HQVA press release:

Source: MX Nationals.

Husqvarna factory support rider Connor Tierney is savouring the prospect of riding an open bike against the fastest motocross riders in the country on one of his favourite tracks of all time when the gates drop for the Manjimup 15,000 International Motocross at Cosy Creek circuit this Sunday.

The famous event south of Perth boasts a fully-amped atmosphere and a gnarly track that combines deep, energy-sapping sand whoops, famous WA pea-gravel over hard pack, and high-quality national, international and local riders such as Tierney himself.

The 16-year-old from Perth has made a big splash in his first year of seniors. Quickly regaining form after an early season injury, Tierney has established himself as one of the pacesetters in the class, taking two overall wins in the MXD capacity and elevating himself to within six points of the championship lead as the title chase reached its halfway point a week ago.

The other big news from the Husqvarna camp, is the attendance of MX Nationals legend Jay Marmont, who was lured out of retirement by a phone call from promoter Willie Thompson and the offer of a Husqvarna FC 450 from Husqvarna Australia’s Jeff Leisk.

Marmont will add to a star-studded line-up which includes current MX Nationals one and two placed riders, KTM teammates Kirk Gibbs and Luke Styke as well as US rider Josh Hill and New Zealander Brad Groombridge.

Connor Tierney – FC 350 “I’ve raced Manjimup maybe five or six times as a junior, it would be one of my favourite tracks of all time, it’s always such a good event. It’s the track and the atmosphere, it’s all big. It actually just reminds me a little bit of America. All the people there are so into it and it’s run really good, there’s lots of prize money, and it’s pretty good that they get a few international riders and stuff over. I reckon that’s awesome. I’m riding the 350 in the all-stars class, so that should be fun. I’ve ridden it in the WA state rounds where I was riding two classes to get a bit more bike time for nationals and stuff. I feel pretty comfortable on it so I decided to ride that and try and get a few good starts. See if I can run with them faster boys there a little bit! It would be so much fun. This is my first year of seniors too. The track never got too bad as a junior, but you’d be out watching the seniors next day, and seeing the track get so gnarly. It will be interesting!”

Jay Marmont – FC 450 “This will be my first race since retirement, I haven’t raced since the last round in Brisbane, and yet I got the phone call to come and do it by Willie. I haven’t really been riding, I had a few commitments there with another brand but that kind of fell through a little bit. Leisky was kind enough to give me a bike through Husqvarna, so I made a few calls, and got some gear, and a few sponsors and I’m coming to do the race, so I’m pretty excited. It’s hard to stay away from this sport and Manjimup is probably one of my favourite tracks in Australia, I’ve won a few times there before, and just the movement of going to do a race again is pretty exciting. I’ve got a stock 450 to pick up over there. Basically since Appin round I’ve ridden three times! But it’ll be alright…”

For more information on Husqvarna motorcycles visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com.