Dunlop Tyres press release:

It was a successful weekend for Dunlop-equipped riders as the 2017 MX Nationals series made its way to Toowoomba in Queensland for the ninth round of racing action, where CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris clinched his second MX1 championship in a row.

Continuing his dominant form at Echo Valley, it was Ferris who captured a perfect 1-1 victory in the 450 class to claim top honours on the day and wrap up the 2017 premier class title in the process.

With just one round remaining on the series schedule, the now back-to-back title winner sped to the front to secure the crown ahead of fellow Dunlop-backed competitor Kirk Gibbs. Aboard his KTM Motocross Racing Team entry, Gibbs logged a consistent 2-2 scorecard in Toowoomba to finish out the day in second overall behind Ferris.

With Ferris now crowned MX1 champion for 2017, Dunlop’s Gibbs and Kade Mosig will look to secure their current spots in the top three on the championship rankings next weekend at the season finale.

In the MX2 category Davey Motorsports KTM’s Egan Mastin notched a crucial victory aboard his Dunlop-shod KTM 250 SX to place himself within striking distance of the number one plate.

Now just three markers behind DPH Motorsport Yamaha’s Wilson Todd for the top MX2 spot, Mastin’s 1-1 Toowoomba performance will set the stage for a heated battle at the final round.

Second overall on the day went to series leader Todd as he rode to a 4-2 moto score on the challenging hill-side circuit. Rounding out the podium was Serco Yamaha’s Mitch Evans thanks to a pair of third place finishes.

American-based Aussie Hayden Mellross finished fourth overall in his first MX Nationals showing of the 2017 season. The DPH Motorsport Yamaha rider put in a strong second place ride in moto one before a costly error in moto two saw him drop down the running order.

Red-plate holder Todd will carry a three-point advantage over Mastin heading into next weekend’s final round as Evans sits a further 11 points behind the in-form KTM rider in the point-standings.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend at Toowoomba,” said Dunlop national motorcycle manager Sebastian Mincone. “Locking up the 2017 MX1 championship with Dean one round early is an exceptional effort. And to see three Dunlop-backed racers taking it down to the final round for the MX2 title is very exciting for us.”

The 2017 MX Nationals will now head to Coolum in Queensland on 19-20 August for the 10th and final round of racing.

Visit www.dunloptyres.com.au or find Dunlop Tyres Australia & New Zealand on Facebook and @ridedunlopau on Instagram for further information on the brand.