MotoOnline.com.au takes a closer look and assesses the Hits and Misses following Wonthaggi’s exciting opening round of the 2017 Motul MX Nationals in Victoria.

Hit

Image: MXN.

Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha) – MX1, first overall:
The defending champion came out swinging in Wonthaggi and made it clear to his opponents that he means business in his first Motul MX Nationals MX1 title defence. Ferris started the day logging the top qualifying position before moving into the two 30-minute premier class motos where he claimed victory in both to make it a perfect day for the CDR Yamaha rider. Wonthaggi also marked a career-first 1-1 performance for Ferris, which may be surprising to some after showing such strong form during the past year.

Kade Mosig (DPH Motorsport Yamaha) – MX1, second overall:
Mosig has returned to the familiar Yamaha YZ450F and DPH Motorsport Yamaha squad for 2017 and it’s clear the Victorian is very comfortable in his surroundings. He was right there throughout both MX1 motos as he logged a consistent and strong 2-2 moto scorecard behind Ferris to land himself on the podium in the runner-up spot. This result comes as a refreshing change for Mosig who struggled through his 2016 campaign with a list of sub-par results.

Wilson Todd (DPH Motorsport Yamaha) – MX2, first overall:
On debut with the DPH Motorsport Yamaha team it was clear that Todd had put in the work during the pre-season after claiming the top qualifying spot and opening his 2017 championship campaign with a victory in moto one. The Victorian-based MX2 rider then went on to notch a runner-up finish in moto two for to wrap up a consistent day and capture his first-ever overall victory. The 2015 MXD champion will sport the series leading red plate at Appin’s round two and he certainly has marked himself as the man to beat in 2017.

Miss

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Brett Metcalfe (SD3 Husqvarna) – MX1, 19th overall:
After claiming third in the Super Pole, Metcalfe was set for a strong return to the Australian Motocross scene with the factory-supported SD3 Husqvarna outfit. Pushing through the pack in the opening moto to claim a fifth-place finish, the experienced premier class racer was looking strong and comfortable on-track. Unfortunately for the South Australian, a mechanical cause by a rock smashing his ignition cover in moto two saw Metcalfe forced out of the race and his overall ranking drop to 19th at the end of the day. Be on the lookout for Metcalfe to be shooting for the top spot at Appin as he attempts to claw his way back up the leader-board.

Kyle Peters (Wilson Coolair Motul Suzuki) – MX1, seventh overall:
The American MX1 contender came out in moto one and made it clear that he was feeling strong following a unique pre-season contesting the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in the East Coast 250SX class. Peters took control of the moto ahead of Ferris and lead the way until a mechanical issue with just two laps remaining saw him drop down to ninth-place. It was a devastating turn of events for the factory Suzuki rider and his second moto of the day continued to prove challenging. Peters was visibly disappointed with his round one result after showing race-winning pace and you can bet he’ll be fired up at round two.

Luke Arbon (SD3 Husqvarna) – MX2, 11th overall:
Usually a front-runner in the MX2 category, and after electing to stay in the class for 2017 following talks of an MX1 move, Arbon failed to show promise in Wonthaggi with a combination of average moto results. With a 15-10 moto scorecard, the South Australian lacked the speed and intensity we’re used to seeing and really didn’t perform to the level we expected. It must be noted that Arbon is returning from a serious spinal injury, but he was still expected to be further up the rankings at the opener and chances are you will see him further up the order with more set time to his credit.