KTM Motocross Racing Team‰Ûªs Caleb Ward showcased his undeniable talent in the Motul MX2 class today, taking the Motul MX Nationals round one win at Horsham, in front of thousands of spectators.
The Motul MX2 class were the first bikes to hit the track in Horsham this morning for their 25-minute practice and qualifying sessions, and when the green flag waived, signalling the commencement of qualifying, the front runners for the 2016 season were quickly determined.
At the conclusion of the 15-minute qualifying session DPH Motorsport‰Ûªs Jed Beaton was awarded first gate pick in the Motul MX2 class, with a quick lap time of 1:56.773, ahead of Factory KTM‰Ûªs newest recruit Ward, followed by National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team‰Ûªs Jake Moss who was handed third pick of the grid this morning.
MOTO 1
When race one for the Motul MX2 class kicked off, SD3 Husqvarna‰Ûªs Luke Arbon took the first holeshot of 2016, and after one lap it was no surprise to see Davey Motorsport‰Ûªs Jayden Rykers and KTM‰Ûªs Ward following Arbon closely behind in second and third places.
With 30 minutes to get the job done, Arbon began to separate himself from the group, while Rykers and Ward kept the fans guessing, going head to head for second position.
However, it wasn‰Ûªt long before the race lead changed, with Ward shortly snatching away the race lead from Arbon, followed by Rykers in third, and Moss who found his way in to fourth.
By the half way mark, the running order saw Factory KTM‰Ûªs Ward maintaining a healthy lead, followed by Rykers, Arbon, Moss, and Husqvarna mounted Nathan Crawford who rounded out the top five. Kyle Webster (CRF Honda Racing) managed to hold down sixth position, ahead of DPH Motorsport‰Ûªs Beaton in seventh, whilst Raceline Pirelli KTM‰Ûªs Dylan Wills maintained eighth place.
It was on lap nine that Moss proved that he‰Ûªs back in business for 2016, making the pass on Arbon and slotting in to third position, relegating Arbon to fourth.
As the first race for the Motul MX2 class reached it‰Ûªs closing stages, the battle for fourth between Arbon and Crawford kept fans on the edge of their seats ‰ÛÒ the pair going head to head for more than five laps.
But when the chequered flag flew it was Ward who crossed the line with the first Motul MX Nationals victory for 2016, taking a comfortable win ahead of National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team‰Ûªs Moss who put on an outstanding comeback performance to finish in second, while Crawford managed to get around both Arbon and Rykers to take the final Motul MX2 podium position (third).
When the Motul MX2 class lined up again after lunch, thousands had streamed through the gates at the Horsham venue, setting the scene for what was an epic final race.
