News 7 Nov 2018

Mellross seeking AUS-X Open redemption in Sydney

Husqvarna ace banking Wilson's Triple Crown inconsistencies on Saturday night.

Image: Foremost Media.

DPH Motorsport Husqvarna’s Hayden Mellross is looking to turn his fortunes around at Qudos Bank Arena and seek redemption at this weekend’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney, marking the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship.

In 2016, Mellross controlled the SX2 championship standings by eight points heading into the AUS-X Open finale before a rare mechanical failure in the main event cruelly denied him of the title, demoting him to third in the rankings.

This weekend, the round three victor trails current series leader Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) by 11 points, and believes the gut-wrenching events that unfolded two years ago have prepared him to lift the crown on Saturday night.

“Looking back at what happened to me in 2016, I feel it happened for a reason because I’m heading into the weekend in the same situation, it’s just turned around,” Mellross explained to MotoOnline.com.au.

“It’s prepared me for this situation. I’m going in there this weekend to just solely win – I’ve put a lot of hard work in and I feel great. I know that if I ride like I can and let everything unfold like it’s going to, anything can happen no matter what.”

Mellross, who’s had to overcome toe injuries this season that required surgery following round one, is adamant the Triple Crown format will boost his chances of earning the title, as he banks on rival Wilson’s inconsistencies throughout the three-race schedule at the last two rounds.

“The Triple Crowns have been very challenging for a few people, but I personally really like them,” he continued. “It really brings out the consistency of everyone – when you’re trying to win a championship, you have to put in consistent rides to get that championship.

“I think Jay Wilson, who’s leading the championship, hasn’t been very consistent in the Triple Crowns – I’m leaning on that going into this weekend. There’s a lot of close racing and a lot of bar-banging in Sydney – I think when you have that and the championship on the line, it’s going to make for some great racing. I’m willing to do whatever I need to do to win.”

Following Mellross in the standings is Serco Yamaha duo Wilson Todd and Jacob Hayes, who are tied on 75 points, just two markers shy of the Husqvarna pilot.

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