Yamaha Motor Australia press release:

Round eight of the MX Nationals proved to be a dramatic one for all involved as the travelling dirt bike circus rolled into Moree, in the north-western region of New South Wales.
With the championship down to the business end of the season and all three major championships on a knife’s edge, the intensity had lifted and the attitude in the pits on Sunday morning was a little more serious than usual.

Unfortunately, the day was cut short due to some injuries but the points battle remains tight as we head into the final weekend of racing in the championship at Coolum. Kirk Gibbs made it three second place round finishes in a row in the MX1 division, Nathan Crawford finally hit the top of the podium in MX2, while Max Purvis continues to rack up podiums in the MXD class.

Craig Dack – CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team- MX1
2nd – Kirk Gibbs
9th – Luke Clout

“A mixed weekend for us with Kirk finishing on the podium in second but Luke going down on the opening lap and having to work his way back through the field to finish ninth.

“Kirk has been impressive since his return from injury and these are the results we expect taking on a rider with the experience and knowledge of Kirk. He was leading the majority of the race but just tighten up a little towards the end which allowed Todd Waters to sneak by for the win. Still, we are really happy with our Kirk has progressed and look forward to a strong finish from him at Coolum.

“Luke was a little frustrating his fall on the opening lap was a bit of an unforced error and it’s something as a team we have spoken about regularly. He fought back well and kept his championship hopes alive so there was some damage control done. It has left him determined to redeem himself this weekend.

“As a team, we are excited to be in a three rider fight for the MX1 championship and this is what racing is all about. We well leave no stone unturned to give both our riders the best chance of winning races, rounds and the championship this weekend.”

Gavin Eales – Serco Yamaha – MX2
1st – Nathan Crawford
4th – Aaron Tanti

“Moree was good for Serco Yamaha and both riders raced extremely well. Ever since the break, Nathan has knuckled down and done the work and it is clearly showing in his results. He has been on the podium at Gympie, then at Maitland he won a race on his way to second, and now at Moree he took the round victory so its been an impressive climb since the start of the year.

“Aaron has been unfortunate to miss out on the podium at several rounds this year and at Moree, he again finished equal third but was given fourth on a count back. I know he is frustrated, and he desperately wants to win. Its so close for him and we have encouraged him to keep fighting and the luck will change. The team admires his fighting qualities and determination in every race he goes in.”

Scott Bishop – Yamalube Yamaha Racing – MX1/MX2
5th – Richie Evans – MX1
5th – Jay Wilson – MX2

“Both riders looked forward to the Moree round as jay had done plenty of racing there in the past while Richie did a local event there earlier in the year and really enjoyed the track.

“Richie produced his best result of the year at Moree with a fifth place finish. He started well, had no issues on the opening laps and was able to get into the top four and ride with the lead group. It wasn’t until 20 minutes into the race that they were able to break away from him but I’m happy for him to get a good result and provide a much needed confidence boost for him.

“Jay is in the middle of the MX2 championship battle and Moree was a round he targeted to claw some points back. He qualified fastest and then was well placed in race one when he went down while trying to take the lead. He then got hit as he scrambled back to his bike. But he doesn’t know how to quit and soldiered on to finish 12th and then third in the back to back motos. Unfortunately, the final moto of the day wasn’t ran so he now sits in third, six points from second and 24 from the lead.

“It’s going to be on at Coolum!”

Travis Whitten – WBR Yamaha – MXD
3rd – Max Purvis
DNF – Jack Kukas

“Max has had five podiums in a row and been extremely consistent during the series which has well placed in the championship, the only issue is Regan Duffy has also done the same and he now has a 34 point lead on us going into the final rounds. So, the championship is still alive, and our plan is to win every race at Coolum and see what happens behind us. Max rides the sand well and has won there before so Coolum holds no fears for us, and we will give it our all.

“Unfortunately, Jack had a nasty accident in the first race that left him unable to compete and taken away for observation. The good news is that he has no serious issues other than being banged up and bruised and clear to race this weekend.”