Image: Jeff Crow.

GYTR Yamaha’s Jed Beaton delivered a dream victory on debut in the MXD category of the Monster Energy MX Nationals on Sunday at Broadford after a rollercoaster few weeks for the Queensland-based team.

Beaton was slated to contest 2014 in a low-pressure development role alongside Joel Dinsdale aboard the GYTR-backed YZ250F, however subsequent injuries to Dinsdale in the pre-season saw Beaton elevated to the role of ‘lead’ rider.

The 16-year-old Victorian was a standout performer in his first appearance at Broadford, qualifying first and racing to 5-1-1 finishes despite a first-turn fall in the opening moto.

“What an awesome day,” Beaton commented. “My goal was to get the championship off to a good start, not take huge risks and get things underway safely but it turned out a whole lot better than that.

“The first race was tough as I got tangled with another rider between the first and second turns and went down. I tried not to panic and just get going and not lose any more time and I just passed whoever that was in front of me and I was pretty happy with fifth.

“The next two races went perfectly and it felt pretty cool to cross the finish line in that last race. The team did an awesome job all day and I had a lot of friends and family here so it was pretty special.”

Fellow newcomer Wilson Todd finished a promising seventh overall with 4-16-4 results, also on debut as an 11th hour replacement for Dinsdale.