Honda Australia press release:

Penrite-Pirelli CRF Honda Racing team riders Kyle Webster and Jackson Richardson hit the track for the first round of the 2018 Pirelli MX Nationals this weekend – 15 April 2018 at the Newry Club Motocross Track.

In windy and difficult conditions, Webster tore the track open in qualifying hitting P3 within fractions of a second to Wilson Todd and Dylan Wills in the 1:55 time slot.

Webster suffered from a poor start in Moto 1 and after working his way through the field and suffering a small miss-hap; he managed to finish in 10 th position.

In Moto 2 Webster enjoyed a better start and placed himself in P3 around the first corner, just behind teammate Jackson Richardson. A battle developed between Webster, Richardson and the lead rider until Webster finally put down the hammer and secured the Moto lap record and a solid 2nd place.

“I’m just so happy to know that I have the speed to go racing at this level again after the huge time off from my broken back last year,” said Webster.

Richardson got himself into a bar bashing battle in the first Moto following a good start and having worked his way to P2 chasing down the leader, suffering from arm-pump he faded back to 7th position.

In Moto 2 Richardson burst into the first corner in P2 and again had to relent due to arm-pump and held himself in 7th position again picking up valuable points for the Championship.

“I can’t say that I’m really pleased about my results today. I have not raced outdoor motocross since last year at Shepparton where I did my shoulder and no matter how much pre-season training you run it’s hard to simulate a full 30 minute Moto against one of the hottest fields in the country. I’ll go back and hit things harder and get to round 2 at Appin to give it a better shot,” Richardson said.

Team manager, Mark Luksich was satisfied the start to the season and commented; “We all go to win, simple as that, but my guys looked good, our bikes were awesome and we go home un-injured ready to hit the next round.”

The team will now prepare for round 2 in Appin, NSW on the 29 April 2018.