Larsen continued his Pro Lites dominance in Wodonga. Image: kajx COMMUNICATIONS.

JDR Motorex KTM’s PJ Larsen continued his dominance of the Pro Lites class in yesterday’s Albury round of the 2010 Rockstar Energy MX Nationals, however it was the final moto performances of Pro Lites team newcomer Brenden Harrison and Pro Open standout Tye Simmonds that capped off a solid weekend for the factory effort in a performance that Simmonds says was his best ever as he raced to his first Open race win.

Larsen continued his winning ways with a trio of victories to extend his series lead to a mammoth 84 points with just two weekends remaining.

“I just got back from a trip to the USA with fellow KTM rider Daniel McCoy and I feel I picked up a lot of speed over there to improve on my times,” the Californian commented. “I now hold a comfortable 84 point lead in the Pro Lites Championship, and hope to improve on that again at the next round.”

Harrison made his debut in a sattelite role with the JDR squad, supported by MXRAD, crashing out of moto one before ending the day with seventh in leg two and a positive second in the final moto after sitting out much of the season to date.

“I got a better start in the final moto, and capitalised on a few other rider’s mistakes,” Harrison explained. “I felt a lot more comfortable in this race finding good flow to the finish. I learnt a lot from racing at Albury with my new factory support ride, and I’m confident I can continue to improve as the championship progresses.

“With continued team support, I can work on areas of need and come back more determined and confident at the next round.”

Former national champion Ryan Marmont continued his solid run of form to claim third on the Lites podium overall with 3-5-7 results, bouncing back from time out of the saddle after suffering a concussion in the NSW State Championship recently.

“My consistency got me on the podium for third overall for the round, so I couldn’t be happier considering my lead up to this event wasn’t great accident wise,” Marmont explained.

Pro Open talent Tye Simmonds had a disappointing DNF in moto one before bouncing back for second in moto two, then improved to a solid victory in the third and final moto for the round to score fifth overall despite his DNF.

“I had a lot of confidence going into the final moto and my Uncle Pete was at the event pumping me up with confidence before the gate dropped, which really helped,” Simmonds beamed. “I got the holeshot, again on the KTM 350 SX-F, and easily led from start to finish.

“Billy Mackenzie was there, but didn’t pass me once during the moto. This was my first win in the Pro Open class that’s why I had mixed emotions. If I did well in my first moto, I could have possibly taken lead in the championship, but instead I have dropped back to third in the championship. Overall though it’s my best individual race results in the Pro Open and I rode the best I ever have, so I’m happy.”