YAMAHA RACING:

The Australian Motocross Championship will return to the Hunter Valley this weekend with Yamaha Racing striving to add to their already impressive trophy collection at the penultimate round of the series at the Lake Macquarie Motorcycle Club.

Yamaha is the manufacturer to beat in the chase for the championship crown with Jay Marmont, Cheyne Boyd and Andrew McFarlane occupying the top three positions in the Pro Open point score.

In the Pro Lites, Mitch Hoad is hoping to capitalize on home track knowledge and the support of friends and family to record his first podium since joining Serco Yamaha at the start of 2009.

This weekend also marks the opening round of the Australian Women’s Motocross Championship and renowned Australian Women’s Enduro Development (AWED) rider, Alison Parker will switch from endurance racing to motocross to represent Yamaha at the event.

Pro Open Report

Cheyne Boyd and Jay Marmont will be out to continue their dominating form at Lakes this weekend with the CDR Rockstar Yamaha riders aiming for a record fifth consecutive dual podium finish.

Boyd has been on song since the fourth round of the 2009 Australian Motocross Championship, with his YZ450F occupying the top spot of the podium for the last three rounds.

Boyd said with two championship rounds remaining and 20 points separating him and Marmont, he is hoping to continue his race winning form to maximize his points account as the series reaches the business end.

“I travelled to Newcastle for a practice day last week to help me adapt to the hard pack conditions,” Boyd said, “Traditionally I haven’t gone as well on hard pack but after spending some time in the Hunter Valley I think and believe my speed is now just as good in these conditions as sand.”

“I’m not trying to get too caught up in the championship battle.  I’m just trying to do what I’ve got to do.  My goal is to win motos and this weekend it is just a matter of concentrating on what I’m doing and hopefully I will beat Jay [Marmont] in the process.”

This weekend, CDR Rockstar Yamaha will also welcome young Tasmanian Ross Beaton to the team who will compete in the Pro Open class.

With a break in his Under 19 racing calendar, where he is currently occupying fifth in the points score, Beaton said he is excited to be given the opportunity to race with CDR Rockstar Yamaha.

“I was so nervous when Craig Dack called me and offered the ride as it has always been a goal of mine to race for his team. I have since spent some time on the race bike and I can’t believe how good it is. The bike I will be riding is the same as Jay Marmont’s and all I did was a couple of tweaks to the suspension and its perfect,” Beaton said.

“I have set some goals for myself and where I would like to come. I know it is going to be tough racing the fastest and fittest riders in the country, but I believe I can do well and expect some good results. Also, I get to hang out with Jay Marmont and Cheyne Boyd, the number 1 and 2 riders in the country at the moment and learn how they go about things on race day and what it takes to be a champion.”

Pro Open Championship

1. Jay Marmont – 343 points
2. Cheyne Boyd – 323 points
3. Andrew McFarlane – 297 points
4. Cody Mackie – 260 points
5. Cameron Taylor – 207 points
6. Craig Anderson – 197 points
7. Brent Landman – 189 points
8. Michael Addison – 185 points
9. Todd Waters – 167 points
10. Beau Ralston – 121 points

Pro Lites Report

Injury has failed to upset Hunter-based Pro Lites motocross racer, Mitch Hoad in the lead up to the penultimate round of the 2009 Australian Motocross Nationals with the Serco Yamaha rider putting the finishing touches to his preparation for this weekend’s event at Lakes.

Hoad has endured a tough lead up to his home event with a reoccurring and new injury limiting his time on the bike.

Despite the setbacks, Hoad believes this weekend’s event will provide him with the best chance yet of recording his first podium finish of 2009.

“It’s been an interesting break,” Hoad said, “After Perth I was scheduled to have a week off.  When I got back on the bike I started having problems with the plate in my collarbone, which resulted in me having another fortnight off the bike.”

“Once I had sorted this out I started riding again and at the end of my second day back into training I had a big get off where I injured my back.  I was taken to hospital and once the test confirmed nothing was broken I was ordered to have another week off to recover.

“Despite all the obstacles I’m really looking forward to racing this weekend.  Lakes is my home track and with it being a hard pack surface it also suits my riding style.  With family and friends there to support me and I couldn’t think of a better place to get my first podium for the year and Serco Yamaha.”

Hoad’s team-mate Kirk Gibbs has kept his eye in over the last four weeks by competing in the Queensland State Titles where he finished second.

Pro Lites Championship

1. Matt Moss – 300 points
2. Tye Simmonds – 280 points
3. Luke George – 278 points
4. Kirk Gibbs – 211 points
5. Lawson Bopping – 210 points
6. Mitch Hoad – 180 points
7. Lewis Stewart – 175 points
8. Adam Monea – 145 points
9. Lewis Woods – 144 points
10. Wade Thompson – 123 points
20.   Matt Ryan – 25 points