Kawasaki Motors Australia press release:

For the third time in the series, Takeshi Katsuya takes 3rd place on the podium in the MX2 class of the 2015 MX Nationals, while Proformance Kawasaki Racing Team maintain consistent results. In the middle of the pack around the first turn is where Takeshi found himself in the opening moto, leaving him no option but to claw his way back up the field for the remainder of the race.

Determination prevailed in the form of 5th place in race 1. An even worse start in the second moto saw Takeshi in unfamiliar territory at the back of the field. Once again proving his speed and experience, Takeshi was able to make pass after pass to secure 3rd place. Takeshi is now equal 2nd with Jay Wilson on the MX2 championship leaderboard and only 16 points away from the MX2 class leader.

“Qualifying didn’t go well, but I don’t worry too much about qualifying because when I race, my lap times are up there with the leaders. Got a good start in the first moto, and I lost my rhythm in the second lap so it was hard for me to come back after that. Overall today I had bad starts. I’m here for a reason and I went for it. I used a lot of energy and it wasn’t easy but I got another podium”.

Tiring of 3rd place podiums and hungry for a race win, Takeshi will use his experience to his advantage and according to the 4 time Japanese MX Champion, consistency is the key. “I just had to come through and I worked hard today to get that third overall. This is what you have to do to be in a championship, you have to be consistent.

I would like to get a win, and it will come but it will just take time”. Soft terrain and deep bumps make Murray Bridge a tough track but a favourite amongst competitors. Steady progress continues for Proformance Kawasaki Racing Team.

Alex Morris entered the round in high spirits after recovering from a crash that left him with a mild concussion in the previous round. “This is one of my favourite tracks in the country. Qualifying was pretty hectic because we had a red flag and were left with only 15 minutes left to qualify so we all went out pretty hot and I didn’t get the best run in.

Didn’t get a great start in the first race, rounded the corner in 20th or so but worked my way up to 16th. My start was a lot better in the 2nd moto. We Looked at the data and saw what I was doing wrong so I went out and the bike went really well and I started in the top 10. It took a few laps to get my rhythm but I settled into 12th and finished the race in that position”. Said Alex.

Dylan Leary found himself in the middle of the field with 19th overall after 25th position in race 1 and 14th in race two. “Qualifying didn’t go to plan. Crashed in the first turn and was a bit sore so it took a while to get my bike going. I came through the pack to 25th with the 3rd fastest lap which is good but you don’t get points for that. Started well in the last race, but I made a silly mistake and missed a shift which I paid for. I ran around 14th all race and finished there”, commented Dylan.

Confident with the team but eager to improve on results, Team Manager Travis Whitten said, “It’s been a really good weekend. Great to show up to a bit of sand instead of mud. Dylan had a rough weekend, but the team is really gelled and we are having an awesome experience so far this year. Everyone helps out and puts 100% into it. We just need to get a few more things right and then we will be right up there”.