute qualifying session.
Much to the crowds surprise Clout rode around at a leisurely pace, appearing to take his time to get to know the notoriously rough Coolum circuit.
The fastest time of the session was put down by Clout in the final lap, managing a 1:50.159 ahead of Hamish Harwood (CMR Redbull KTM) and Kawasaki rider Takeshi Katsuya.
In qualifying it was Ward, Clout and Jay Wilson (Serco Yamaha) who set the pace early.
Ward posted a 1:52.005 on the second lap of the session and it was enough to take number one spot in qualifying, as the track conditions deteriorated throughout the session.
Clout’s second lap time of 1:52.676 was enough to hand him second position in the session, while Tunetech Racing KTM Australia’s Kale Makeham posted a quick time on lap five to move into third.
Harwood and Wilson rounded out the top-five – Harwood moving to fourth on the last lap, while title threat Luke Arbon (SD3 Husqvarna) had to settle for eighth.
Pirelli MXD
When the Pirelli MXD class headed out for their 15-minute free practice session, eyes were on Egan Mastin (Berry Sweet Husqvarna) as well as privateers Jack Simpson and Nathan Crawford, who are all locked in a tense title-fight.
At the end of the session, onlookers were left stunned, with KTM privateer Jayden Rykers putting down the fastest lap, ahead of Crawford and privateer Dylan Wills.
Red plate holder Mastin opted to play things safe during the practice session, crossing the line with a sixth fastest lap time.
In qualifying it was Todd who looked the most impressive early – clocking a 1:50.397 on his second lap and setting the pace early for everyone to catch.
Crawford came close to catching him on the same lap, but was still .144 seconds behind.
There wasn’t another lap time posted sub one minute and 52 seconds, before Mastin posted a 1:51.581 on his second last lap to move into third position.
Surprisingly – that is how the top three stayed, with the early hard work of Todd and Crawford landing them the top two spots in qualifying and first picks of the gates tomorrow.
Rykers finished the session in fourth place, Kyle Webster (Cully’s Yamaha) clocked the fifth fastest time, while Simpson had to settle for seventh.
Court wins hotly contested KTM Two Stroke Cup – Battle for top spot on podium down to final race
An incredible 33 riders took to the track today for Queensland’s edition of the KTM Two-Stroke Cup at round ten of the Monster Energy MX Nationals in sunny Coolum.
When bikes hit the track, it was the 208 machine of Josh Adams who took top qualifying position with a 1:49.111 lap time, ahead of Dakota Court in second and Dylan Gosling in third.
As the two stroke machines lined up, the full grid was a sight in itself. Top two-stroke qualifiers Adams, Court and Gosling expecting big things from moto one.
When the gate dropped, the holeshot was grabbed by the number 208 machine of Adams only centimeters ahead of Court, who exited turn one in second.
After one lap though, Adams’ lead was relinquished – going down and handing the number one spot to KTM’s Court, while Gosling moved into second position ahead of Kerrod Morrissy.
It was on lap four that the battle for the lead really heated up, testing the two-stoke riders’ strength and endurance. Court and Gosling went head to head for a whole lap – Gosling unable to make a pass stick and continuing in second.
The opportunity to grab the lead presented itself once again on lap six, when Court and Gosling moved into lapped riders, Gosling again unable to apply the pressure required to pass Court.
When the chequered flag flew, Court crossed the line as the moto one winner, while Gosling took second ahead of Morrissy who comfortably claimed third.
In moto two, the holeshot was handed to Gosling and the Husqvarna pilot took advantage of the great start.
He streamed ahead with Adams who battled hard to stay within touch in second, and the pair managed to put some good time on the rest of the field.
Behind them, Court and Luke Davis were locked in a huge battle over opening couple of laps, trying to lock in third and fourth position.
Court got the upper hand early, and the pair tussled in what looked to be the tightest fought battle of the day.
Patience was a virtue for Davis, and on lap six of the nine-lap race, he made his move to push into third and lay his claim for a podium finish.
Up front, there was drama on the penultimate lap when Gosling went down – giving up three points in the overall championship.
While he resumed the race in second, he surrendered it to Davis on the final lap finishing third, behind Davis, with Adams taking maximum points.
In the third moto of the day, Gosling looked to have taken the holeshot before Adams came through at first corner to take the lead.
