Raceline Pirelli KTM press release:

Morgan Fogarty delivered Raceline Pirelli KTM with their first MXD podium for 2017, and secured the first round win of his career in what was a successful third round of the MX Nationals at Conondale yesterday.

With up and down results at the opening two rounds, it all turned around in Queensland yesterday – Fogarty, Wade Kirkland and Jayden Rykers all taking big steps forward on a dry and technical Green Park circuit.

In the MXD class, Fogarty qualified in tenth position yesterday morning, but the 17-year-old Victorian made it count when it mattered, and once racing got underway the rookie raced for podiums.

In the first moto, Fogarty charged to an impressive second place, but it was in race two that he showcased the form he’s been working hard for. Fogarty battled hard with competitor Cody Dyce for the race lead for the entire 20 minutes, but it was the Raceline Pirelli KTM rider who captured victory in the final moto, awarding him with MXD round victory.

“Moto one was good for me – I got a decent start and was running in third then made the pass for second and ended up coming home in a second which was a positive improvement for me,” Fogarty said.

“In the second race everything went really well. I got off to a good start with a hole shot, and Cody Dyce and myself were battling out front for most of the moto – I managed to stay in front though and it meant that we came away with the overall which is awesome.

“It was a really good weekend for myself and the team, especially being the first time riding the Conondale track – I loved it. For the next round I will be working on a few little things that I can touch up so we can make the next coming rounds consistent and positive.”

In the MX2 class, both Rykers and Kirkland made improvements at Round 3.

Rykers qualified in ninth position yesterday morning aboard his KTM 250 SX-F machine before going on to record 8-6 race results across two motos, placing him just outside the top five in sixth overall for the round.

“I got to a slow start in moto one, and I fought from around mid-pack back to eighth but I just didn’t find that intensity,” Rykers said.

“In moto two I felt a lot better. I got a good start and was sitting in fifth for awhile before I had another rider crash in front of me which put me back a bit.

“I started to ride a little more like I know how and and made things happen on the weekend. We have changed things a bit over the last week and I’m looking forward to putting them in place going forward. I’m not here to be getting fifth to tenth.”

Round 3 at Conondale marked Kirkland’s second appearance in the talent packed MX2 category, and having had a round off to recover from an ankle injury, the Tasmanian took positive steps forward yesterday. After qualifying in 16th Kirkland went on to race to 11-16 race results, placing him in 13th overall at the conclusion of yesterday’s event.

“The first race at Conondale was ok for me. I got a good start and fell back a few positions but I ended up finishing in 11th,” Kirkland said.

“Unfortunately race two was just ordinary. I wasn’t feeling it the whole weekend, and I wasn’t fast enough to keep up so ended up finishing outside the top fifteen in that race.

“The weekend itself was pretty good, I had a look around some of the beaches and it was nice to have a look around in Queensland and get away from the Tassie weather, but the next round I just want to do better. I’m not happy with being this far back, when really feel I should be in top five.”

The 2017 MX Nationals will continue at Horsham in Victoria on Sunday, May 21. Visit the official series website at www.mxnationals.com.au for further information.

To follow Raceline Pirelli KTM’s progress this year, like ‘Raceline’ on Facebook or follow @raceline_motosport on Instagram.