Raceline Pirelli KTM press release:

Raceline Pirelli KTM have wrapped up the 2016 MX Nationals season in the best way possible yesterday, with Pirelli MXD rider Wade Kirkland securing the final round win, while MX2 pilot Dylan Wills wrapped up his final outing just outside the top ten.

With Kirkland hoping to finish on the Championship podium, and Wills aiming to maintain 6th in his respective championship, Coolum was an important round for Raceline Pirelli KTM and both riders.

For Kirkland, round ten of the MX Nationals was close to perfect. After qualifying in 4th place on Saturday, the Tasmanian rider raced to 4th in race one, before finishing moto two with the final race victory of the year, seeing Kirkland awarded with the top spot on the Round 10 podium. Unfortunately, despite Kirkland’s impressive results at Coolum, the KTM rider finished just a single point shy of 3rd in the MXD Championship, wrapping up his rookie year in 4th overall.

For Wills, the Coolum surface was one that he found difficult to gel with. After qualifying in 9th position on the weekend, Wills raced to 8th in moto one and 13th in moto two, to wrap up the final motocross outing for the team just outside the MX2 top ten in 11th position. Wills’ consistency throughout the previous nine rounds of the season, saw the KTM rider wrap up his MX2 Championship campaign in 6th overall.

Wade Kirkland – MXD – 4th Pirelli MXD Championship (1st Overall – Round 10)

“I’m wrapped to finish at Coolum on the podium and finish out the season on a high,” Kirkland said.

“We were only one point off finishing third in the championship which is a bit of a bummer, but I’m glad that we finished the series strong.

“Being my rookie year, fourth in the championship is good and we’re only going to improve next year.

“The team have been fantastic, they’ve put in 100 per cent throughout the whole season, and I couldn’t ask to ride for a better bunch of people.”

Dylan Wills – MX2 – 6th MX2 Championship (11th Overall – Round 10)

“This weekend was ok, I’ve always sort of struggled with these kind of tracks, and today is probably one of the best results I’ve had at Coolum so we’ll take that as a positive,” Wills shared.

“I struggled to get out of the gates this weekend, and got hit in the first turn in moto two, but I was making moves, and then I had a little crash in that second race so it took me a while to get going.

“It’s been a crazy year for me. If you look at my results from the outside it’s a positive because I’ve moved forward from last year, but I’m not where I want to be.

“Sixth is not where I want to be finishing so we’ll head in to Supercross and give that a red hot go.”

Chris Woods – Raceline Pirelli KTM Team Manager

“Wow, what a year of racing, and what a great way to finish off the motocross season, with Wade back on the podium,” Woods shared.

“Being one point off third in the MXD championship is obviously frustrating, but we gave it a red hot go, and Wade has had a ripper rookie year.

“It’s been great having Dylan as part of the team too this season. He’s learning and getting better at every round so we can’t wait to see what he can do in Supercross.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of the sponsors associated with the team for their support throughout the MX Nationals. Without them, running a satellite race team like ours just wouldn’t have been possible.

“And finally the boys under the truck deserve to give themselves a big pat on the back for their efforts this year. We are like a little family at Raceline, and the success we’ve had is a testament to their hard work.”

Raceline Pirelli KTM will now prepare for the first round of the 2016 Australian Supercross Championship being held at Jimboomba in Queensland on September 17, 2016.

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

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