At the end of the opening lap, Gosling had arrested the lead back from Adams, with Court and Davis in third and fourth respectively.
Drama unfolded soon after when Golsing down on lap two and was passed by Adams and Davis before resuming in third spot.
On lap four Gosling was passed again, this time by Court, while Adams and Davis swapped positions several times over the next few laps at the front of the field.
At the chequered flag it was Adams who finished in front, taking the win from Davis, Court and Gosling in fourth.
In the overall championship, Court came out on top – his consistent day being rewarded with a nine-point series win from Gosling.
In a tightly contested series, Gosling finished six points ahead of third placed Adams, while Zane Keleher and Daniel Kelly finished in fourth and fifth place respectively.
KTM Two Stroke Cup Round Results Coolum:
1) Dakota Court 93 (35, 28, 30)
2) Josh Adams 92 (22, 35, 35)
3) Luke Davis 92 (28, 32, 32)
4) Gosling Dylan 90 (32, 30, 28)
5) Kerrod Morrissy 82 (30, 26, 26)
6) Zane Keleher 70 (26, 21, 23)
7) Nicholas Geck 70 (25, 24, 21)
8) Geordie McGrath 68 (18, 25, 25)
9) Andrew Lowther 63 (21, 22, 20)
10) Tim Vare 62 (15, 23, 24)
KTM Two Stroke Cup Overall championship results:
1) Dakota Court 163
2) Gosling Dylan 154
3) Josh Adams 148
4) Zane Keleher 124
5) Daniel Kelly 103
6) Luke Davis 92
7) Tyson Baxter 92
8) Stephen Moylan 87
9) Kerrod Morrissy 82
10) Nicholas Geck 70
Boyd wins Veterans 30-39 years Championship – Three from three at Coolum hands Boyd title
Yamaha supported Cheyne Boyd has had a perfect day out at Coolum to seal the 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals Vets 30-39 year old Championship.
Boyd made it three wins form three on the day – winning all five races in the series to sweep the class and claim another Australian title.
As the sun rose at the Coolum Pines MX Track, the veterans of the Monster Energy MX Nationals prepared for their big day of racing, and the fight for the 30-39 years 2014 Championship began.
On a perfectly prepped track, Boyd took top qualifying position ahead of Penrite Honda’s Malcolm Cash and Michael Munro respectively.
When race one of the day kicked off it was Boyd that was out of the gate first, before Steven Powell snatched the lead out of the first turn.
Powell’s lead was short lived however– the number one machine of Boyd, claiming back the lead after only half a lap.
With Boyd extending his lead to more than twenty seconds just two laps in, eyes would stay on the battle for second between Michael Munro and well known Husqvarna Enduro rider Glen Kearney.
As the gentlemen of the sport settled into their races, Boyd continued to extend his lead, while Cash launched his way into second position ahead of Kearney in third and Munro in fourth.
After 15 minutes, there was little change to the running order – Boyd crossing the finish line with a huge gap on second place runner Cash, while Kearney took third respectively.
In moto two, Boyd once again grabbed the holeshot, exiting the first turn with a bike lengths lead.
After two laps Boyd continued to stretch out his huge lead on the field, and the battle for second between Glenn Kearney and Michael Munro began to take shape.
Despite Munro’s efforts a pass on Kearney, it did not eventuate and the top three remained unchanged throughout the race.
As the chequered flag flew, Boyd made it two from two finishing 53 seconds ahead of Kearney in second, followed by Munro who took third.
The final race of the day delivered no surprises. Boyd once again pulling the holeshot, and showcasing his outstanding post pro-career form.
After only a single lap, Husqvarna mounted Kearney, moved into second place ahead of Munro, Cash and Travis Regeling respectfully.
The only change to the front-runners came, when a late charge from Cash relegated Munro back to third midway through the moto.
As the last lapboard was thrown out, the veterans of our sport breathed a sigh of relief. Boyd taking a clean sweep with another race win, ahead of Husqvarna’s Kearney and Cash who claimed second and third.
Boyd finished the event 17 points ahead of nearest rival Kearney who had to settle for second overall, while Cash rounded out the championship podium a further eight points behind.
