Proformance Yamaha press release:

It was the great commentator Murray Walker who once said “in Formula 1 racing anything can happen, and it usually does”…… While I’m not sure Murray was a fan of motocross, the same phenomenon can definitely be applied to the sport of MX!

Leading into round 4 of the MX Nationals, the preceding weeks had been mixed for Proformance Yamaha.

Head rider Kale Makeham had just injured his shoulder – so was set to miss his first outdoor start in 53 meets. This was a huge blow to Kale who has dedicated his life to racing for many years now. Kale has just had some of his best results on the Proformance Yamaha, and has had a good career run relatively free of injuries.

Meanwhile, the team’s second MX2 rider Lachie Davies who’s been on the mend for weeks confirmed it was a little early for him to make a return, which meant Tasmanian MXD rider, Hugh McKay was to be the teams sole representative on the tracks of South Australia.

Hugh was coming off a good round at Broadford where he rode well in the horrid conditions, although the dry, fast track of Murray Bridge suited him less than the tight, gnarly, difficult tracks he thrives on.

After an average gate pick, Hugh struggled to get a good start so was well back in the pack after the first corner. After a solid ride where he dealt with a few issues he finished in 16th after struggling to find his groove.

Ever the optimist, team manager Travis Whitten spent considerable time analysing data between races, where the advanced GET software system allows the team to break down every detail from throttle position, revs and speed to see key places where Hugh could pick up some pace.

In race 2 Hugh with this in mind, Hugh responded well and was riding better after an improved start, where he was just outside the top 10. Sadly, as things were going right, Murphy’s law prevailed and a flat tyre put a stop to his momentum. A quick response by the team had it changed and Hugh was back out on the track to finish 18th, in moto 2.

The team was philosophical about the day, and while Hugh didn’t make forward progress he remains in the top 10 in the class. With neither MX2 rider ready to return by next round, Proformance will have an extra-long break missing Western Australia which gives the team more time to regroup.

After the break all three riders should be back and firing with the team looking to replicate their better finishers this year.