Team Shift Motul Suzuki:

Team Shift Motul Suzuki Pro Lite star Matt Moss overcame a dramatic crash at the first turn of the first moto at Wanneroo to maintain his lead in the Australian National Motocross Championship.

Moss had spent time in the west getting used to the sandy surface and, after qualifying fastest, was set to dominate the sixth round of the championship.

Moss looked set for a strong start but was clipped at turn one, came off his Suzuki RM-Z250 and was accidentally struck by another rider.

Stirred, but not shaken, the determined Moss clawed his way back from stone last to a very creditable eighth, notching the second fastest time for the moto on his last lap.

After a thorough inspection by medicos, Moss chose to race the remaining motos.

In the second moto he overcame another crash to eventually finish second, missing maximum points by just over one second.

Moss showed his class in the final moto, snatching the holeshot and leading from start to finish in a demonstration of riding skill and raw courage, eventually winning by more than 20 seconds.

After the drama of moto one, Moss ultimately finished the day bruised, but not battered, scoring 60 points and maintaining his 20 point lead in the championship.

Team Shift Motul Suzuki Development squad member Lawson Bopping suffered his worst round of a season that, until today, had been marked by his consistency.

Bopping struggled on the sandy surfaces and finished the round with 34 points, relinquishing his hold on fourth position in the championship to Kirk Gibbs. However, with two rounds remaining, and Bopping just one point behind Gibbs, the talented teenager is in a strong position to regain fourth spot at the next round.

In the Pro Open title race, Cameron Taylor overcame an indifferent qualifying performance to secure his best points haul of the season. The veteran Suzuki rider finished seventh, sixth and fifth in his three motos, to move from seventh position in the championship to fifth.

JAY FOREMAN – TEAM SHIFT MOTUL SUZUKI TEAM MANAGER
“That was a tough day, but ultimately Matt was rewarded for hanging tough and showing his class.

“He was pretty bruised after that knock in the first moto, but kept his composure and made sure he secured a good points haul and maintained his hold on the red plate.

“With a month off before the next round he’ll have plenty of time to get back to full fitness. We’re all looking forward to getting back on our home track at Newcastle, where Matt’s keen to repeat the winning form he showed last year.

“It ended up being a terrific round for Cam. He’s been super consistent all year and he’s being rewarded for that form with fifth spot overall, and looks set for a big finish.”

MATT MOSS – TEAM SHIFT MOTUL SUZUKI
“I realise that consistency is required to win a Championship, and that I don’t have to win every round.

“I’ve got two rounds to go with a 20 point lead, so we are travelling well.

“I’m looking forward to some time off before the next round and getting back to our home track at Newcastle.”Crank 2: High Voltage divx Without Limits divx