Article: Nicki Shea-Howell, PerthMX.com
Images: Gordon Pettigre ,True Spirit Photos
The most highly anticipated Western Australian Motocross State Championship series in recent years, moves towards its second exciting round. The racing is tight and the results even tighter. The Healthways Smarter Than Smoking WAMX State Motocross Championships, heads to Henley Park Byford, South of Perth on Sunday the 26th of May.
With championship classes and support races on display at Henley Park there is guaranteed first class racing to keep spectators well entertained. The host Club the Lightweight Motorcycle Club have been busy working on continually improving the circuit facilities and the racing surface. With a month since the opening blockbuster at Kalgoorlie, teams, riders and machines have been busy training, fine tuning and refining their styles as round two returns to the tough hard-packed surface at Byford, which has seen track changes in the off season.
Reigning Pro Lites (MX2) and Pro Opens (MX1) Champion Dean Porter is expected to return after some four weeks on the sidelines through an ankle injury, with 2011 Pro Lite Champion David Birch also back on the KTM after being sidelined through injury.
In the Pro Opens (MX 1) class it is Mandurah City KTM’s Louis Calvin who currently leads the championship. Calvin takes a nine point lead into the second round , with Five Star Yamaha’s Luke Davis in second place in the standings after an outstanding performance at Kalgoorlie and will be looking to close the point’s gap at the top of the Championship. Young gun, Wellard/Claas Yamaha’s Kyle Webster is fresh from his sensational ride in the MX Nationals and carries not only momentum but sits in third place heading into this round. Stevie Heilers, Ash Whisler, Craig Bolton, Mitch Taylor and Paul Humbertson will be out to pick up maximum points at Byford, after looking brilliant at Kalgoorlie last month.
Five Star Yamaha’s Craig Bolton, currently leads the Western Australian Pro Lites MX2 class on 56 points and will be hoping to repeat his results from last month at Kalgoorlie’s season opener. In second place, West Coast Honda’s Robbo Lovett carries 53 points with Daniel Shrimp Mandurah City KTM in third. Local riders expected to shine in this round are also sitting inside the top ten in the Pro Lites. Jayden Rykers has been in red hot form as has Shane Murray, Josh Adams, Charlie Creech, Reece Colgan, Jonty Thomas and Kyle Webster.
The Byford track is known for its notoriously tough terrain, and when it rains, well, the track will put the racers to the ultimate test on the demanding hard packed surface and it will be important for riders to stay focused throughout their three motos.
In the Women’s class the current point’s leader Jess Moore (KTM Aust and Ray Moore Motorcycles) is seemingly unstoppable picking up a clean sweep of the three motos at Round 1. In second place Fifth Element Kawasaki rider and 2011 champ Chelsea Blakers will be trying to stop the domination of Moore, whilst in third place Wellard/Claas/Yamaha’s Shelley Connor takes her recent Endurance round win into the WAMX. Other riders to look out for in the women’s class, Storme Greene and Teleisha Outram, who produced a strong, and consistent results at Kalgoorlie.
In the Pro Quad Class, series leader after two rounds is Anthony Pearce on 129 points , whilst Chris Bosnakis sits in second place on 115 points and Shaun Woodhead moves up into third place on 109 points. Pearce who dominated on his home track at Bunbury only a couple of weeks ago will be eager to keep the flying Chris Bosnakis at bay. Riders who will provide challenges from the top five include Matt Robbins, Tyrone Robertson and Patrick McNally. Australian and Western Australian Championship Luke Gaisford is mathematically unable to win the championship after being forced to sit out round two at Bunbury. This was a result of an injury sustained in the Murray Bridge Quad race as part of the MX Nationals. Gaisford will await weather conditions to see if he will race at Byford, and will also consider his future in the sport in WA.
The Clubman Quad championships were shaken up after their second round at Bunbury a couple of weeks ago. Daniel Soltoggio leads the series on 109 points, Anton Versaci in second on 94 points and Brendon Reynolds in third on 84 points. Expect big challenges from Zac Sarafimoski and from riders such as Jonathon Mosby, Luke Johnston and Jeff Hogan.
WAMX Championship action a plenty at Henley Park, South West Hwy Byford on Sunday 21th of May for the very best motocross racing on offer!
Spectator Entry is $20 for Adults with kids under 16 Free.
Racing from 9.30am with a full support race program
Full Bar and Canteen facilities and No BYO.
This is a Smoke Free Event
Round 1 Kalgoorlie on April 21st with the Women’s Championship
Round 2 Hendley Park Byford May 26th, with round 2 of the Women’s Championship.
Round 3 June 23rd – Bunbury Motorcycle Club
Round 4 21st July at Coastal Park, Henderson
Round 5 August 18th BSA Motorcycle Club, Gidgegannup with third round of Women’s Championship.
Round 6 September 15th, AJS, Wanneroo Park.
2013 WAMX Championship results After Round 1
Womens Championship
1st Jess Moore 75
2nd Chelsea Blakers 66
3rd Shelley Connor 60
Pro Open
1st Louis Calvin 65
2nd Luke Davis 56
3rd Kyle Webster 54
Pro Lites
1st Craig Bolton 56
2nd Robbo Lovett 53
3rd Daniel Shrimp 52
Quads Championship (After Two Rounds)
1st Anthony Pearce 129
2nd Chris Bosnakis 115
3rd Shaun Woodhead 109
Clubman Quads (After Two Rounds)
1st Daniel Soltoggio 109
2nd Anton Versaci 94
3rd Brendon Reynolds 84
Further details http://www.wamx.com.au