2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals Vets 30-39 year old Championship Round 2 Results Coolum:
1) Cheyne Boyd 105 (35, 35, 35)
2) Glenn Kearney 94 (30, 32, 32)
3) Malcolm Cash 90 (32, 28, 30)
4) Michael Munro 86 (28, 30, 28)
5) Travis Regeling 78 (26, 26, 26)
6) Steven Powell 74 (25, 25, 24)
7) Andrew Shacklock 71 (22, 24, 25)
8) Aaron Hunt 70 (24, 23, 23)
9) Peter Ferguson 64 (21, 22, 22)
10) Stephen Moylan 64 (23, 22, 19)
2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals Vets 30-39 year old Overall championship results
1) Cheyne Boyd 175
2) Glenn Kearney 158
3) Malcolm Cash 150
4) Travis Regeling 132
5) Steven Powell 125
6) Aaron Hunt 116
7) Stephen Moylan 106
8) Jeremy Bennett 93
9) Michael Munro 86
10) Luke Sparrow 77
Taylor turns back the clock to take crown –Â Impressive sweep gives Taylor another title at CoolumÂ
Yamaha backed Cameron Taylor has swept the final round of the 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals to take home the Vets Over 40 Australian Championship.
Taylor won all three races on the day in Coolum to make it a perfect five wins from five races and claim himself another Australian title.
With their last outing being round six of the MX Nationals at Swan Hill, the 40 plus veterans class were more than ready to get back to racing at round ten of the MX Nationals at Coolum today.
Taking top qualifying position on the newly reversed track was old favorite Taylor, setting himself up for a big day of racing.
Taking second gate pick after the 10-minute session was Honda rider Shane Edmonds, ahead of Mark Oberthur (Suzuki).
When race one of the day kicked off, it was the familiar Yamaha of former National Champion Taylor, whose bike entered and exited turn one first.
With one lap in the books again it was Taylor holding the number one position, ahead of Edmonds, and Oberthur in third.
By lap two Taylor had increased his lead to 20 seconds – the battle then heating up between Oberthur and Glenn Poole for second, as they had both managed to move past Edmonds who had faded back to fourth.
As race one reached its final stages, Taylor continued with his commanding lead on the track, the only position change to note was Edmonds who pulled in on lap four.
When the chequered flag flew it was the number 18 machine of Taylor who crossed the line first, lapping all the way back to second place. Coming in second was Oberthur, while Poole finished moto one in third.
In moto two, again it was Taylor who was first off the gate – grabbing a huge holeshot and launching into the race lead.
Following Taylor out of the first turn in second was the Suzuki machine of Daniel Phillips, followed by Poole and Oberthur.
Just one lap in, positions changed. Oberthur moved into second position after Poole went down, while Phillips moved comfortably into third place.
When moto two ended there were little changes to the standings. Taylor took the race win ahead of Oberthur in second. A surprise performance came from Suzuki mounted Alistair King who took out third.
When the gate dropped on the final moto of the day, the first bike out of turn one was once again the number 18 Yamaha machine of Cameron Taylor, trailed by Phillips and Anthony Donohue.
As racing settled in and the over 40’s contested the toughest conditions of the day, Oberthur slotted into second place ahead of Neil Loder who was having his best ride of the day in third.
With Taylor being close to ten seconds a lap quicker than the rest of the field, it meant the task of catching him was virtually impossible. Eventually he crossed the line in first position, claiming three wins from three races.
Finishing the final race of the day in second was Oberthur, followed by Loder in third.
In the overall championship, Taylor finished 25 points ahead of Oberthyr, with Phillips a further 21 points behind in third.
 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals Vets Over 40 Australian Championship Round 2 Results Coolum:
1) Cameron Taylor 105 (35, 35, 35)
2) Mark Oberthur 96 (32, 32, 32)
3) Alistair King 84 (26, 30, 28)
4) Neil Loder 80 (22, 28, 30)
5) Daniel Phillips 79 (28, 26, 25)
6) Toa Cooper 73 (23, 24, 26)
7) George Knight 73 (24, 25, 24)
8) Anthony Donohue 66 (21, 23, 22)
9) David Baxter 65 (20, 22, 23)
10) Andrew Houlihan 59 (18, 20, 21)
2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals Vets Over 40 Australian Championship Overall championship results:
1) Cameron Taylor 175
2) Mark Oberthur 150
3) Daniel Phillips 129
4) Andrew Houlihan 101
5) Glenn Poole 92
6) Alistair King 84
7) Neil Loder 80
8) Toa Cooper 73
9) George Knight 73
10) Anthony Donohue 66
