Likeable South Australian Luke Arbon stood on the sidelines 12 months ago at Murray Bridge, without an MX Nationals ride and desperate for an opportunity to return. That chance did arise with Serco Yamaha in supercross with podium success, but for 2014 his hopes of making an outdoor comeback were finally made a reality with the support of SD3 Husqvarna. Just four rounds in, Arbon has picked up the first MX2 moto and overall victories of his career aboard his privately-operated TC 250 two-stroke. It’s an incredible turnaround for the Gawler local and MotoOnline.com.au was there to catch his take right after he crossed the finish line.

Image: Jeff Crow.

Congratulations, mate. You’re straight off the track here following moto two; you must be absolutely pumped with this.

Yeah, I’m over the moon! A week before the first round I didn’t even think I would be racing. I thought I would be sitting on the couch doing nothing, twiddling my thumbs, but I was lucky enough to score a ride with SD3 and Husqvarna. It’s got me back out onto the track and I’m just enjoying it, doing it for myself and I’m just relaxed. And it’s showing with my riding – I’m not pumping up. I really have enjoyed today and I’m enjoying riding my bike during the week, so that helps a lot.

You had pressure at different stages today, especially in moto two while you were out front, but you looked right at home and comfortable leading. Once you took control, you really ran with it.

Yeah, for sure. My starts were on point today, well the second one was a little bit rough, but the bike ran awesome today – it’s straight out of the box. I just love the thing, it has so much power! It helps with the starts and I finally have it handling where I want it to be. So I’m just comfortable on the bike and I think it showed today.

It’s a bit overcast today, so the track looks like it’s held up pretty nicely. What where your thoughts on the track?

I expected the track to be softer and I’ve been training in a lot of deep sand, but unfortunately the track was a little harder than expected. Thankfully the clouds were here today and kept the track awesome, so I really enjoyed it.

Image: Jeff Crow.

What about the two stroke, you’re a guy that has been on factory teams before on the 250Fs, s how are you liking the Husqvarna?

It’s an awesome bike. It took a little bit of getting used to the two-stroke because I hadn’t ridden one for about six to eight years since a 125, but I’m slowly getting used to it. It has so much power there. It’s pretty hard to ride and it’s been really a challenge to set up, but finally I have got it to where I want it now and I’m really happy with it.

Winning at home in front of the South Australians, that must make it even more special?

For sure, it does. All my family and everyone is here, plus all the team members and everyone that helps me out to get out onto the track. This one is a special one for me. It’s my first overall and first moto win, so to do it at my home round I’m pumped on that!

Congratulations, you’ve out a smile on a lot of people’s faces today, so well done!

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it and thank you to all of my supporters that helped get us here to this point.