Yamaha Motor Australia press release:

The GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing Team continues to rack up championship success as the season rolls towards a climax with the Australian Junior Motocross Championship firing up next weekend.

The last two weekends have seen success for the riders in Tasmania and Western Australia as they completed the fifth and final round of their respective state championships.

In Tasmania, the duo of Jay Jennings and Angus Pearce came away with three state championships in a fine performance from the young guns. Jay Jennings captured two championships, winning both the 7-9 years 65cc and the 9-11 years 85cc classes.

Jennings dominated the 65cc class and won the title with a healthy 66 point lead, despite a tough final round that saw him finish off the podium. He took 10 race wins in the five round championship and was simply a cut above his rivals.

In the 85cc division, Jennings rode a smart and safe final round to clinch the championship victory as he cruised to a fourth place finish. He claimed the title with a 17 point margin back to second place and caps off a great season for the charger.

Team mate Angus Pearce also made a trip to the top step of the podium, taking the championship win in the 12-Under 14 years 85cc class. Pearce cemented his win with a final round victory and showcased the performance of the YZ85 at every round this year.

“It has been a great year so far for our guys and one that I’m really proud of,” states Team Manager, Brody Jennings. “Both riders raced extremely well all year and have made big steps in terms of speed and race craft.

“To get three number 1 plates was our goal at the start of the year and its rewarding to have it happen. A huge thank you to both the families for their efforts as well as the support of Yamaha Australia and the Yamaha Junior Racing Team.”

Way out west, things went just as well with the final round of the Western Australian Motocross Championship taking place at the famed Manjimup circuit. Cody Chittick finished off his good work early in the season to come barnstorming home and take victory in the 13-16 years 125 and 13-16 years 250cc classes making him a dual state champion.

Chittick cruised to victory in the 250cc division claiming the title with a handy 34 point lead but things were a little more stressful in the 125cc class as just a handful of points separated the top two riders coming into the final round.

But Chittick nailed the final round, not only taking the round win but also stretched his lead to make it a day to remember for both him and the WA team.

He was ably backed up by team mate Jake Turner who finished third in the 125cc class making it a team 1-3 and he claimed fourth in the 250cc class. The young gun of the team Jake Rumens also managed a fourth on his YZ65 and sixth in his 85cc race.

“The championship has been a great success for us and Yamaha over here and it was pleasing to finish it off on such a strong and positive note. All three riders gave it their all and the results are something we are really proud of.

“The boys are confident and in good form is hopefully they carry that into the Australian championships next week and together with the rest of the YJR riders, we continue the Yamaha success,” states Peter Strickland.

The 2019 season has been a remarkable one for the GYTR-YJR teams so far as together they have amassed 16 championed victories already across all states and classes.

1st Alex Larwood – MXR – 250cc
1st Cody Chittick – WAMX – 125cc
1st Cody Chittick – WAMX- 250cc
1st Alex Larwood – SAMX – 125cc
1st Alex Larwood – SAMX – 250cc
1st Wil Carpenter – SAMX – 65cc
1st Jobe Dunne – SAMX – 65cc
1st Kipp Adams – VIC MX – 250cc
1st Alex Larwood – VIC MX – 125cc
1st Jay Jennings – TAS MX – 65cc
1st Jay Jennings – TAS MX – 85cc
1st Angus Pearce – TAS MX – 85cc
1st Ryder Kingsford – King of MX – 85cc
1st Jobe Dunne – King of MX – 65cc
1st Levi Rogers – QLD MX – 125cc
1st Levi Rogers – QLD MX – 250cc

Add to that victories in regional races like the Gippsland Championships in Victoria, the East Coast MX in NSW and the Sunshine State MX in Queensland and it really has been a red letter year for the YJR teams but the big one is still to come with the AJMX getting under on September 29 in Gilman, South Australia.

“With the introduction of the YZ65 and our YJR program a true nation-wide development tool, Yamaha Junior Racing has recorded its best season to date,” states Motorsport Manager, Ray Howard.

“Supporting such a broad base of riders across the country is a huge undertaking and it isn’t possible without the support of Yamaha Motor Australia, our state based team managers who are deeply involved with the riders, as well as our team sponsors including SCOTT, Just 1, NGK and DID from Ficeda Accessories.

“We thank them all for their support and effort and wish them the best of luck for the upcoming junior championships,” Howard ends.