CDR Rockstar Yamaha rider Jay Marmont has taken out his third Pro Opens Championship at the final round of the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals at Coolum on Sunday 25 July.

In the back-to-back Super Sprint format, Marmont – who had secured a 38 point lead in racing on Saturday – brought the title down to the wire with a 20 second penalty and protest during the second Super Sprint race, tightening the points even further.

Marmont ended the day with a scorecard of 5-7-2-3 earning him third overall – enough to take the championship.

Known as Mr. Consistent throughout the year and absent from the podium on but one occasion, Marmont only took his first overall win at the seventh round.

Finding form and working out bike setting towards the end of the Series, Marmont became a dominant force, challenging for race wins and stamping his authority on the title.

It’s the first time a rider has won three consecutive titles since Marmont’s team boss Craig Dack won three back-to-back Mr. Motocross titles when he was racing.

Speaking after the final moto, Marmont was relieved to have taken the win following the drama of the second moto.

“I made the ultimate mistake out there,” Marmont said. “I had Dean come up on me and I was going flat out racing him and wasn’t thinking about the jump, and then I couldn’t pull out – I was on the up-ramp and just committed to it.

“I had to try sprinting off but I paid a 20 second penalty and there was a bit of scrutiny over how long it was – but hey, what’s two seconds when you come in for 20, so it was a tough day.

“I had a lot of pressure on me and it was good to come away with a third for the round but still win the championship fairly easily in the end.

“It’s every riders’ dream to win a championship and the whole team have worked really hard – the bike was awesome the last few rounds, and I think we’re the first Yamaha team to win a championship in the world on the new 450. I’m pumped!”

Cool Air Kawasaki Racing Team’s Billy Mackenzie secured second place in the championship after a mixed season which included a broken wrist and a severe chest infection.

The Scottish rider looked to dominate the class, however a crash at the second round saw him desperately chasing points to claw his way back into the title fight.

“All I could do was just come into the last couple of rounds and try to win as many races as I could,” Mackenzie said. “I made it really hard for myself last week; I was ill and had a bad chest infection which made for a horrendous weekend and pretty much lost me the championship.

“But Jay is a strong rider and he’s been strong all year so he deserves the Championship thoroughly so I have to give it up to him.”

Both Marmont and Mackenzie faced stiff competition from Honda privateer Dean Ferris, who, in his debut season in the Pro Opens class, impressed the field with his speed and consistency.

Ferris was blown away with his third overall and with the support he’s received throughout the season.

“It was a great day out there, it’s good to see all the supporters here – I didn’t even know they were coming and they came with Ferris shirts and I saw them swinging over the fence which was awesome!” Ferris said.

“It was a good day all round, I won a moto but I lost my brakes in the second race and Jay got, me but overall I’m pretty happy, I’d like to thank my family and all my friends for coming.”

As the highest placed privateer in the Pro Opens class, Ferris also took out the 2010 Andrew ‘Sharky’ McFarlane Memorial Cup – in honour of the rider who passed away at the third round of the championship.

Series director Kevin Williams was blown away by the championship finale after a massive season.

“A championship that struggled to gain momentum following the tragic passing of Andrew McFarlane at the Broadford round, has certainly found its wheels and rolled into a massive final round,” Williams said.

“All the championship classes were decided at the final round, five new Australian Champions – it has been sensational!

“Williams Event Management would like to extend a massive thank you to all the clubs, volunteers, and all the fans for coming out and all the teams for a great effort.”

United States import and JDR Motorex KTM rider PJ Larsen has taken out the Pro Lites class at the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals.

The Lites rider dominated the Series and took the title win with one day to spare at the massive double-header round.

Hailing from California in the US, Larsen put the Australian riders on notice at the opening round at Horsham, his raw speed in the rough conditions setting the standard for the remainder of the championship.

Only needing a handful of points to take the Championship win, Larsen rode consistently, securing victory with three races to spare.

One of the few riders to challenge Larsen was Mt Gambier local and Serco Yamaha rider Kirk Gibbs who placed second in the championship.

Gibbs continued to improve all season and was consistently one of the fastest in the field – with one race to go he had secured second place in the Championship.

