KTM AUSTRALIA:

EVENT INFORMATION
–     2009 Australian Junior Motocross Championships
–     Maffra-Sale Motorcycle Club, Newry (VIC)
–     Event dates 28 September to 3 October 2009

EVENT RESULTS

Rider     Class    Bike    Home Town    State    Result
Dylan Long    14-u16 years 85cc    KTM 85SX    Benalla    VIC    3rd
Dylan Long    13-14 years 125-150cc    KTM 150SX    Benalla    VIC    4th
Dylan Long    13-14 years 250F    KTM 250SX-F    Benalla    VIC    9th
Jay Wilson    14-u16 years 85cc    KTM 85SX    Banora Point    NSW    2nd
Jay Wilson    13-14 years 125-150cc    KTM 150SX    Banora Point    NSW    6th
Jay Wilson    13-14 years 250F    KTM 250SX-F    Banora Point    NSW    4th

CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS

Rider     Class
Luke Clout    14-u16 years 85cc
Joey Savatgy    13-14 years 125-150cc
Joey Savatgy    13-14 years 250F

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRACK:

• Hard pack, sand and loam sections that became extremely rough as the racing progressed

• A wide variety of jumps and obstacles, including a whoops section

• As the event catered for 50cc to 250F machines, the track formed irregular braking bumps and ruts that challenged the riders mentally and physically

POINTS OF INTEREST:

14-u16 years 85cc summary

• The final race of the 14-16 years 85cc class determined the winner of the Championship in a close fought battle, after Dylan Long crashed in the fourth final, throwing the title wide open between Long, Jay Wilson and Luke Clout

• A heavy fall by Long in the final race on the last lap saw Clout take the race win, with Wilson in second

• Jay Wilson and Dylan Long placed 2nd and 3rd respectively in the 14-u16 years 85cc Championship

13-14 years 125-150cc summary

• Dylan Long won the first final with Joey Savatgy (USA) in second. The results were reversed in the second final.

• Jay Wilson collected a 5th place in the first final, then suffered a massive crash in the second final while holding 4th position, relegating him to a 7th place finish for the race and putting a dampener on his podium chase

• The final race of the 13-14 years 125-150cc class would determine the Championship, with Dylan Long and Joey Savatgy (USA) entering the final race on equal points

• A heavy crash sustained by Long in the 85cc class on last day of racing forced his early retirement from the final race after two laps despite his determined effort. Wilson picked up an 8th place in the final race.

• Dylan Long placed 4th overall for the Championship with Jay Wilson in 6th

13-14 years 250F summary

• Dylan Long took the holeshot in the first final, finishing 2nd to Joey Savatgy after a small mistake saw the US rider take advantage. Jay Wilson placed 5th despite finishing on two flat tyres

• In a disastrous second final for the team, a first turn pile up collected both Dylan Long and Jay Wilson. Long lost rear brakes in the incident and was one of the last riders to rejoin the race. Wilson moved through the pack to solid 8th place while Long managed a commendable 11th

• Entering the final race of the Championship in the 13-14 years 250F class, Dylan Long was placed 4th, with Jay Wilson in 5th despite the earlier race results

• Dylan Long withdrew from the third final due to injury sustained in the 85cc class

• Jay Wilson pulled an impressive holeshot into turn one and secured a well raced 4th place

• Jay Wilson placed 4th overall for the Championship with Dylan Long in 9th

Other notes

• Dylan Long was the fastest rider of the whole event, clocking the fastest lap time on his KTM 150 SX

• Both riders suffered injury and arm pump during the event

• Dylan Long collected a special award from Skull Candy Headgear after nomination from Colleen Millsaps (mother of Davi Millsaps) as the ‘junior racer with most potential’

• Both riders were featured on WIN TV promoting the event and excelled in all media requests

QUOTES

RACER – Jay Wilson

“It was a really tough week for me at the Australian Junior Motocross Championship, said Wilson.  “I suffered arm pump during the heats, and I felt that there was a lot of pressure on me given my results on the 85 from the World Titles.

“I really wanted to win the 85, and back up my World Titles results, but it just didn’t work out that way for me.

“My aim was to podium on all three bikes, and I nearly got there with a 2nd on the 85 and a 4th on the 250F. I know I have the speed on the big bikes, but a bit of bad luck got in the way.

