Jehi Willis lead much of Kamfari before finishing second. Image: Max Sullivan.

Victorian off-road ace Jehi Willis says he’s considering his second place finish a victory in last weekend’s Kamfari Mud Race in Darwin.

Mounted aboard a Yamaha YZ450F for TRAILRIDER Magazine, Willis charged to a commanding lead in the four-hour cross country, only to become bogged and stuck just meters from the finish line.

This was just enough time for Brad Williscroft to sneak past and steal the win before Willis could reach the chequered flag.

“I’ll take it as a win,” Willis said. “I got a great start and just rode a comfortable race. The swampy areas of the track were great fun and I didn’t really have any issues. The YZ didn’t miss a beat, even in the deep water.

“The way the bike is designed was perfect for this race and the engine is so strong I just ploughed through the course lap after lap. It was hot but I drank loads of Aquaforce which kept me feeling strong. To be honest I’ve never felt better after a race like that.”

In the 40th anniversary of Kamfari, fans were excited with the close finish between Willis and Williscroft after four hours of action.

“It was tough being beaten like that but hey, motorsport is unpredictable,” Willis added. “So many things can happen in four hours of racing. I’m just wrapped with how I rode and how much fun the YZ450F is to ride.

“That thing is brilliant and with SP Motosport suspension and with a set of Pirelli XC Mid-soft tyres I was so comfortable. I can’t wait for Finke. That’s my next race on the YZ450F and I can’t wait to unleash it in the desert.”