Gibbs’ teammate and local rider Ford Dale, battled with the injured JDR Motorex KTM rider for the remaining podium place, however after injuring himself during Saturday’s racing, Marmont just didn’t have the speed.

Dale passed him in the second to last race and rode strongly to secure his place in the top three in the Pro Lites championship.

Speaking after his win on Saturday Larsen was pumped with the win but sad not to be able to come back in 2011 to defend his title.

“2010 Pro Lites Champion – that sounds really good!” Larsen said. “I’m glad we could accomplish this and I couldn’t have done it without the entire team – everyone has been working so hard so it’s great to get the team their first championship.

“I’m glad I got to run the number one plate in the final day of racing, as it will be my only opportunity to run it and it felt pretty good.

“Everyone has been great competition – the Serco guys, they proved it out there, they’re great competition, and they’re going to be a force to be reckoned with next year.

“I think I might be glad I’m leaving and not have to deal with them again because those guys are picking up and they’re going to be strong. I wish I could stick around a little bit more and who knows; you might see me back here in a few years which would be good.”

In his first overall podium finish Gibbs was stoked with his second place.

“I’m happy as, it’s final starting to sink in – coming second in the championship,” Gibbs said. “Hats of to PJ and the JDR Team – he rode awesome, well done to Ford, getting third overall and Lawson [Bopping] rode well too.

“I’m just stoked to come away with a few race wins this weekend and really happy for the team.”

Local rider Dale was happy to get on the podium and was pleased with his consistency.

“This is awesome – finally consistency pays off, – people have been trying to tell me that all year and obviously it works!” Dale said. “It’s awesome to get the team up here again, and to win a few races.

“Having my family and friends out here is fantastic and the crowd is great and I really have to thank everyone for helping me out this season.”

Coastal KTM Team rider and Kilmore local Josh Cachia has taken out the Under 19’s class at the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals at the final round of the Series at Coolum in Queensland.

Cachia has been a dominant force in the Under 19’s class in 2010, and clinched the win with one race to spare.

Absent from the podium on only one occasion throughout the Series, Cachia had a massive points lead heading in to the penultimate round, however a bad day in the office saw the gap close to only 11 points ahead of GYTR Rockstar Yamaha rider and Tasmanian Ross Beaton.

Despite making solid inroads on Cachia’s points lead, Beaton was unable to capitalise during races on Saturday at the final round, letting Cachia slip away – stretching out to a massive 41 points ahead of him.

With racing underway on Sunday it was Beaton’s teammates Harley Quinlan and Shaun Redhead who challenged Cachia, with Beaton unable to find the same speed.

As Beaton secured his place in second, Quinlan set about putting as many points as possible between himself and fourth placed Dylan Peterson.

Cachia wrapped up the Championship in the second to last race, with Beaton staying strong in second with Quinlan locking in third place.

Speaking after the race, Cachia was thrilled to finally take the title win and was looking forward to stepping up into the Pro Lites class in 2011.

“It’s so good to be able to go out there and win for Bronte Holland and Sharky [Andrew McFarlane] – two people I’m close to who have died,” Cachia said.

“I’ve been working so hard this year; all the hours out at the track and it’s all paid off – I really need thank everyone for all their help this year – the team, my family and friends, sponsors – everyone has been so supportive.

“I can’t wait to step up into the Pro Lites class next year and see what I’m capable of doing.”

While disappointed with his second place, Beaton was still grateful for all the efforts his team has put in.

“Second place is still pretty good – I am a little bit disappointed but I definitely gave everything,” Beaton said. “There’s no excuse for coming second, I tried my best and fell a little bit short.

“I can’t take anything away from Josh though, he rode great all season and he matured a lot this year.

“I’d really like to say thanks to my team – I’ve been in this Championship with them for three years now and haven’t been able to win them the title yet, but for them to get behind me like they have is amazing and I couldn’t have done it without them – it means a lot and I’d like to say thank you to all of them.”

After missing the first round due to injury, Quinlan was happy to be on the podium.

“It’s good to get up here especially after missing the first round after I broke my wrist,” Quinlan said. “It’s a shame I only came into my own at the end of the season but props to the boys they’re riding great at the moment.”

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