Image: Supplied.

Current Penrite ProMX MX1 points leader Jed Beaton has completed his 2024 New Zealand Motocross Championship (NZMX) campaign with runner-up honours in the series standings, the Altherm JCR Yamaha guest rider claiming victory at Taranaki’s season-finale.

Beaton, who transferred to CDR Yamaha Monster Energy for his 2024 campaign in Australia, made a full tilt at the four-round New Zealand series with the Josh Coppins-led Yamaha outfit, stepping in for injured rider Maximus Purvis.

While falling 14 points short of the title to NZMX stalwart Hamish Harwood, the Tasmanian overcame a frightening crash in the final outing to emerge as the overall winner.

“In the third race I had a big crash off the first jump,” Beaton recalled. “I got up and came from 30 to 40 seconds back to almost win the race. All in all, it was a pretty good weekend.”

With the first two rounds taking place prior to ProMX kicking off last month, the series has largely been a platform for Beaton to further acquaint himself with the YZ450F, and the partnership with JCR Yamaha has proven to be rather beneficial for both parties.

“We helped him a lot for his Australian series, which he is currently leading, and Jed has helped us immensely to be better for Maximus’ [Purvis] return next season,” said Josh Coppins, JCR Yamaha team owner.

“Jed was super fast and the 2024 Yamaha YZ450F was a new model for us, so we learned a lot about the bike. Our lows were too low for Jed to grab the MX1 series win, but the highs were high.”

Beaton will now return to Australia with his next appearance scheduled for 5 May at Gillman in South Australia, marking the third round of ProMX.