Monster Kawasaki's Pro Open title leader Billy Mackenzie will have a new format to contend with at Appin this weekend.

Williams Event Management (WEM) managing director Kevin Williams has today announced that the format has been changed for the Pro Open category in the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship.

The Pro Open category will now consist of two back-to-back 10-lap races (approximately 20 minutes in length) scheduled twice during race day – amounting in four motos to be contested per round.

“After much consideration and consultation we have change the format for the Pro Open class to be in a similar format as the Under 19s and Pro Lites,” Williams commented.

“This will take effect this weekend at round two. Whilst understanding the conditions at round one were very difficult, the fact is that 25 percent of the field was unable to line up for the final moto and these were all privateers.

“Without the privateers we don’t have a race meeting and these guys are the heartbeat of the sport. In some cases it was simple things like trying to ride three motos with bent ’bars and not having the ability or time to change them.

“We will meet with the Pro Open competitors at Murray Bridge and consider whether or not to allow Coolum to run the four-moto format since the season finale is a two-day event.”

Round two of the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals will be contested at Appin in New South Wales on Sunday, 3 April. Practice and qualifying will commence at 8:30am with the official opening ceremonies taking place at approximately 10:30am.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s round one winner Billy Mackenzie currently leads the Pro Open series ahead of Rockstar Motul Suzuki’s Cody Cooper and Raceline Pirelli Suzuki’s Lawson Bopping.

Visit www.mxnationals.com.au on the web for complete series and round information on the 2011 season. Visit the ‘Competitor Info’ section to download the schedule for Appin.

Spectator Entry Information:
Adults – $30
Children (5-15yrs) – $15
Children (Under 5yrs) – Free
Family (2 adults, 2 children) – $70