Yamaha Motor Australia press release:

rco Yamaha’s Wilson Todd finished the 2016 MX Nationals much the same way he started the year, with a race win and showing a good burst of speed.

The 18 year old MX2 rookie, has been impressive in the second half of the year with his raw speed and only bad luck has kept him from more race and round wins but he wasn’t to be denied at the final round of the MX Nationals held at Coolum, where he took 4-1 results to finish second for the day.

Todd started the weekend well with the fastest qualifying lap in the super competitive MX2 (250cc) division and he always looks at home on the challenging, sandy based, Coolum circuit.

Moto one saw Todd in second place and looking for a way into the lead when he went down in a turn. He quickly scrambled back onto his bike but the damage was done and any opportunity of a race win went out the window but the talented teenager was able to finish the race in fourth place and still have a shot at the podium.

The second race again saw Todd in the top three early before moving into second place. He then stalked the leader for the next handful of laps before making a move with just two laps remaining and racing onto a moto win.

His combined 4-2 results gave him second for the round and lock down a very respectable fifth place in the MX2 championship.

“I really wanted to finish with a round win,” Todd said after the race. “I feel like I have been riding well in the second half of the series but things have kept me from the podium lately so it’s good to just get it done and get a good result for myself and the team.

“The track was tough today as it got super rough and deep in spots which made it difficult to race.

“This year I have been able to learn a lot and watch how some of the best riders ride and train from close hand. There is no doubt hanging out with fast and dedicated riders pulls you along and this year I have been able to do that and it’s been a huge help.

“Supercross is next and I’m pretty pumped about that because I missed last years’ championship because if injury so I can’t wait to get some jumps happening,” Todd ends.

Unfortunately, Wade Hunter’s day ended early when he fell heavily in moto one with the hit leaving him dazed. Hunter elected to sit out the final race as he was still feeling the effects of the fall later in the day.

Serco Yamaha now turn their attention to the upcoming Australian Supercross Championship starting on September 17 at Jimboomba.