Kawasaki Motors Australia press release:

Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing’s Aaron Tanti returned to the SX2 podium at the second round of the 2018 Australian Supercross Championship in Coolum, Queensland, as SX1 contender Jace Owen narrowly fell short of the rostrum in SX1 to claim fourth.

Tanti displayed incredible form from the get-go, laying down the third fastest lap in qualifying before capturing a terrific win in his heat race aboard his KX250F.

The SX2 main saw the New South Welshman engage in a battle for the lead, ultimately taking the top spot and controlling the field for a number of laps. An error in the closing stages meant he was forced to relinquish the lead, granting him second in the 15-lap encounter.

“I bounced back from the last round where I had a few unfortunate events unfold,” Tanti explained. “Heading into this weekend I felt really strong – I won my heat race straight up and started well in the main. I battled up front and pushed really hard to be there. I missed a rhythm in the closing stages and [Jay] Wilson got by me. I was disappointed about that, but I’m happy to be on the podium.”

American guest Owen overcame a practice crash during the week to lodge his best result since being in the country riding the 2019 KX450. He started the day ninth on the qualifying time-sheets and completed his heat in fourth position. In the SX1 main, Owen quickly negotiated his way into the top five, snatching fourth by the time he crossed the chequered flag.

“Overall it was a pretty good day,” said Owen. “I was feeling really good throughout the three-week break, but I had a pretty big practice crash during the week. It put a dampener on things, and the weekend ended up being like round one – I just struggled to get going.

“I didn’t get the best start in the main, but I moved my way into fourth and that’s where I finished. I really believe I can get on the box moving forward, but these next races will be tight with the Triple Crown format. That will be exciting and you’ll have three chances to get grab a main event win.”

Team manager Jay Foreman was delighted to see improvements from both riders, explaining the talented duo have gone from strength to strength in recent weeks.

“It was good weekend for our team,” Foreman commented. “Aaron put it all together this weekend – he showed he had the speed at round one, but today he showed he had the speed and the consistency to land on the podium. That was really good for him. Jace showed improvements again today to finish in fourth, which is another strong result for his campaign. We’re getting better each week!”

The next stop in the Australian Supercross Championship is scheduled for 13 October at Geelong in Victoria. Further information is available via www.australiansupercross.com.au.

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