Suzuki Dominates Under 19 Supercross Opener

RACE REPORT

2011 Australian National Supercross Championship (Round One)
Melbourne (VIC)
22 October 2011

Team Raceline Pirelli Suzuki riders Errol Willis and Joey Savatgy dominated proceedings at the opening round of the 2011 Australasian Supercross Championship held at Melbourne Knights Stadium, Melbourne.

Errol Willis - Suzuki

Despite volatile weather and treacherous track conditions, the Suzuki RM-Z250 mounted team mates were never headed during the Under 19 final, finishing 1 - 2.

Willis, the reigning Australian National Motocross Under 19s Champion, placed second in his heat and grabbed the opportunity in the final by scoring a thrilling victory.

U.S import Savatgy made an impressive debut, dominating his heat race for an easy victory before finishing a close second in the final.

Pro Open rider Lawson Bopping, still in his rookie 450 season, looked fast and aggressive on board his fuel injected RM-Z450.

Finishing first in his heat, his night was cut short after a broken clutch lever ruined his hopes of completing the final.

Round two of the Australasian Supercross Championship will take place at WIN Stadium in Wollongong next Saturday October 29.

CHRIS TISDALE, GENERAL MANAGER, TEAM RACELINE PIRELLI SUZUKI

"The U19s result for the team was a great start. Both Joey and Errol put on an exciting battle. To be honest, I was glad to see them both get over the line after such an intense last lap. It was really disappointing to see Lawson suffer a broken clutch lever after such a strong first heat win. But the conditions were terrible and unfortunately Lawson didn't have luck on his side in the final. He will be one to watch in the next few rounds."

Round 1 2011 Australian Results Championship Results

U19 - Top 10 Championship Standings
1. Errol Willis (Suzuki RM-Z250) 25
2. Joey Savatgy (Suzuki RM-Z250) 22
3. Matthew Phillips 20
4. Corey Lucas 18
5. Geran Stapleton 16
6. Jake Williams 15
7. Jay Wilson 14
8. Tristen Cachia 13
9. Jarrad Davis 12
10. Kale Makeham 11

OPEN - Top 10 Championship Standings
1. Tye SIMMONDS: 25
2. Billy MACKENZIE: 22
3. Ryan MARMONT: 20
4. Cheyne BOYD: 18
5. Dan MCCOY: (Suzuki RM-Z450) 16
6. Michael PHILLIPS: 15
7. Todd WATERS: 14
8. Jay MARMONT: 13
9. Daniel REARDON: 11
10. Jake MOSS: 12
Lawson Bopping DNF

CDR Rockstar Yamaha Restore Pride At MX Nats

A three week team soul searching mission and some extensive testing on the race bikes has paid huge dividends for the CDR Rockstar Yamaha duo of Josh Coppins and Jay Marmont as they pulled off a sensational 1-3 result at round two of the MX Nationals held at Appin over the weekend.

Josh Coppins break through for 1st MX Nationals Victory

After the huge disappointment of round one where the team struggled to seventh and ninth places, Coppins and Marmont showed the fight and spirit team boss Craig Dack was looking for with Coppins taking the round win and Marmont nailing down third for the round.

Fighting off an ankle injury sustained at a recent round of the New Zealand Motocross Championships, Coppins limped his way into the Appin circuit but the Kiwi gritted his teeth and got down to business of re-establishing himself in this championship.

In the two by back to back race format, Coppins produced consistently good results to take the round win with 2-3-4-2 positions in the premier Pro Open class. The rough and rutty track spells danger for any rider carrying an ankle injury but Coppins smooth style and world championship experience saw him take the round win, rocket up to third in the championship and keep his ginger ankle out of harms way.

"Things obviously went a lot better today than the opening round," said Coppins. "I was able to keep clear of trouble in all four motos and focused on putting in the best laps I could given the conditions and my ankle."

"I also must give credit to the CDR Rockstar Team. Everyone worked tirelessly since round one to ensure the bike was perfect and that I had no excuses."

