Yamaha Motor Australia press release:

Nearly 12,000 fans filed into GMHBA Stadium in Geelong for round four of the Australian Supercross Championship and were treated some top shelf racing as the tight nature and fast lap times of the circuit produced some spirited battles.

The SX2 championship (250cc) showcased the Yamaha YZ250F as the podium was awash with Yamaha blue as Wilson Todd, Jacob Hayes and Jay Wilson took centre stage while there was good representation in the SX1 division with Dan Reardon and Dylan Long taking third and fifth respectively. Add in the YZ65Cup, Ryder Kingsford claiming third in the 85 division and there was plenty of Yamaha on show at Geelong.

To view a round recap of the Geelong event: https://youtu.be/4GaWxqZ6AlA

Craig Dack – CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team – SX1
“We are a one-man band at the moment with Dylan Long our only on track rider. Dean Ferris was back at the track this weekend but purely for appearances while Nathan Crawford is recovery form his recent leg surgery, so Dylan was there to fly the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy flag.

“It was a consistent night from Dylan, with workman like rides in each of the three finals and he finished fifth on the night and moved to fifth in the championship. His best ride of the season so far came in the final moto when he got a good start, slotted in behind the three heavy hitters of Brayton, Metcalfe and Reardon and stayed there, so that was the positive he and the team can take from the night.

“Hopefully, this weekend in Adelaide, he can pick up where he left off in Geelong and get himself up on the podium and finish the last two rounds strongly as with six races still to be run over the two rounds, anything can happen and a series podium might not be out of the question.”

Gavin Eales- Serco Yamaha – SX2
“It was an amazing weekend for our team with a 1-2 finish on the night and moving to second and third in the championship. Wilson broke through for his first supercross win of the season and it was good for him to get that reward as he had raced well at the opening two rounds but just didn’t get the results he was after.

“Jacob was finally able to get some starts and with much better track position he was able to turn that into a podium result for the night to finish second. The depth of the SX2 field is pretty deep this year and as he has found out, you can’t afford to give the starts away and think that you will be able to charge back to the front, especially in the short race, three final format.

“But it was a great night for the team and the spirits are high heading into Adelaide this weekend. The racing format is the same this weekend, so it would be even better if we can match the results we achieved at Geelong.”

Scott Bishop- Yamalube Yamaha Racing – SX2
“It was a mixed bag for us on the weekend with Jay Wilson able to salvage a third after an ordinary opening moto while Richie just had a tough night in the three finals as he just couldn’t get a decent start all night.

“Jay was in good form again all weekend, he just went conservative in his gate selection for race one and then got tangled up in the mayhem that is the opening laps of supercross. He fell and was right at the back of the field but got back to 11th to salvage some points but the most pleasing thing was that he was able to put that behind him, focus on what comes next then execute well to finish the night strongly.

“He charged back to 1-2 results in the last two finals and took third in the night, not far away from winning the round, so he was challenged but stood up when it mattered.”

“Richie actually raced well and rode with plenty of determination, it just didn’t show in the results. He was ninth in the first race and in the battle, next race went down out of the first turn and was a distant last and then in the final moto was moving back inside the top 10 again when he got his foot caught in the rear wheel. He was disappointed and frustrated by the end of the night, but he will put it behind and I’m sure he will redeem himself this weekend at Adelaide.”

Travis Whitten – WBR Yamaha – SX2
“We had both guys back on deck and both made the 20 rider final which isn’t always easy when the track is tight and the speed of the riders is so close. Both guys managed to finish inside the top 15 which is a good result given the talent and amount of international riders in the SX2 field.

“Hugh finished 14th and raced well. He has done a bit of supercross before but continues to learn and develop each time he is on the track and that’s what our role is with him. Bailey was looking good but just got caught up in the final moto which effected his results. In fact, he did a very sportsman like thing when he assisted Richie Evans who had is foot stuck between the rear wheel and swingarm of his own bike and Bailey rode over to help him during the race. It was a nice act from such a young rider.”

Nick Marshall – YZ65 Cup
“The YZ65 Cup again proved extremely popular with both the riders as well as the spectators and was a huge hit. This activation has been very successful for us and we are proud to present it to the riders and families and thankful to the promoter who work with us to make it such a great way to promote the YZ65 and Yamaha’s commitment to racing.

“To see the reaction from the riders once they get to the venue and see the track, then when there are out there on the big stage is priceless and we hope to continue being involved in events like this and providing opportunities to young riders. The smiles on everyone’s faces at the end of the night makes it more than worthwhile.”

To check out the video review of the YZ65 Cup: https://youtu.be/LsB9fwDlUnA

Round four revs up this weekend at Adelaide.