KTM Australia press release:

KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Luke Clout continues to cement himself as a SX1 championship contender after placing third at Coolum’s second round of the 2018 Australian Supercross Championship in Queensland, while SX2 front-runner Dakota Alix wound up in an impressive fifth position.

New South Welshman Clout was strong all day aboard his 2019 KTM 450 SX-F, lodging the second fastest time in qualifying before capturing victory in the opening premier class heat race of the night.

He was able to translate his early form into a podium result in the main, which saw him claw his way through front of the field to latch onto the leaders, ultimately settling into P3 at the conclusion of the 20-lap encounter despite a late fall. It marked his second podium in a row to open the season.

Despite battling the flu, youthful American talent Alix displayed improvements during the course of the day. The number eight qualified in P11 and finished fifth in his heat, before putting in a stellar performance for the main. In an intense 15-lap affair, Alix pushed through for fifth position, which saw him cross the line just shy of a podium placing.

The KTM Motocross Racing Team will now travel to Geelong in Victoria for round three of the Australian Supercross Championship, scheduled for 13 October.

Jay Marmont – Team manager, KTM Motocross Racing Team: “I feel round two was a good improvement for the team. Clouty was on fire all day and won his heat. I think he was a little tight in the main, but that’s something we’re working to overcome – still, it was a great to see him on the podium. Dakota was awesome as well – he placed inside the top five, but it was so close you could’ve thrown a blanket over them. He was in the fight, which is positive to see. The boys have been putting a lot of effort in and you can tell that in their riding.”

Luke Clout – KTM 450 SX-F: “I had a really good day – I was second in qualifying and won my heat. I was pretty close to Justin [Brayton] today, which is what the goal has been. I got hit by someone at the start of the main, which pushed me back a little bit, and I just struggled to make passes as it got a bit chaotic. It took two or three laps to get my flow and then I tried to make some passes on [Brett] Metcalfe, but I just tightened up in the closing stages. I think there are a lot of positives to take from today.”

Dakota Alix – KTM 250 SX-F: “I started riding well in the main event after struggling most of the day, as I came down with the flu this week. Luckily Danny Apro made a suggestion to change the shock setting for me and that really helped in the main. I ended up fifth and was really close to podium – it was a fun race, but I would’ve really liked to have been on the podium!”