Image: MXN.

This weekend the battles on track will resume, with the first of two huge Queensland-based final rounds of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals set to play out, starting with round nine at Toowoomba this Sunday, 21 August.

With championships across all classes now separated by less than 10 points after eight rounds of racing, the chase for 2016 titles is well and truly underway. And with a grand finale at Coolum in just two weeks time looming in the background, racing at the penultimate round is set to be one of the most action-packed events in MX Nationals history.

With KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs currently leading the Thor MX1 title chase from CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris by only nine points, round nine of the Motul MX Nationals at Toowoomba could provide Gibbs with the chance to stamp his authority on a second consecutive MX1 championship.

However, with Ferris showing new dominance since the mid-season break and Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki’s Todd Waters (currently third in the championship standings) chasing an elusive second overall round win, the top three riders will have the gloves off on Sunday, all in a bid to capture a 2016 title.

The last time the MX Nationals visited Toowoomba in 2015, both Ferris and Waters were busy racing on the world stage in the MXGPs in Europe, while Gibbs concluded the ninth instalment of the 2015 series just shy of the MX1 podium in fourth overall, narrowly missing out on the opportunity to wrap up last year’s title a round early.

Fast forward a year and with all three riders showcasing their undeniable capabilities at all venues this season, now all within striking distance of a 2016 championship, the stakes will be even higher when the trio arrive at Echo Valley for round nine at Toowoomba this weekend, all ready to play their part in a three-way battle for the title.

In the Motul MX2 class, DPH Motorsport’s Jed Beaton currently carries the championship red plate, however is tied on points with Husqvarna rider Nathan Crawford as the series heads to Toowoomba.

Beaton, who has had a full schedule throughout the last two weeks after making his GP (EMX250) debut in Switzerland, will be hoping to extend his lead and separate himself from his closest competitors this coming weekend, but with Toowoomba marking the first of two north-based final rounds, both Queenslanders Crawford and third-placed Caleb Ward (KTM Motocross Racing Team) will be hoping to capitalise on the local Queensland support.

Back in 2015 it was Ward who performed best of the top three in the MX2 class, collecting third overall for the round, while Crawford concluded last year’s outing in sixth, followed by Beaton in seventh.

But with all riders now far more experienced and mature, this year’s round nine is set to play out very differently and with a championship on the line, spectators will have plenty of reason to get track side this Sunday.

Finally, the Pirelli MXD class now sees Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team’s North Queenslander Mitchell Evans in control after a slow start to the season. Only three points behind in the title chase is Husqvarna’s Connor Tierney in second position and nine points behind Tierney is MXD rookie Wade Kirkland in third, setting up this weekend’s round at Toowoomba as one of the most crucial of the season.

For more information on round nine of the Motul MX Nationals at Toowoomba including ticket prices, and schedule head to www.mxnationals.com.au.