Image: Marc Jones (Foremost Media).

WBR Bulk Nutrients Yamaha’s Hugh McKay has launched his 2018 MXD campaign in the Pirelli MX Nationals with a hard-fought overall victory in Newry, Victoria.

The Tasmanian tied on points with Husqvarna-mounted Riley Dukes and Penrite Honda Racing’s Callum Norton, the trio all finishing up with 60 points to their credit, but it was McKay who ultimately took the number one spot on count-back.

In the opening 11-lap affair, KTM’s Morgan Fogarty stormed to a 4.328s victory over Norton, who comfortably held second with a 3.494s advantage ahead of Dukes.

Completing the top five was McKay in fourth, which set him up nicely for the overall, followed by Bailey Malkiewicz (WBR Bulk Nutrients Yamaha), who made is official debut in the category.

Race two was all about Malkiewicz after he quickly positioned himself out front, solidifying himself as a title contender and wasting no time in recording his first race victory.

McKay beat home Dukes for third as 7.165s separated the competitive duo, while it was Norton and Brodie Ellis (Yamaha) who concluded the top five.

In the 125cc Gold Cup, Sherco’s Justin Carafa dominated proceedings with two race victories to his name, edging out Yamaha’s Cameron Taylor and KTM’s Tyler Darby on both occasions, which awarded the duo second and third respectively.

In was also a repeat performance between Steve Powell (KTM) and Geoff Braico (Husqvarna) across both motos, seeing the pair finish fourth and fifth in the overall standings of the round.

The next stop on the MX Nationals calendar is scheduled for 29 April at the luscious Appin circuit in New South Wales, which is set to host the 250cc Junior category alongside the regular MX1, MX2 and MX2 championship classes.

Detailed results