Wilson’s Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki press release:

Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki’s Todd Waters has once again finished on the Thor MX1 podium, and Luke Wilson just outside the MX1 top ten, at an action packed Round 8 of the Motul MX Nationals at Shepparton in Victoria today.

In what was very close to a round victory, Waters showed impressive speed and technique on the technical and rutty Shepparton circuit today, while Wilson was forced to learn quickly, being the first time the pair had raced at the country Victorian venue.

Showcasing his consistent form, Waters again made an appearance in GoPro Superpole this morning where he collected an impressive second place with a 1:41.224 lap time, while Wilson qualified in 13th position.

In moto one, Waters put on a class act performance – biding his time and remaining consistent and smart, to take over the lead in the closing stages of the moto, eventually crossing the line and collecting the first race victory of the day. Despite the track forming up to be extremely challenging from the minute race one kicked off, Wilson remained determined and finished race one in 14th position.

In race two, Waters was on the cusp of claiming a round win at Shepparton. However, when gates dropped, Waters was caught up with another rider off the start, which forced him to have to make up numerous positions, eventually clawing his way back to third place. Moto two for Wilson saw improved results, the Queenslander getting to know the gruelling track conditions, and crossing the finish line just outside the top ten in 12th.

At the conclusion of the round, Waters was awarded with second overall on the Thor MX1 podium due to a countback, after finishing on equal points with the overall round winner, while Wilson’s consistent results saw him finish the round just outside the top ten in 12th overall.

After the results from today’s round at Shepparton, Waters remains in third in the Thor MX1 championship standings on 522 points, while Wilson now sits in 14th with two rounds remaining.

Todd Waters – MX1 – 2nd Overall (1st, 3rd)

“Today was a bit hard to swallow, especially finishing in second tied on points for the round overall,” Waters shared.

“I managed to get a win in the first race which was awesome, but in the second one I got a bad start and just missed my rut and came together with another rider. So I’m a bit battered up and sore.

“I want to be up the front every race battling with the top two guys, so it was just a bit disappointing that I wasn’t able to do that in the second moto.

“I’m happy that we’re closing in on the points a little bit every weekend, and that’s what we need to do, but as a racer I want to win, so over the next two rounds hopefully we can make that happen.”

Luke Wilson – MX1 – 12th Overall (14th, 12th)

“I had the flu all week in the lead up to this round but I wouldn’t use that as an excuse, I just struggled. The track was really tough today,” Wilson shared.

“You have to give it up to the boys at the front who are riding as fast as they are, because it’s crazy out there. I went out and walked the track this afternoon and it’s a lot deeper than what people probably expect.

“I managed to get the day done in 12th overall, and got some more points on the board so we’ll move on to the next two rounds.

Neale Wilson – Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki Team Manager

“It was a positive day for us as a team – to finish on the podium is always a great result, so we’re leaving Shepparton very happy,” Wilson shared.

“The track today really was unbelievable. It’s difficult for any rider to train for those types of conditions because there just aren’t practice tracks that form up to be that rutty, but both Todd and Luke did a great job out there and we’re very proud of what they both achieved today.

“All in all we’ve made up some more points in the championship with Todd, and Luke has managed to put some more solid results on the board, so we’re looking forward to two home rounds to finish the year off.”

Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki will now begin preparations for round nine of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals being held at Toowoomba in Queensland, on Sunday August 21.

To follow Wilson’s Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki’s progress this year, like ‘Wilson Coolair Motul Suzuki’ on facebook or follow @wilsonscoolairmotulsuzuki on Instagram.

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