Yamaha Racing press release:

After claiming podium placings across all three categories at the opening round of the series, Yamaha Racing’s squad of riders are out to claim victory at the second round of the Australian Motocross Championship to be held in the nation’s capital this weekend.

Canberra’s new world-class motocross facility, Fairburn Park will host the second round of the series which will also see the Pro Open category experience a brand new race format.

The new format will test riders’ stamina and recovery with four, 15-minute sprint races to be contested in succession on Sunday afternoon with riders only afforded either five or ten minutes to recover between each race.

The second round of the 2009 Australian Motocross Championship will take place on Sunday April 19 at the ACT Motorcycle Club located on Pialligo Avenue, Majura.

Yamaha Racing Pro Open

CDR Rockstar Yamaha’s Jay Marmont is hoping to record a strong placing in Canberra this weekend to assist in his efforts to claim back-to-back Australian Motocross Championship titles.

Marmont, who turned 26 last week, said he was feeling refreshed after the two week break in between rounds and is looking forward to contesting the new four race format which will reward speed and consistency.

“I took a day off last week as it was my birthday so we spent the day fishing. I’ve been back into it again over the last few days and have been practicing the new format – overall I feel very prepared for the weekend,” Marmont said.

“It’s going to be an interesting round as nobody has ever raced this format before. It could get quiet complicated if there is a re-start or if a rider comes off during the race. The key to this weekend will be to try and be the first out of the gates and then try and stay out in front as there are four guys out there who are of a similar speed.

“I race every race to win and I was second last round. I know where I made my mistakes and what I need to do to make sure I am at the front so now I need to go out and put it all together this weekend,” he said.

Marmont’s team-mate Cheyne Boyd has been working especially hard on his starts during the two week break and is hoping to make his first appearance on the podium for 2009 after a horror opening round saw him finish fifth.

The four sprint races for the Pro Open category will commence at 2.30pm with competitors only receiving a brief five to ten minute break in between each race.

Yamaha Racing Pro Lites

Kirk Gibbs is determined to prove that his move to Serco Yamaha has paid dividends in his aspiration for a Pro Lites Championship success with the young South Australian hoping the Canberra track will provide him with his second podium of the year.

Gibbs said he was looking forward to the return of the two 30 minute motos which suit his riding style. At the opening round of the series Pro Lites riders contested three 20 minute races.

“I have been riding a lot since the first round of the series and really sticking to my training program,” Gibbs acknowledged.

“I’ve got a lot more confidence after Albury as I know I can make my way through the pack if needed.”

“Personally I prefer the two 30 minute motos – if you don’t get a good start there is an extra 15 to 20 minutes for you to make up ground and that can make a massive difference when you are chasing a podium finish,” he said.

Gibbs’ team-mate, Mitch Hoad also had a successful debut with Serco Yamaha at the opening round of the 2009 Australian Motocross Championship with the YZ250F rider finishing inside the top four.

The first moto for the Pro Lites category will take place at 10.05am with the final 30 minute battle to get underway at 1.35pm.

Yamaha Racing Under 19s Championship

Luke Styke has already shown that he will be a front runner in the 2009 Under 19s Championship and now the New South Welshman is hoping some local track knowledge will assist him in making the move to the top step of the podium at the second round of the championship this weekend.

The GYTR Yamaha Junior Development team will field another two entries with Ross Beaton and Harley Quinlan currently fifth and seventh respectively after one round of the Under 19s Championship.

Styke, who is from Jervis Bay, said he was hoping to use his knowledge of the Canberra track to his advantage.

“I live just a few hours away from the track so I know it fairly well,” Styke said.

“I first started racing at the club when the upgrades commenced so I have ridden through all the changes. Now the circuit is completed, I think this is something which could give me an advantage on Sunday.”

“Since the last round I’ve spent as much time on the bike as possible and we have made some changes to my suspension which will hopefully work in my favour on the weekend,” he concluded.

Australian Motocross Championship (Pro Open) – After 1 or 8 Rounds

1. Todd Waters  69 points
2. Jay Marmont  67 points
3. Andrew McFarlane 53 points
4. Cody Mackie  51 points
5. Cheyne Boyd  50 points
6. Michael Addison  40 points
7. Brent Landman  39 points
8. Craig Anderson  36 points
9. Cameron Taylor  33 points
10. Riley Graham  32 points

Australian Motocross Championship (Pro Lites) – After 1 of 8 Rounds

1. Tye Simmonds  67 points
2. Luke George  60 points
3. Kirk Gibbs  56 points
4. Mitch Hoad  54 points
5. Matt Moss  43 points
6. Adam Monea  38 points
7. Lewis Stewart  37 points
8. Lawson Bopping  36 points
9. Lewis Woods  33 points
10. Christopher Gosselaar 26 points

Australian Motocross Championship (Under 19s) – After 1 of 8 Rounds

1. Josh Cachia  72 points
2. Luke Styke  63 points
3. Dylan Petersen  56 points
4. Luke Arbon  51 points
5. Ross Beaton  49 points
6. Harrison Wodding 42 points
7. Harley Quinlan  39 points
8. Kieran Tisdale  36 points
9. Beau Dargel  33 points
10. Jason Reed  31 points