Features 19 May 2012
In Brief: 2012 MX Nationals Rd5 Murray Bridge
MotoOnline.com.au has the latest from behind the scenes in South Australia.
- New Zealander Ben Townley is on hand this weekend at Murray Bridge, set to attend the final six rounds of the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals with the Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing team. Townley could prove instrumental for Ford Dale as the pair enjoy a close relationship, so keep an eye out for that.
- MX1 series leader Josh Coppins has been planning a trip to Europe during the break for a little while now, most likely to race in either the Belgium or British series. However, the word sweeping Murray Bridge is that he’ll stand in for Steven Frossard at Monster Energy Yamaha in GPs if the deal is put together. Right now it’s 50/50, but if it does go ahead, you heard it here first.
- Coppins’ CDR Yamaha teammate Lawson Bopping is considering heading to America during the break, which will be good for him to ride with some of the world’s best guys at multiple tracks in Southern California. Another heading off straight after SA is Hart and Huntington’s Dan McCoy. With a lack of decent tracks to ride in NSW, these guys are willing to invest heavily in their careers to make things happen.
Ben Townley was on hand at Murray Bridge today. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.
- While many of these guys are going overseas to train during the break, Kirk Gibbs has confirmed that he has a fractured scaphoid that will need to be screwed eventually, but he’s going to soldier on during the MX Nationals season. It’s a tough break for Gibbs, but many are predicting him to step up with home support this weekend in SA.
- Speaking of surgery, Jay Marmont is planning on surgery during the break as well, in a bid to gain 100 percent strength for the season’s second half. The team are remaining tight-lipped regarding what’s happening, but he’ll be going under the knife early next week. Whatever the case, we should be able to expect a much healthier champion for rounds six through 10.
- MX Development returns this weekend after sitting out the Wanneroo round. Dylan Long leads the series right now through a mix of speed and consistency, but nobody has really stepped up and taken control of this series just yet. Once again though, expect a battle between the two- and four-strokes in what is quickly becoming a topical subject in the sport.
- Many teams arrived early in South Australia to continue the massive clean-up following Wanneroo. With sand through bikes, equipment and pretty much everything else, multiple clean cycles were required, to the point that race bikes were still being given final washes late this afternoon. Needless to say, many are anticipating a relaxing break come Sunday evening.
Josh Coppins could be racing a few GPs in 2012. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.
- With the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicking off at Hangtown tomorrow, it just so happens that the round is the same weekend as the South Australian round of the MX Nationals. Obviously Brett Metcalfe is Australia’s biggest hope of success for Yoshimura Suzuki, so no doubt the pits will be buzzing in the morning as we monitor the Aussies’ success. Best of luck to Metty and Michael Byrne!
- MotoOnline.com.au now has an Instagram account, which we will stream images from, through to Twitter and our Facebook Page. If you’re an Instagram user though, be sure to search MotoOnline and follow us on there directly. We’ll be updating from all angles anytime we spot anything cool.
- Remember, the MotoOnline.com.au Fantasy League tipping contest is open until tomorrow morning at 8.00am AEST. Take your pick at who’s going to do well in the MX1, MX2 and MXD categories respectively, and have a bit of fun with us all on the site while you’re at it. We’ll announce prizes during the break.
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