"This is also my first win in Australia, the championship points got a lot tighter and I think we are starting to pick up some momentum," Coppins signs off.

Jay Marmont entered round two with the motocross community questioning if he has what it takes to win this years' championship. Marmont answered in the best way possible, by slamming his number 1 plated YZ450 at the head of the field and racing with his heart on his sleeve.

After the opening three motos, Marmont was right in contention to take the round win day but a first turn crash in race four left him well down the field and the round win slip through his fingers. Still he fought on and charged back inside the top 10 to finish the day with 4-4-2-8 places and the final spot on the podium in the Pro Open division.

"I came into today determined to get a better result, one that I was proud off and while I didn't win the day it was a huge step in the right direction and I feel like I put in a good effort," Marmont said.

"It was a shame that I could quite seal the deal for the round as I crashed in the first turn of the last race, but I think I have clawed back a lot of points and look forward to the next round at Raymond Terrace," Marmont enthuses.

Craig Dack, Team CDR Rockstar Yamaha Manager, was in a much happier frame of mind leaving the Appin venue and is proud of the effort and energy his riders and team put in.

"We were under the pump at round one and had plenty of work to do to get back in the hunt. The team pulled together well and got the improvement out of the bikes we needed and the riders showed good mental strength to fight back from a disappointing round one."

Online Motorcycle Store - Click NOW

"We still have a long way to go and but we leave Appin with a positive frame of mind and ready for the next challenge at Raymond Terrace.

For a full list of results and more information, please visit www.mxnationals.com.au

Round Two Results - Appin
Pro Open.

Qualifying: Jay Marmont- P1 / Josh Coppins - P3

Rider	Manufacturer	Results	Points
1st Josh Coppins	Yamaha	2-3-4-2	80points
2nd Dean Ferris	Kawasaki	10-6-1-1	76points
3rd Jay Marmont	Yamaha	4-4-2-8	71points
4th Michael Phillips	Honda	3-8-3-5	69points
5th Ryan Marmont	KTM	0-1-8-2	60points
6th Cheyne Boyd	Honda	5-5-6-14	54points
7th Lawson Bopping	Suzuki	6-2-0-7	51points
8th Billy Mackenzie	Kawasaki	8-10-5-13	48points
9th Louis Calvin	KTM	7-9-12-9	47points
10th Lewis Woods	KTM	12-15-9-6	42points

Championship Standings- After Round Two
Rockstar Energy Drink Pro Open
1. Dean Ferris 139
2. Billy Mackenzie 137
3. Josh Coppins 134
4. Ryan Marmont 128
5. Cheyne Boyd 123
6. Lawson Bopping 121
7. Jay Marmont 118
8. Michael Phillips 113
9. Louis Calvin 99
10. Cody Cooper 96

Jay Marmont And CDR Rockstar Yamaha Forge Ahead In 2011

Jay Marmont has signed with CDR for 2011

CDR Rockstar Yamaha is proud to announce that reigning and three-time Australian Motocross Champion, Jay Marmont, has extended his relationship with the Yamaha factory team for the 2011 season.

Marmont will continue to headline Yamaha's motocross campaign for the 2011 season making this the fourth year with CDR Rockstar Yamaha in what has become one of the most successful partnerships in Australian motocross history.

"We are delighted that Jay has agreed to race with us again for 2011," enthuses team boss Craig Dack. The last three years have been very rewarding for both Jay and the team and we look forward to adding another successful year to this relationship."

"The Marmont's are a real motocross family and the network of support Jay has around him is crucial to his success. His parents Peter and Sharon, Jay's wife Abby and his close knit circle of friends are all part of the CDR working family and we are happy to be associated with them," Dack concludes.

Marmont has been the dominant rider in Australian motocross since joining the CDR Rockstar Yamaha team and the decision to continue was a relatively simple one for the Wollongong based champion.

