Motocross

Ferris Fires First Shot in 2018 MX Nationals

Author: Aaryn Minerds

Posted:

Monday, April 16th, 2018

2:20 PM

Dean Ferris kicked off the 2018 season with a perfect 1-1 score-card - Credit: MXN Images

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team star, Dean Ferris, has started the 2018 MX Nationals Championship in exactly the same manner in which he finished off the 2017 season, winning.

Ferris signalled his intentions clearly at the opening round of the national motocross championship at Newry in Victoria yesterday when he continued his winning form and sent a clear message to his rivals. He isn‰Ûªt prepared to hand over to his red number one plate and started the season in impressive fashion, taking both moto wins on a rough and challenging circuit.

But it wasn‰Ûªt an easy ride in either moto. Ferris had to fight off spirited challenges from long-time rival, Kirk Gibbs, but kept his nose clean and did what was required to get his Yamaha YZ450F to the front of the MX1 field and keep it there for the duration of the two 30minute motos.

Ferris took moto one by just over three seconds over Gibbs and the close battle kept the crowd entertained from start to finish, while moto two saw the margin at seven seconds.

‰ÛÏIt was a good start to the year and just what myself and the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team were looking for,‰Û

Kirk Gibbs scored some good points at round 1, but will be looking at standing on the top step when round 2 hits Appin - Credit: MXN Images

KTM Motocross Racing Team's Kirk Gibbs recorded the fastest time in regular MX1 qualifying and had the third gate selection following Super Pole, setting up a competitive day ahead for the 2015 championship winner.

The South Australian charged into the lead during the early stages of moto one and went back and forth for position, only to eventually be plagued by arm-pump and cross the finish-line in second. Moto two was just as strong, working his way into second and comfortably finishing in that position for P2 overall.

"Qualifying was good, going P1 in that session and then going third in Super Pole." Gibbs reflected. "I was confident going in and in moto one I got a good start, was able to swap positions for the lead a number of times and I was right there until I suffered from a little bit of arm-pump and crossed the line second in the end.

"That was a bit disappointing, but anyway, we went into the second moto and they'd put a lot of water down, so I was a little hesitant in the first couple of laps. I was really happy with the way I was riding following that though, we were doing the same lap-times at the front and that makes it hard to bridge the gap. I'm happy in a lot of ways, just have to work on a couple of things and it will all come together.

"I've been bridesmaid a few times now and I really want to get back on the top step, so I'm going to work really hard over the next couple of weeks and get set for Appin."

Mitch Evans showed that despite it being his first year in the MX1 class, he will be a rider to watch all season long

Raceline KTM's Mitch Evan's showed why he was so eager to move up to the MX1 class for 2018, putting in a brilliant lap to top Superpole and then backed up his qualifying performance with 5-3 moto results to land himself on the final step of the podium.

‰ÛÏI was so pumped to get a podium on the weekend, I actually had trouble going to sleep last night because I was still so amped up ‰ÛÒ I felt good all day and when I got there I feel like I amped the team up because I was just so excited to go racing,‰Û

Kade Mosig just missed the podium at round one but showed he once again has the speed to win in 2018 - Credit: MXN Images

DPH Motorsports Kade Mosig was unlucky to miss out on the podium after a great display of riding in the opening moto, finishing in a fine 3rd spot in the opening moto. A mistake while working his way through the field to 4th cost him a spot on the podium, eventually crossing the line in 8th in race two, finishing the round in 4th.

While never completely content unless he's in first place, Kade Mosig is satisfied with the first races of the season:

"I want to thank the whole DPH team for the big effort to get us to round 1 and be ready to roll" said Mosig. "I'm really happy with my FC450, the WP suspension and Dunlop tyres were all working well on the rough circuit.

"Starting the day with P8 in timed qualifying, Race 1 was a great start, moving into the lead on lap 1 and battling for the entire 30 minute moto for a 3rd place.

"Race 2 and I was mid pack off the start and had to work really hard to get through into 4th but after a mistake I went down, regrouped, and rode it out to finish 8th. I'm happy to come out of round 1 with good, solid points in 4th place and now I've 2 weeks to work hard and come out stronger at Appin on April 30".

It was another Husqvarna rider who rounded out the top five with Davey Motorsport Caleb Ward impressing in his first hit out in the MX1 class. He was followed by KTM Racing's Luke Clout in sixth position for the round with New Zealands Rhys Carter two points back in 7th.

CDR Yamaha's Dylan Long had to settle for 8th at the season opener, with Connor Tierney and Joel Wightman rounding out the top ten.

Penrite Oils Honda Racing Australia's Brett Metcalfe finished well down the order overall after a DNF in moto two. The CRF450R racer showed great form in the opening race finishing in fourth just behind the leaders.

Dean Ferris, Kirk Gibbs and Mitch Evans celebrate their opening round success on the podium - Credit: MXN Images

Thor MX1 Round Overall
1. Dean Ferris - 70 Pts
2. Kirk Gibbs - 64 Pts
3. Mitch Evans - 56 Pts
4. Kade Mosig - 53 Pts
5. Caleb Ward - 51 Pts
6. Luke Clout - 50 Pts
7. Rhys Carter - 48 Pts
8. Dylan Long - 46 Pts
9. Connor Tierney - 42 Pts
10. Joel Wightman - 40 Pts

For Full Round Results CLICK HERE

For Full moto replays from round one CLICK HERE