Oz MX: Kawasaki's George podiums, tough round for Anderson
Kawasaki Racing Team:
Kawasaki Racing Team rider Luke George finished the 6th round of the Australian Motocross Championships on the podium. On a gruelling and difficult Wanneroo (WA) track, George podiumed two of his three Pro Lites 15 minute motos to take out 3rd overall for the round. Under 19’s rider Luke Arbon found the podium in his first moto however a heavy crash and subsequent DNF in the second moto cost him any chance of a top three finish for the round. The 16 year old still finished well inside the top ten taking 7th for the round and Pro Open rider Craig Anderson also suffered a DNF in his second moto relegating him to a 16th place finish for the round.
While many others were crashing and burning on the difficult WA track, defending Pro Lites Champion Luke George showed his trade mark consistency to go 3-4-3, finishing the round on the podium and taking more Championship points with him. Luke now sits in 3rd place in the Championship, only 2 points off 2nd place and within reaching distance of the leader. With a massive 150 points still up for grabs in the Pro Lites class throughout the remaining two rounds, Luke is well and truly within striking distance and will be giving it all he’s got to defend his Australian Motocross Pro Lites crown.
Luke says, “It was a tough weekend so to come away with 3rd is good. I had some good speed out there but it was still a difficult weekend. Two rounds to go and I’m still fighting for the Championship title. I’m looking forward to the next round at my home track.”
KRT Under 19s rider Luke Arbon looked set to improve on his 4th place standing in the Championship showing good speed and form on the sandy Wanneroo track. After coming away with a 3rd place podium finish in the first moto, Luke had a huge crash in the second moto causing him to DNF. Showing a massive amount of determination and grit, Luke managed to get back on board his KX250F for the final moto and hang on for a 6th place finish taking valuable Championship points for his efforts. With no Under 19s racing at the next round, Luke will have to wait for the final round of the competition at Coolum in August to try and better his current 4th place standing in the Championship.
Luke says, “I felt good out there. The crash in the second moto wasn’t part of the race plan and the DNF hurts my points chase but I think I did well to get back out there for the final race and get more points. I’ll put in a lot of time on the practise track between now and August and come out firing at Coolum and try and get myself on the podium for the Championship.”
Pro Open rider Craig Anderson found himself with a good gate pick for his three motos after qualifying in 7th place. Craig finished just outside the top ten in the first moto crossing the line in 11th place. Then in the second moto, the challenging WA track took its toll on the 12 time Australian Champion with Craig crashing and withdrawing from the race. A disappointing 16th place finish to the round should not overshadow Craig’s credible 6th place standing in the Championship.
KRT manager Brett Whale says, “The cards were not dealt in our favour at Wanneroo. Looking on the positive side, Luke George showed his undeniable talent by finishing on the podium on such a difficult track. Whilst we would’ve been happier with a few more points he is still in contention to defend his title and has two more rounds to claw back the necessary points to win.”
“Luke Arbon had a big big crash which was such a shame considering how well he was riding. He showed a lot of guts and strength to get back on the bike and not only race the final moto but also come away with more points.”
“Ando had a tough weekend and the DNF in the second moto really took its toll on his results for the weekend. He’ll be looking to do well at his home track at the next round.”
Both Craig Anderson and Luke George will be racing in front of family and friends at their local track, The Lakes (NSW), at the 7th round of the Australian Motocross Championships on 26 July.The Game of Their Lives hd
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