Oz MX: Moss takes over Pro Lites title lead for Suzuki
Shift Motul Suzuki PR:
Team Shift Motul Suzuki Pro Lite star Matt Moss has grabbed the championship lead after another dominant performance in the Australian National Motocross Championship at Mackay.
Since his DNF in the first race of the season, Moss has been in scintillating form and now stands ten points clear on the championship table.
Moss was clearly quickest in qualifying, challenged only by Luke George. And in the first moto Moss was out to show his arch rival his Suzuki RM-Z250 was the quickest machine on the picturesque Gum Valley course.
What unfolded in the ensuing 30 minute race was one of the finest Pro Lite races in memory, with both riders pushing each other to the limit. The lead changed several times as both carved their way through the field, with George pipping Moss in the last lap. Team Shift Motul Suzuki Development rider Lawson Bopping put in a stellar performance to claim third position, resulting in a 1 and 3 race result for Suzuki.
In the second and final moto of the day Moss narrowly missed the hole shot, but by the third turn was in his rightful place ahead of the pack. He controlled the race from there, while his arch rival finished well off the pace in 12th position.
Moss finished the round with 47 points from a possible 50 and, and at the halfway point of the season, finds himself with the red plate for the first time in 2009.
Team Shift Motul Suzuki Development squad member Lawson Bopping continued his recent run of form, equalling his best points haul of the season to date.
Bopping finished the Mackay round with 38 points on the back of finishing third in the first moto and fourth in the second to maintain his hold on fourth position in the championship.
Bopping’s consistent form all season saw him continue to eat into the lead of the riders above him and, with four rounds left in the season, well within striking distance of securing a podium finish.
In the Pro Open title race, Daryl Hurley showed that limited off-season training was no substitute for raw talent with two strong performances aboard his RM-Z450.
Hurley was fourth in both races and showed once again why he is a crowd favourite with his fearless riding style.
Pro Open teammate Cameron Taylor continued his consistent form, with two more top ten finishes to cement seventh position overall in the championship.
After two events in successive weeks, Team Shift Motul Suzuki will enjoy a three-week break before the journey to Murray Bridge in South Australia for round five.
JAY FOREMAN – TEAM SHIFT MOTUL SUZUKI TEAM MANAGER
“That was another great performance by Matt today, and one that demonstrated his growing maturity.
“He knew he had to score maximum points today and was totally focussed on being in the championship lead at the halfway point.
“His duel with Luke in the first moto was some of the best Pro Lite racing I’ve seen for some time, and he backed it up with a start to finish win in the second moto.
“In previous seasons he’s had to make up lost ground, but this year Matt’s showing his professionalism and being rewarded with the series lead. Now the challenge is to maintain that form in the second half.
“Lawson was terrific again today with another big points haul, and Suzuki has two stars in the making.
“Daryl showed his class again today, while Cam was once again the model of consistency.”
MATT MOSS – TEAM SHIFT MOTUL SUZUKI
“I really enjoyed myself out there today. The first race was terrific and the RM-Z250 was untouchable in the second.
“I’m where I wanted to be with the lead at the halfway point and now it’s all about chasing the championship.
“I’ve now got the red plate and plan to keep it for the rest of the series.”
Round 4 2009 Australian Motocross Championship Results
Pro Lites
Moto 1
1: Luke George (Kawasaki) 2: Matt Moss (Suzuki RM-Z250) 3: Lawson Bopping (Suzuki RM-Z250)
Moto 2
1: Matt Moss (Suzuki RM-Z250) 2: Kirk Gibbs (Yamaha) 3: Lewis Stewart (Honda)
4: Lawson Bopping (Suzuki RM-Z250)
Championship standings
1: Moss 190 2: George 180 3: Tye Simmonds 173 4: Bopping 145
Pro Open
Moto 1
1: Cheyne Boyd (Yamaha) 2: Jay Marmont (Yamaha) 3: Cody Mackie (Kawasaki)
4: Daryl Hurley (Suzuki RM-Z450) 5: Andrew McFarlane (Yamaha) 6: Brent Landman (Honda) 7: Craig Anderson (Kawasaki) 8: Peter Boyle (Honda) 9: Cameron Taylor (Suzuki RM-Z450)
Moto 2
1: Cheyne Boyd (Yamaha) 2: Jay Marmont (Yamaha) 3: Andrew McFarlane (Yamaha)
4: Daryl Hurley (Suzuki RM-Z450) 5: Cody Mackie (Kawasaki) 6: Brent Landman (Honda) 7: Robbie Marshall (Yamaha) 8: Cameron Taylor (Suzuki RM-Z450)
Championship Standings
1: Jay Marmont 243 2: Andrew McFarlane 222 3: Cheyne Boyd 201 4: Cody Mackie 194 5: Todd Waters 167 6: Craig Anderson 148 7: Cameron Taylor 135 (Suzuki RM-Z450)
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