“I am now really looking forward to next year where I will focus on riding the KTM 150 SX and KTM 250SX-F.”

RACER – Dylan Long

“I was aiming for the win on the 85cc this year, and it was looking good, but my two crashes in the last two finals wrecked that for me,” said Long.  “I was nursing a leg injury, and went into the last race leading by two points, but the shoulder injury I also sustained really knocked me about, and I just couldn’t finish any higher in the placings.

“While I wanted the win, I am still happy to be on the podium, and it was good to be up there again with my GMR Motorex KTM team mate Jay Wilson.

“I had my shoulder strapped and I tried to race the 150 to get a podium, but I just couldn’t hold onto the bike. I tried to ride because I didn’t want to wake up the next day, and wonder ‘what if’.

“I did my best, and I can’t do anymore than that, I got a 2nd on the 85 and a 4th on the 150 which is still pretty good.”

TEAM MANAGER – Glenn Macdonald

14-u16 years 85cc comments

“The Championship was looking good for Dylan Long, and it was heart breaking to see a rider who was clearly the fastest in the field leave the track injured with his hopes of his first Australian Championship taken away,” said Macdonald.

“I am proud to see both Jay Wilson and Dylan Long on the podium at the Nationals with the support of GMR Motorex KTM.

“While each rider aimed for the number one spot, it tops off a great year with each holding a State Title and collecting a first and a third place at the FIM Junior World Championships – no one can take that away from them.”

13-14 years 125-150cc comments

“After sustaining a shoulder injury in his final 85cc race, and with some shoulder strapping, Long was determined to get on the track,” said Macdonald,  “However when the gate dropped and, he let the clutch out we knew by his body language that it was only a matter of time before he retired.

“Long managed two laps of the third final for this class, and to see the crowd line the fence, and see his fans cheer him on while he cradled his arm on his lap was bitter-sweet, and is a testament to his sportsmanship, determination and drive to succeed.

“Long was a real contender to take on America’s Joey Savatgy and the Championship in the last race, but to secure 4th overall despite not scoring points in the final race was a great result.

“Jay Wilson really struggled with arm pump at the Nationals, and given he had only been on a KTM 150 SX for around three weeks prior to the event, 6th overall was a solid result.  Next season will be great year for Jay on the 150.”

13-14 years 250F comments

“Jay Wilson came into the final race in 5th position, and was determined to score a good race result to move him up the points tally,” said Macdonald.  “Jay got what was probably his best start of the event on the big bikes, and reflected the Jay Wilson we all know.  He entered turn one with a bike length on the field, and it was a drag race to turn two.

“After the heavy going sand section, Jay settled into a groove, and rode exceptionally well.  He held onto a well raced 4th place for the race which moved him into 4th for the Championship.  Now that Jay is off the 85cc, I am certain his speed and results will sky-rocket.

“Dylan Long was in 4th position heading into the final race in the 250F class, but sat out the race due to injury.  The lack on points in the final race relegated him to 9th overall.   Dylan can be proud that he qualified 1st for the finals, and posted consistently fast lap times all week. Given that Dylan has only had his KTM 250 SX F for three weeks prior to this event, there will be great things to come next season for this young charger.”

General comments

“I am extremely proud of both Jay and Dylan’s efforts in the Nationals,” said Macdonald.  “It was a tough event for them facing challenges both on and off the track. There was a lot of pressure on the boys given their results this season, and while carrying injury sustained during the event, they did GMR Motorex KTM and their families extremely proud.”

“Jay and Dylan also excelled in their presentation, and dealings with the media, including interviews on two segments of WIN TV during the event, as well as features in an upcoming DVD of the Nationals.”

“To top off the event, a special award was presented by Skull Candy Headgear for the Australian junior rider with most potential. The rider, selected by Colleen Millsaps (mother of Davi Millsaps), was awarded to Dylan Long. The award is a 12 month sponsorship program with Skull Candy.”

“Both Jay and Dylan will now move on from racing their KTM 85 SX machines, and focus on the KTM 150 SX and 250 SX-F for season 2010.   I congratulate them on their efforts this year and I am looking forward to working with them again next season.

“GMR Motorex KTM would like to thank all of their valuable sponsors for their support.”