Yamaha Motor Australia press release:

Round one of 2018 MX Nationals proved to be a positive weekend for all four of Yamaha’s supported motocross teams with two round wins and a second place in a very successful start to the championship.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team racer, Dean Ferris, again showed why there is a bit red plated number 1 on his YZ450F, taking both moto wins in the premier MX1 division. While, in the MXD (under19) class, WBR Yamaha’s Hugh McKay claimed his first ever round win and provided a great start to the season for the hard-working Tasmanian.

The MX2 class was full of Yamaha’s with Nathan Crawford and Wilson Todd, claiming second and sixth respectively on their Serco Yamaha’s. Then making it four YZ250F’s in the top eight, the Yamalube Yamaha Racing duo of Richie Evans and Jay Wilson were fourth and eighth in a strong first outing.

To view the Yamaha Racing bLU cRU recap video: https://youtu.be/2LoLGFradGk

Craig Dack – CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team – MX1
“It was an exciting day for the team as we were able to reveal our new look and welcome Monster Energy on board at a national event. The comments I received about the look and vibe of the team were good and it’s awesome to have them on board with us for the next couple of seasons.

“It was a good start to the series for Dean and it’s something we have come to expect from him. Despite not have the fastest qualifying lap, when it comes down to racing, Dean is all business and just gets it done. He works hard, stays focused on his racing and even when things aren’t perfect, he still finds a way to make it happen. He is determined to make it championship number three and he has gotten off to a good start.

“For Dylan he was a little off today and he was frustrated with himself. We know he is better than what he did today but I’m sure he will have his head down and work hard leading into round two. I’m confident he will rebound well and as a team we will get around him to ensure he is in a positive stay of mind and doing all the right things to achieve a better result,” Dack ends.

Gavin Eales – Serco Yamaha – MX2
“Round one is always a hard one to juggle as riders want to do well but also are very aware of not having things go bad and jeopardize their championship. Nathan got off to a great start, taking the moto win in race one and looked great on track and then he backed that up with a smart and sensible ride in moto two to end up second for the day and be right in the championship hunt.

“For Wilson, I think he just panicked a bit in the first race and over rode a bit. He was just riding so tense and tight and wanting to get to the front that he actually went slower and the frustration was evident in his riding. He calmed down for the second race and was able to finish third and minimised the points loss on a day that wasn’t great for him to still finish sixth.

“But, the bikes are good and both riders are healthy so all things considered we are well placed and already preparing for round two at Appin.”

Scott Bishop- Yamalube Yamaha Racing – MX2
“I think as a team we left Newry pretty happy with how our day went. Richie finished fifth overall with two consistent and mature rides while Jay claimed eighth despite a small issue in each race. This was our first event in the MX2 class and it is an extremely competitive class and both our guys were right in the thick of the action in both motos and gave it their best.

“Richie is coming along nicely. He has made some big changes in his life and his round one result inside the top five was a good reward for his hard work and dedication. He gained some confidence at Newry and we think there is still room for improvement so hopefully he can continue to improve at each round.

“Jay just had a small issue in each race that prevented his result from being better. Moto one was just a terrible start as he spun up on the concrete and had to charge from a long way back to get sixth in race one. The second race he was much better off the start and in the top five when he fell just before the half way point. Still, his speed and fitness is good and he knows its along haul to Coolum, so he will be fine.”

Travis Whitten – WBR Bulk Nutrients Yamaha – MXD
“A round win for Hugh and a race win for Bailey was an amazing way for us to start the year and also start our relationship with Yamaha as their official MXD team. Both the riders did a great job on the track despite plenty of things happening during the race.

“The top five riders are separated by just two points so it shaping up to be a very tight championship if round one is any indication. That being the case, we need to stay focused and keep working hard with the riders to ensure we are in the battle all the way to the end.

“The round win for Hugh was a huge weight off his shoulders as he has been trying so hard for so long and to finally get it done was great and he was obviously pumped with the result. Bailey showed he has the speed and talent to get it done and did a great job considering this was his very first MX Nationals event in the MXD class.

“It’s going to be a great season.”

Round two of the MX Nationals is on April 29 at Appin Raceway, south of Sydney.