Marmont marks return to form with Supercross win in Dubbo Open Class: The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider left little doubt that he is both
healthy and hungry to keep his #1 plate, qualifying second before
dominating his 8-lap heat with a 7.26s win over CDR Yamaha rider Daniel
McCoy.A thrilling start to the 20-lap Main Event saw a monumental scrap for track position into the fast first turn. Motul Pirelli Suzuki rider Matt Moss took the holeshot but was taken down moments later, an unfortunate non-finisher and later confirmed to have dislocated his shoulder in the scuffle. McCoy, clearly relishing his opportunity with the factory Yamaha outfit, built an early lead, holding off Marmont for the first half of the race. A lapped rider hindered Marmont’s forward progress momentarily but by three-quarter distance he was ready to pounce, putting the pass on McCoy and taking control to win by a 2.4-second margin. It’s a crucial confidence booster for Marmont, who struggled for momentum during his motocross campaign earlier this year. "It was almost a perfect night for me,” said Marmont. "I still have a few things to work on, even though I was happy with my starts, stamina and speed there are a couple of areas I still want to improve. "I didn't quite get the start I wanted but then Matt (Moss) and Billy (Mackenzie) went down and I focused on catching Daniel (McCoy). "At the halfway point I came together with a lapper and very nearly went down then I passed Daniel and he passed me back then I passed him again and made it stick.” Marmont may have taken the win and top points from Dubbo but it was the performance of McCoy that impressed many. A mainstay of Australian Supercross, the Yamaha rider made the most of an opening lap opportunity to assume the lead and had showed he had the pace to keep the field behind him. Second place is a strong result for McCoy, who is excited at the prospect of a competitive season with the team he last raced for in 2004. "This whole deal came together really late and is a big change for me,” said McCoy. "I have gone full circle and it feels great – I couldn’t be happier I have returned home and first round out I am on the podium. "The professionalism of the team is undeniable and I think the effort they put into development and the testing of parts is out of this world. I have never tested so many parts in my life as I have this past month.” Campbell Mining/Troy Lee Designs Maxima Honda rider Jake Moss rounded out the Open podium, building on an early top-5 position and moving past Tye Simmonds to take and hold third at mid-race distance. Simmonds’ Red Bull Mobile Honda was eventually passed by CDR Yamaha’s Lawson Bopping in the closing stages. It was a mixed night of results for Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing, with Ben Townley and Ford Dale both non-finishers in the Open race. Official comment from Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing: It was a luckless night for the team's Open pairing of Ben Townley and Ford Dale, both non-finishers after early crashes took their toll. Townley was philosophical and said he would continue to up his riding and training routine in order to feel better prepared. "That was a tough day, I feel as if I'm not quite ready yet," said Townley. "I need to be realistic with my goals and need a couple more weeks riding and training to be where I need to be. It did however feel really good to be back behind the gate, there is no doubt about that." Townley and Dale will look for a reversal of fortunes when the Open class goes to battle in the unique Phillip Island Grand Prix setting for round 2.  (L-R) Jake Moss, Daniel McCoy and Jay Marmont. Credit: Shayne Rice, Rice Photography Open:
Lites Class: Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing's import Gavin Faith stamped his authority on the Lites class clash with a 4.52-second win over Kade Mosig. Faith finished last season’s Championship in second and, with a season of AMA Supercross under his belt, returns as a matured competitor and a major title threat. BCP Honda Fox Racing’s Geran Stapleton took the early Lites lead before Faith found his rhythm on lap 5. Despite only being back in the country for a week, Faith said he already felt comfortable with the team and on the bike. "It was a great first-up race for me – it was a perfect day and I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” said Faith. "The bike felt good, I have only been here for a week so I didn’t get a huge amount of testing in but I did a lot of preparation before I left the US. "It is good to be back with the team and I really think it is easier the second time around.” Five different manufacturers filled the top five places in a hotly-contested Lites race. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Kade Mosig was a strong second ahead of Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha’s Luke Styke. Suzuki rider Steven Clarke was fourth, with KTM’s Ryan Marmont coming home in fifth.  (L-R) Luke Styke, Kade Mosig and Gavin Faith. Credit: Shayne Rice, Rice Photography Lites:
Championship Points:
Under 19s: Honda Thor rider Hayden Mellross scored the most dominant Main Event victory of the night, winning the 12-lap Under 19s race by 7.224 seconds over KTM’s Kale Makeham and Suzuki’s Jay Wilson.  (L-R) Jay Wilson, Hayden Mellross and Kale Makeham. Credit: Shayne Rice, Rice Photography Junior Lites: Aaron Tanti was a clear victor on his KTM in the Junior Lites class, with Blake Sola narrowly holding out KTM teammate Elias Dukes in the Juniors 85/150 battle. Today over 200 competitors - aged from just 7 through to mature-aged riders - have converged on the venue for the opening round of the Thor Australian Arena X Championships, an opportunity for young and up-and-coming riders to gain experience on a world-class track. The second round of the Terex Australian Supercross Championship will be held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 27 and 28, a landmark event for the sport which will see it showcased to the international MotoGP audience. Visit www.computime.com.au for a full listing of class results and points. |