Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

Davey Motorsports teammates Michael Menchi and Jayden Rykers have received the prestigious Andrew McFarlane and Jono Porter privateer awards at Coolum’s Motul MX Nationals grand finale.

The pair were able to secure the awards which recognise the efforts of the highest placed privateers in the MX1 and MX2 categories after 10 challenging rounds across the country.

After a significant amount of time away from racing, Menchi returned to the MX Nationals in 2016 with a realistic outlook, sharing that his initial expectations would see him sit outside of the top 10.

“It’s a huge honor to take home the Andrew McFarlane Privateer Award. At the start of the year I certainly didn’t think I’d be anywhere near the top of the privateer scales let alone inside the top ten,” stated Menchi.

“It’s nice to have received something for all the hard work and money we spend as privateers from bikes, gear, fuel, travel, entry fees.”

For Rykers, he was not only the highest placed privateer, but he was also the highest placed rookie in the MX2 category, completing the year fourth in the championship standings.

“It’s an honour to have my name on this prestigious award, also to be joining some other amazing athletes who have won in the past and having my name on the trophy itself, which is named after the well-known Jono Porter has been humbling,” said Rykers.

“It’s great to be recognised as the privateer of the year, it’s not easy mixing it up with factory guys on a tight budget and basic bike, but I couldn’t have asked for a better rookie season in the MX2 class.”