Image: Foremost Media.

Primary MX2 title threat Nathan Crawford has been disqualified from the sole MX2 moto contested at Wonthaggi’s 2023 Penrite ProMX opener, stripped of all points awarded as a result of his ‘racing conduct’.

While ProMX series organiser Motorcycling Australia (MA) is yet to specify what that misconduct in fact was or who any protests were lodged by, Crawford has had his second-place finish removed, including the 22 points for position.

MA’s investigation was put on hold following the tragic incident that unfolded at round one, however, it’s now official that Crawford has been severely penalised. It’s unclear whether the DSQ is due to his contact with eventual winner Wilson Todd that saw both riders – and a lapped rider – go down, or if it was because of track limitation infringements.

There’s also wider suggestion that Crawford’s penalty was handed down for a completely different reason altogether, since it’s understood that the 25-year-old returned to the KTM Racing Team pit during the race’s red flag stoppage. As of now, it’s all up for interpretation and there is still time for an appeal process to take place.

“Following protests lodged – in adherence to the rules – received during the MX2 moto one race, ProMX race management and all parties involved decided to postpone any investigations into said incidents due to the critical incident and the ongoing situation that resulted,” a statement from MA read.

“A decision was made regarding the racing conduct of MX2 rider number 199, Nathan Crawford and penalties were imposed after the protests were upheld. Subsequently, additional protests were made against the severity of the penalties and these were forwarded to the steward for further investigation.

“After examining the protests, the steward dismissed this appeal, with the original penalties standing. As a result, rider number 199, Nathan Crawford has been disqualified from round one, race one of MX2 and points scored have been removed. Race management has now received notification of the updated and final results, which have been adjusted to reflect the changed outcomes subject to any appeals being lodged.”

The outcome is a major blow for Crawford’s early title challenge and he now sits 25 points in arrears of Terrafirma Honda Racing’s defending champion Todd with seven rounds of the 2023 Penrite ProMX Championship remaining. Crawford’s disqualification also elevates Jesse Dobson (Serco Yamaha) into P2 and Noah Ferguson (GasGas Racing Team) onto the podium.