Image: Jeff Crow.

Suzuki rider Lewis Woods (MX1) and KTM pilot Daniel Banks (MX2) took the opening round honours in the 2014 South Cup at the Monster Energy MX Nationals.

Woods had a consistent round at the Broadford event with 15th, 14th and 14th place finishes from his three races in the Motul MX1 class, while Banks managed 18th, 17th and ninth from his three races in the Pirelli MX2 class.

The South Cup is a separate competition designed exclusively for privateers with points accumulated from the Broadford, Wonthaggi, Swan Hill and Murray Bridge rounds of the championship.

In the Motul MX1 class, Suzuki rider Matt Ginders (18th, 18th and 15th) finished second overall while Kawasaki rider Alex Morris came in third overall (14th, 22nd and 19th).

Woods praised the concept of the South (and North Cups) that WEM is running, saying it is tough going trying to cut it as a privateer at the premier off-road series in the country.

“I think it’s a great thing that WEM is doing because it gives the privateers a little something as it is such hard work.”

“It was a massive weekend for me having three races in the mud – it’s a lot of work. If we have to grab a spare wheel or something, we don’t have the parts that the factory guys have and if the weather changes and we have to change tyres or things like that it’s much harder.”

In the Pirelli MX2 class, Husqvarna rider Luke Arbon managed second place outright (19th, 19th and seventh) while Matt van Slooten finished third on board his Honda (13th, 22nd, 17th).

Banks admitted that it is hard work to travel the country as part of the series as a privateer, but applauded the recognition given to privateers through the South and North Cup initiatives.

“At this stage am living week by week to get to the races – I plan as much as can,” he said. “Trying to get the funds for races is difficult and makes it much harder than it is for the factory guys, but I do it on budget and have a great support team which helps.

“It is really good for the sport because it gives a bit back, a bit of recognition for the guys who are struggling. Obviously you get results and get rewarded, but it’s good that WEM has done this and is trying to help privateers as much as they can.”

2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship
Round one – Broadford, VIC

MX1 South Cup standings:
1. Lewis Woods 35
2. Matt Ginders 32
3. Alex Morris 30
4. Dylan Gosling 28
5. Brodie Hartin 26
6. Chris Camilleri 25
7. Nick Bressan 24
8. Kyle McKeddie 0

MX2 South Cup standings:
1. Daniel Banks 35
2. Luke Arbon 32
3. Matt van Slooten 30
4. Joel Milesevic 28
5. Tom Jones 26
6. Riley Graham 25
7. Tomas Ravenhorst 24
8. Paul Humberston 23
9. Chris Duncan 0