"The CDR Rockstar Yamaha team is the best in the business with great bikes, the right infrastructure and the hardest working crew in the pits. As a team they have the same goals as me and we all work together to make those goals a reality."

"The process was a simple one where I wanted to race for the team, CDR wanted me to stay and we got the deal done. I couldn't be happier and think that we can continue to build on what is already a very successful partnership," Marmont offers.

The new deal will see Jay defend his national motocross championship for the fourth year running and also compete in the high profile and internationally recognised Australasian Super X series that kicks off in October 2010. Jay will campaign the revolutionary Yamaha YZ450F, the most technologically advanced motcross bike on the market.

In 2010 Jay Marmont won his third Australian MX National motocross championship in a row and etched his name alongside the legends of the sport. Marmont is a fierce competitor known for his dogged determination and his ability to win races when they must be won.

He also earned a spot on the three man team that represents Australia in the 2010 MX Olympics - the Motocross of Nations. Simply put, Marmont is the man to beat in Australian motocross.

CDR Rockstar Yamaha is Australia's longest running and most successful motocross outfit. Coming up on 20 years as the premier team in the sport, CDR Rockstar Yamaha has amassed over 20 national championships and changed the face of the sport with their profile, professionalism and results.

Rider Profile
Jay Marmont - CDR Rockstar Yamaha
Nickname: JayLo
Date of Birth: 8th April 1983
Hometown (city and state): Wollongong NSW
Height: 5'10
Weight: 78kg
Home track: Mount Kembla, Wollongong
How many years riding: 21 years
Career Highlights: 1st Place '03' & '04' Aust SX Championship, 5th Place '05' AMA SX Championship, 1st Place '08' / '09 /'10' Aust MX Championship, Also my three wins in the '08'& '09' Aust SX series
Results MX 2009: 1st place
Bike for 2010 MX: Yamaha YZ450F
Riding number for 2010 MX: 1
Team Manager: Craig Dack
Mechanic: Jason Childs
First bike: YZ Pee Wee 50
Favourite track: Coolum (QLD)
Heroes: Ricky Carmichael & Valentino Rossi
Strengths: Experience, will to win, determination, family
Weaknesses: Arm pump
If you weren't riding Motocross, what would you be doing: Teaching kids how to become better riders
What can't you live without: Motorbikes, beach, Abby
Toughest Competition: Ryan Marmont

Related Articles:

CDR Yamaha Welcomes Rockstar Energy Drink For 2010

Jay Marmont And CDR Rockstar Yamaha Claim MX Championship Hat Trick

Mackenzie wins home round, Marmont takes Series lead

Chad Reed out of Aussie MXoN Team as Marmont steps up to the plate

2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals go head to head with Helicopter

Larsen takes Pro Lites Championship at 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals

United States import and JDR Motorex KTM rider PJ Larsen has taken out the Pro Lites class at the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals.

PJ Larsen

The Lites rider dominated the Series and took the title win with one day to spare at the massive double-header round.

Hailing from California in the US, Larsen put the Australian riders on notice at the opening round at Horsham, his raw speed in the rough conditions setting the standard for the remainder of the Championship.

Only needing a handful of points to take the Championship win, Larsen rode consistently, securing victory with three races to spare.

One of the few riders to challenge Larsen was Mt Gambier local and Serco Yamaha rider Kirk Gibbs who placed second in the Championship.

Gibbs continued to improve all season and was consistently one of the fastest in the field – with one race to go he had secured second place in the Championship.

Gibbs’ teammate and local rider Ford Dale, battled with the injured JDR Motorex KTM rider for the remaining podium place, however after injuring himself during Saturday’s racing, Marmont just didn’t have the speed.

Dale passed him in the second to last race and rode strongly to secure his place in the top three in the Pro Lites Championship.

Speaking after his win on Saturday Larsen was pumped with the win but sad not to be able to come back in 2011 to defend his title.

“2010 Pro Lites Champion – that sounds really good!” Larsen said.

