The eighth round of the 2017 Motul MX Nationals series is set to take place this weekend at Port Macquarie in New South Wales where the MX1, MX2 and MXD contenders will hit the track once again. MotoOnline.com.au previews what fans can expect when the gates drop this Sunday.

Image: MXN.

Round location

60 Cowarra Access road,
Wauchhope, New South Wales

Event entry

Adult (over 15): $30
Kids (6-15 years): $20
Family (2 adults and 2 kids): $70

Schedule

Riders lists

MX1 predictions

First:
Dean Ferris – He may have lost his winning streak due to an unlikely mistake at Shepparton, but CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris is bound to continue the form he’s carried all season long. Moving to the pointy end of the championship, we’re sure the defending champion wants to build a points buffer that will see him secure the title prior to Coolum’s finale.

Second:
Kirk Gibbs – Fresh off his first victory of the season, KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs is riding a wave of confidence. He’ll definitely be a strong contender, and there’s no questioning he’ll want to put another win on the board.

Third:
Brett Metcalfe – Mega Fuels Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Brett Metcalfe has soared to the form we’re used to seeing him in, now that he’s aboard the factory KX450F. The South Australian has been ultra-consistent in the last two rounds, so we’re pencilling him in for another podium.

Watch for: Todd Waters, Kade Mosig, Luke Clout, Luke Styke, Nathan Crawford

MX2 predictions

First:
Mitch Evans – A number of costly mistakes denied Serco Yamaha’s Mitch Evans of a victory at Shepparton, but the potential he displayed was impressive. The youthful Queenslander will be hungry for a win, and more importantly, hungry to breakdown Wilson Todd’s (DPH Motorsport Yamaha) championship lead.

Second:
Wilson Todd – Consistency paid off for Todd at Shepparton, which is definitely key for the MX2 leader. Although he does need to maintain the lead, he understands bridging a gap in the championship is crucial, so he’ll be aiming for a win, but we feel Evans will have the edge this weekend.

Third:
Kyle Webster – Unfortunately, a pair of third place finishes from Kyle Webster (Penrite CRF Honda Racing) at round seven were only good enough for fourth overall. Webster has been gaining significant momentum as of late, recording a host of impressive results. We’re tipping the Western Australian to land on the podium this Sunday.

Watch for: Egan Mastin, Dylan Wills, Jayden Rykers, Hamish Harwood, Jay Wilson

2017 calendar

Rd1 – 1-2 April – Wonthaggi, VIC
Rd2 – 23 April – Appin, NSW
Rd3 – 7 May – Conondale, QLD
Rd4 – 21 May – Horsham, VIC
Rd5 – 28 May – Murray Bridge, SA
Rd6 – 2 July – Nowra, NSW
Rd7 – 16 July – Shepparton, VIC
Rd8 – 30 July – Port Macquarie, NSW
Rd9 – 13 August – Toowoomba, QLD
Rd10 – 19-20 August – Coolum, QLD

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