MotoOnline.com.au pulls out the microscope and dissects some of the surprises, standouts, shockers and disappointments from the opening round of the 2016 Australian Supercross Championship at Jimboomba in Queensland.

Hit

Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

Justin Brayton:
It was a flawless night for Honda Genuine Racing’s Justin Brayton, capturing a heat race win and going onto lead almost every lap of the main event. The American has only spent a limited amount of time on the Honda, and only arrived in Australia days before the event. With a significant amount of time between now and round two in Toowoomba, it’s going to allow Brayton to be even stronger.

Dean Ferris:
Dean Ferris’ second place finish was one of the biggest surprises of the night, proving he isn’t just an outdoor guy like many considered him to be prior to Saturday night. The most impressive factor of the CDR Yamaha rider’s podium finish was his ability to latch onto Brayton for the entire main event and attempt to make passes in final stages of the race, although once the pair entered lapped traffic he would fall short of the leader.

Wade Hunter:
Following a tough and challenging season throughout the MX Nationals, Serco Yamaha’s Wade Hunter displayed a performance that initially earned him a factory ride. A poor start forced the Queenslander to make several important passes in the opening laps, positioning himself in the top three by the halfway mark to claim third in the SX2 category.

Miss

Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

Kade Mosig:
Runner-up in the 2015 championship, sixth at Jimboomba isn’t where Kade Mosig was looking to be. The National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki rider stated post-race that he struggled with pace and he will utilise the break to get back up to speed for Toowoomba.

Adam Enticknap:
With a lot of hype around the American’s, Adam Enticknap struggled to come to grips with the Jimboomba circuit, which could come down to a combination of factors. The Honda Genuine Racing rider only recently arrived in Australia, and he mentioned in a press release that he lacked adequate preparation. Expect bigger things from the 7deucedeuce at Toowoomba.

Jimmy Decotis:
Defending SX2 champion Jimmy Decotis (Honda Genuine Racing) endured a night he would like to forget, completing the main event in seventh. It’s not the Jimmy Decoits we’re used to seeing, who was extremely dominant in 2015. Like a handful of other riders, the next four weeks will allow the American to iron out any issues and enter Toowoomba in hopes of resurrecting his title chances.