CRF Honda Racing press release:

It proved to be a tough day at the office for Penrite Pirelli CRF Honda Racing riders Kyle Webster and Rhys Budd as the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship roared into life on Saturday night (October 12) in Brisbane.

Boasting a five round championship with events around Australia and in New Zealand, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre kick-off to the Supercross championship saw Penrite Pirelli CRF Honda Racing riders KYLE WEBSTER and RHYS BUDD line up in the hotly contested SX2 class aboard their potent Honda CRF250R race bikes decked out in a fresh new red and
white graphic scheme designed by team sponsor SKDesigns.

But fortunes did not favour the Honda young guns, with Budd suffering a freak mechanical issue that prevented
him lining up for Qualifying, which then ruled him out of the evening’s racing.

Meanwhile Webster battled to come to grips with the tight track confines of the indoor Brisbane layout and
finished tenth on the night. This came just two weeks after a hectic international schedule saw Webster represent Australia in the Motocross of Nations world teams championship at Assen in The Netherlands on September 28/29.

Lining up alongside Dean Ferris and Reagan Duffy at the MXON, Webster impressed in his European debut, carding a mighty third place finish in his MX2 Qualifying race, before the www.mxstore.com.au sponsored Aussie team ultimately finished 15th overall in the final standings after rain on race day made conditions extremely challenging at the sandy Assen circuit.

“The whole MXON experience was amazing,” enthused Webster, “but it did mean my build up for the Supercross championship was limited and I only had a few days of SX training before we lined up in Brisbane.

“I really struggled with how small and tight track the track was at Brisbane,” Webster explained, “so now we’ll just move on and I’m excited to put in a solid week of riding and cannot wait for the next round at Adelaide.”

For Budd, who was lining up in the SX2 class after racing MXD in the MX Nationals this year, the Brisbane event tested his mettle when a sudden technical issue kept him on the sidelines for Qualifying.

“It was a tough pill to swallow,” Budd admitted, “but we had a freak bike problem that was no fault of anyone, that meant I wasn’t able to get out for Qualifying. We tried to get into the next group, but unfortunately we weren’t allowed into it.

“At least we’re healthy and will be working hard for the next round in Adelaide. Thanks to the team for doing everything they could, especially Mick Lillis and Mitch Budd. I am where I am because of those guys, and my family, and the team, and we will achieve all we are capable of thanks to all their support.”

The SX2 class at Brisbane saw Jacob Hayes (Yamaha), Aaron Tanti (Yamaha) and Chris Blose (Honda) take the top three
placings, while in SX1 defending champion Justin Brayton (Honda) lead home Dan Reardon (Yamaha) and Luke Clout
(Yamaha).

The Australian Supercross Championship continues with round two at Gilman (SA) next Saturday night October 19, then
moves to Wollongong (NSW) on November 9 and Auckland (New Zealand) on November 16, before reaching its crescendo
with the AUS-X Open event being staged at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne (Vic) on November 30.