The third round of the 2017 Motul MX Nationals series is set to take place this weekend at Conondale in Queensland where the MX1, MX2 and MXD contenders will hit the track once again. MotoOnline.com.au previews what fans can expect when the gates drop this Sunday.

Image: MXN.

Round location

Green Park
Conondale, QLD

Track map

Event entry

Adult (over 15): $30
Kids (6-15 years): $20
Family (2 adults and 2 kids): $70

Schedule

Riders lists

MX1 predictions

First:
Kirk Gibbs – The KTM Motocross Racing Team rider was on fire at Appin’s round two, he took the opening moto victory and made an impressive charge from the rear of the field in moto two. On paper his Appin result doesn’t show the form he had on the day, if Gibbs can carry that speed into this weekend, he’ll be tough to beat.

Second:
Dean Ferris – Although the CDR Yamaha rider is yet to lose an overall this season and won the overall at the 2016 Conondale event, it’s going to be tough to beat Gibbs if he brings the heat this weekend. As always, there’s a high chance Ferris will win, but if the factory KTM rider continues his recent form, it’s going to be a battle to the end between these two.

Third:
Todd Waters – Waters is coming off his best overall finish of the season with a Third at Appin and he claimed the runner-up spot in 2016 at Conondale behind Ferris. Aboard his Crankt Protein Honda Racing entry, the Queenslander continues to improve as he battles multiple injuries sustained prior to the first round.

Watch for: Kade Mosig, Luke Clout, Brett Metcalfe, Luke Styke, Nathan Crawford

MX2 predictions

First:
Wilson Todd – The points leader wasn’t happy with his Appin result as he lost a chunk of points to Serco Yamaha’s Mitch Evans who went 1-1 on the day. Expect Todd to come out swinging in Conondale, the young Queenslander is looking great aboard his new DPH Motorsport Yamaha ride this season and is sure to make this a battle to the end.

Second:
Mitch Evans – Following an impressive 1-1 performance at Appin, the MX2 rookie will be carrying a lot of confidence into Conondale and definitely has a shot at the win again. These MX2 guys are pushing it and it’s such an interesting class to watch, so if Evans starts up front, keep your eye on him.

Third:
Egan Mastin – The Davey Motorsport KTM rider has been very strong in 2017 aboard his KTM 250 SX two-stroke and the Conondale circuit should lend itself well to his machine if the conditions are right. He hasn’t missed the podium yet this season and definitely has the pace and form to continue this in Conondale.

Watch for: Jackson Richardson, Jayden Rykers, Dylan Wills, Kyle Webster, Hamish Harwood

2017 calendar:

Rd1 – 1-2 April – Wonthaggi, VIC
Rd2 – 23 April – Appin, NSW
Rd3 – 7 May – Conondale, QLD
Rd4 – 21 May – Horsham, VIC
Rd5 – 28 May – Murray Bridge, SA
Rd6 – 2 July – Nowra, NSW
Rd7 – 16 July – Shepparton, VIC
Rd8 – 30 July – Port Macquarie, NSW
Rd9 – 13 August – Toowoomba, QLD
Rd10 – 19-20 August – Coolum, QLD

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