Raceline Pirelli KTM press release:

Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Wade Kirkland and Dylan Wills recorded their best results so far this season, in what were treacherous conditions at round three of the MX Nationals at the State Motorcycle Complex in Broadford yesterday.

Despite round three of the MX Nationals being affected by weather, both Wills and Kirkland battled through the mud and ruts on the Broadford circuit, to walk away from the weekend with strong and encouraging results in their respective classes.

16-year-old Kirkland proved yesterday that he had carried improved momentum into round three, claiming fourth in the first Pirelli MXD moto, and then bettered his result once again with a podium finish in race two where he snatched up third. With a fourth and third to his name, Kirlkland was awarded third place on the overall Pirelli MXD podium at Broadford, which now also places him in a comfortable second place in the MXD Championship standings on 169 points.

For MX2 pilot Wills, who was chasing his own personal goals at round three, the youngster made radical progress on board his KTM machine. In race one, Wills recorded his best result so far this season, concluding the moto in sixth place, while in race two, he finished inside the top ten in ninth. The two consistent rides from Wills, saw him finish round three as the highest placed KTM MX2 rider in sixth overall.

Wade Kirkland – Pirelli MXD – (4th, 3rd) 3rd Overall

“The mud made it difficult for everyone so I decided to try and be conservative in my riding and keep producing decent laps,” Kirkland said.

“To get a fourth in the first moto and a third in the second, is a pretty good result for myself. I was able to get a good start off the gates to make some decent passes and the results from today’s moto’s got me third overall for the day so I couldn’t be happier.

“Connor (Tierney) had a bit of a bad run in that second race – he might have crashed, so that helped me out a bit points wise. Everyone is really close on speed so it just comes down to the most consistent rider, and that’s what I’m trying to be.”

Dylan Wills – MX2 – (6th, 9th) 6th Overall

“Sixth overall today was a big step forward from where we were last time, there is still progress to be made but it definitely was a positive day,” Wills said.

“I have to take the positives away – I went to round three with a few goals, a new attitude, and I was looking to put a bit less pressure on myself. I had a good go yesterday and had a smile on my face.

“It was a good round, the track was pretty gnarly, but we’re getting there. It was real wet in that first moto but I was second off the start so that made it heaps easier.”

Chris Woods – Raceline Pirelli KTM Team Manager

“Round three was a great round for us. Wade obviously achieved his first overall podium, and it was great to see Dylan get some improved results after a couple of tough rounds,” he said.

“Wade has been a bit of a surprise package for us – we knew he had the speed to run up the front but it takes a lot of maturity to put in the consistent rides that he’s been having, but regardless of his age, he’s rising to the occasion and it’s making us very proud to be honest.

“Dylan really resest his focus on the weekend which was great to see. He always wants to do the best that he can and I think with him relaxing a little bit on the weekend, it allowed him to enjoy himself even in the tough track conditions!

“With the track dishing out such varying surfaces, it was fantastic to see that our products associated with the team really performed, and just allowed both of our riders to do their jobs well.

“We’re having a lot of fun as a team going racing at the moment, and it’s always nice to leave the track with two healthy and happy riders – it’s still a long season, and anything can happen so we’re just going to keep putting in the work and hopefully the results will follow.”

Raceline Pirelli KTM will now begin preparation for round four of the MX Nationals being held in Murray Bridge, South Australia on Sunday May 22.

To follow Raceline Pirelli KTM’s progress this year, like ‘Raceline’ on Facebook or follow @raceline_motosport on Instagram.

For further information on round three of the MX Nationals, head to www.mxnationals.com.au