Yamaha Motor Australia press release:

Yamaha’s Under 19 motocross team kicked off their 2018 MX Nationals campaign in fine style, with team riders Hugh McKay and Bailey Malkiewicz turning in an impressive performances at round one of the MX Nationals that has them well placed ahead of round two.

In some close racing that saw the top three riders tie on points and requiring a count back to separate them and fourth place just one point in behind, things are tight at the top of the MXD table.

Hugh McKay broke through for his first ever round win, taking the top step of the podium with his 4-2 results. McKay proved fast and consistent and his second-place finish was the best result of the other riders on the podium, handing him the round overall.

There was controversy in moto one when several riders we handed in race time penalties for jumping under a red cross flag, McKay included. He crossed the finish line second on track but when the 20-second penalty was applied, he was relocated to fourth.

Race two saw McKay away to another fine start and leading race on the opening lap. He was passed by team mate, Bailey Malkiewicz, on lap two but the pair continued to battle all the way to the finish line with Malkiewicz just edging his team mate in a WBR Yamaha team 1-2 finish.

“I have been trying for so long to win a round of the MX Nationals and it feels so good to finally get it done,” said an elated McKay. “The WBR Yamaha team have put in so much work over the off season and I have really stepped up my training so it was great for everyone to get a reward.

“With Bailey up there with me, it proves the team has done a great job in preparing the bikes so thank you to all our team sponsors for the effort they have put in to get us to this point.

“The plan now is to keep improving and hopefully more race and round wins aren’t too far away,” McKay ended.

In fourth place for the day and just one point from the lead is Bailey Malkiewicz. Malkiewicz started the day in great form, taking the fastest qualifying lap in the MXD class and getting the all important first choice on the start gate.

He wasn’t able to fully capitalise on the P1 pick but still was in good shape inside the top five rounding the first turn. There was a good battle at the front of the field and a fast-flowing freight train charged around the Newry circuit. He crossed the finish line in fourth place but the 20 second penalty was also applied to Malkiewicz and that relegated him back to seventh.

Moto two and he wasn’t to be denied. The talented teenager took control of the race in the early stages and went on to win in impressive fashion. The 7-1 results saw him finish with 59 points and missing the podium but still with plenty of positives to take from the weekend.

“This is my first race in MXD and I really enjoyed racing at the MX Nationals,” Bailey begins. “ It started off perfectly with the fastest qualifying lap but I just rode a bit stiff in race one and didn’t really ride my best.

“The second race was much better and I felt good on the bike although the track was dry and falling apart. It was awesome way to start racing at this level and I can’t thank WBR Yamaha enough for giving me this opportunity and hopefully I can put it on the podium for them at round two in Sydney,” he ends.

The WBR Bulk Nutrients Yamaha team now switch focus to round two of the MX Nationals, taking place at the always interesting Appin Circuit, south of Sydney.