Image: MXN.

Multiple Australian Champions Craig Anderson (Honda) and Cameron Taylor (Yamaha) raced to victory in their respective Veteran categories on Sunday, 17 July, at the iconic Conondale circuit in conjunction with round seven of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals.

Anderson displayed a dominant performance in the YMI 30-39 years class, capturing two moto wins in what were difficult conditions.

The Honda-mounted rider clocked the fastest lap time throughout qualifying, rewarding himself with the number one gate pick.

Race one saw Anderson immediately take the lead followed by Steven Powell (Husqvarna) and Malcolm Cash (Honda) in third. While Anderson gapped the field, Cash eventually overcame Powell to claim second.

Anderson would gain the early lead in moto two, trailed by Cash and Queensland local Robbie Marshall (Husqvarna). It was a repeat performance for the number 100 machine, claiming his second consecutive win by over six seconds.

Cash maintained his position in second for second overall, while Marshall’s DNF-3 scorecard denied him a chance of stepping onto the podium. Third overall was awarded to Steven Powell following a sixth in race two.

“You never really know what to expect when it’s a mud race, and not being my favourite surface I just came here to do my best as always and we managed to do that today,” said Anderson.

A similar scenario unfolded in the older 40 years plus category which saw Cameron Taylor clean-sweep the day ahead of Yarrive Konsky (Honda) and Aaron Hunt (Honda).

Yamaha-supported Taylor grabbed the lead in the initial stages of moto one, going onto lap majority of the field over the 10 minutes plus one lap race. Hunt and Konsky completed the race in second and third respectively.

Taylor met all expectations in race two, controlling the entire race to finish just under one and half minutes over Konsky who concluded the day in second overall. Michael Dennis navigated his way into third, falling just short of the overall podium.

“I still really enjoy going racing. There wasn’t too much competition for me today to be honest (laughs) but I love going out there and getting on to a national level track,” stated Taylor.