“I’m glad we could accomplish this and I couldn’t have done it without the entire team – everyone has been working so hard so it’s great to get the team their first Championship.

“I’m glad I got to run the number one plate in the final day of racing, as it will be my only opportunity to run it and it felt pretty good.

“Everyone has been great competition – the Serco guys, they proved it out there, they’re great competition, and they’re going to be a force to be reckoned with next year.

“I think I might be glad I’m leaving and not have to deal with them again because those guys are picking up and they’re going to be strong.

“I wish I could stick around a little bit more and who knows; you might see me back here in a few years which would be good.”

In his first overall podium finish Gibbs was stoked with his second place.

“I’m happy as, it’s final starting to sink in – coming second in the Championship,” Gibbs said.

“Hats of to PJ and the JDR Team – he rode awesome, well done to Ford, getting third overall and Lawson [Bopping] rode well too.

“I’m just stoked to come away with a few race wins this weekend and really happy for the team.”

Local rider Dale was happy to get on the podium and was pleased with his consistency.

“This is awesome - finally consistency pays off, – people have been trying to tell me that all year and obviously it works!” Dale said.

“It’s awesome to get the team up here again, and to win a few races.

“Having my family and friends out here is fantastic and the crowd is great and I really have to thank everyone for helping me out this season.”

Pro Lites Championship Standings

Rider	Team/Manufacturer	Points
PJ Larsen	JDR Motorex KTM	535
Kirk Gibbs	Serco Yamaha	470
Ford Dale	Serco Yamaha	413
Ryan Marmont	JDR Motorex KTM	387
Lawson Bopping	Rockstar Motul Suzuki	380

Team Report - Serco Yamaha Takes Podium At MX Nationals Season Opener

Kirk Gibbs got his championship campaign off to a flying start taking third place overall in the Pro Lites at the opening round of the Rockstar MX Nationals on his Serco Yamaha YZ250F over the weekend.

Gibbs showed plenty of speed, skill and fitness to round the day out on 60 points and equal second place but is given third on a moto finish count back.

Gibbs looked on song all day taking a good qualifying position and then posting three consistently good finishes, highlighted by the race win in moto two, to stand on the podium and shape as a serious contender in the title chase.

Kirk Gibbs

"It's always good to get the first round out of the way and rack up some good points along the way. I was able to take win in race two when it presented itself and put myself in good positions in the other two. I now have a good basis to mount a championship challenge," Gibbs explains.

Unfortunately, things didn't go quite so well for Ford Dale on his long awaited return to racing. Dale again showed blistering speed and qualified in second place, but was met with bad luck in a couple of the motos that saw him finish the day just outside the top 10 in 12th place overall.

"It wasn't the perfect day for me, but I will take the positives from it and improve my position at the Canberra round. We have 22 races to go, so it's a long championship and things will only get better from here," Dale says optimistically.

Team Owner Gavin Eales was also satisfied with what he saw on the track and also looks for big things at round two in Canberra.

"Gibbsy put in a good performance today and deserved his place on the podium. Ford just had some rotten luck, but it was his first national event since April last year, so he will pick it up as we go along and he will be back up front before long."

Round 1 Results- Horsham

Rider	Manufacturer	Race Results	Round Points
1st PJ Larsen	KTM	1-11-1	60points
2nd Ryan Marmont	KTM	2-4-5	56points
3rd Kirk Gibbs	Yamaha	5-1-6	56points
4th Cody Mackie	Kawasaki	6-2-4	55points
5th Michael Phillips	Honda	4-3-16	43points
6th Luke George	Kawasaki	8-8-7	40points
7th Daryl King	Yamaha	0-5-2	38points
8th Luke Styke	Yamaha	15-10-3	37points
9th Kade Mosig	Suzuki	13-6-9	35points
10th Brendan Harrison	Yamaha	10-9-10	34points

For full results- mxnationals.com.au

Credits: Images supplied by Barry Marshall