Motocross

Motul MX Nationals MX1 Title Fight By The Numbers

Posted:

Wednesday, August 24th, 2016

10:25 PM

This weekend, 2016 champions will be crowned at the Coolum Pines MX Track on the Sunshine Coast, but before we even got to Round 10, there were nine other gruelling weekends of racing from April through to August that shaped this year‰Ûªs Championship.

With just a single round of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals remaining, we look back at the numbers that brought us here, and breakdown the fundamental results that now sees three top level riders fighting for a Thor MX1 Title.

This weekend, there will be numerous key factors that will play a role in deciding this year‰Ûªs champion. The 3,2,1 points system in GoPro Superpole will be crucial to the top three riders, and in the event that riders tie on points on Sunday, the 2016 title will be awarded based on number of race wins. One thing‰Ûªs for sure, when it comes to racing, ANYTHING can happen.

Kirk Gibbs will carry a slender 6 point lead into Coolum

Kirk Gibbs ‰ÛÒ Currently leading the Thor MX1 Championship (602 points)

KTM Motocross Racing Team‰Ûªs Kirk Gibbs has proved this year that consistency is the key to success. He‰Ûªs been on the podium more times than any of his competitors, yet hasn‰Ûªt won as many races, and his ‰Û÷quietly chipping away‰Ûª attitude has paid off. With one round remaining, Gibbs holds on to a six-point lead, but this weekend there will be no backing off for last year‰Ûªs MX1 Champion.

Race wins: Three

Moto 2 - Murray Bridge
Moto 3 - Wanneroo
Moto 2 - Shepparton

GoPro Superpole appearances: Seven

GoPro Superpole victories: - Shepparton

Round Wins: Three

Podiums: Eight
Horsham 2nd
Broadford - 1st
Murray Bridge - 2nd
Wanneroo - 1st
Nowra - 3rd
Conondale - 3rd
Shepparton - 1st
Toowoomba - 3rd
DNF‰Ûªs: None

Dean Ferris closed the gap to Gibbs with the round win at Toowoomba but still needs more to walk away with his maiden Australian MX1 title

Dean Ferris ‰ÛÒ 2nd in Thor MX1 Championship standings (596 points)

CDR Yamaha‰Ûªs Dean Ferris has been explosive this year. He‰Ûªs won double the amount of races than his competitors, and despite being the only rider in the top three to register a DNF, he trails his closest competitor Gibbs by only six points. This weekend, Ferris‰Ûª will be aiming for two race wins, and another GoPro Superpole victory if he‰Ûªs to finally clinch this year‰Ûªs championship.

Moto wins: Eight
Moto 1 - Horsham
Moto 1 - Appin
Moto 2 - Broadford
Moto 1 - Wanneroo
Moto 2 - Wanneroo
Moto 2 - Nowra
Moto 2 - Conondale
Moto 2 ‰ÛÒ Toowoomba

GoPro Superpole appearances: Seven

GoPro Superpole victories: - Murray Bridge, Wanneroo, Nowra, Conondale

Round Wins: Four

Podiums: Seven
Horsham 3rd
Appin - 1st
Broadford - 2nd
Nowra - 1st
Conondale - 1st
Shepparton - 3rd
Toowoomba - 1st

DNF‰Ûªs: One
Moto 3 - Wanneroo

Todd Waters has the toughest ask to come through and win the 2016 title, but won't be giving up when it comes race time on Sunday

Todd Waters ‰ÛÒ 3rd in Thor MX1 Championship standings (578 points)

Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki‰Ûªs Todd Waters has only won a single round this year, however has been on the podium an impressive six times throughout the season. Despite trailing points leader Gibbs by 24 points, Waters is still within striking distance of this year‰Ûªs championship. Both Ferris and Gibbs would need to have an issue at the front, but if there‰Ûªs one thing we all know at the MX Nationals, it‰Ûªs that it‰Ûªs never over until the final chequered flag

Moto wins: Four
Moto 1 - Broadford
Moto 1 - Murray Bridge
Moto 1 - Conondale
Moto 1 - Shepparton

GoPro Superpole appearances: Eight
GoPro Superpole victories: One - Appin

Round Wins: One

Podiums: Six
Appin - 3rd
Broadford - 3rd
Murray Bridge - 1st
Wanneroo - 3rd
Conondale - 2nd
Shepparton - 2nd
DNF‰Ûªs: None

The tenth and final round of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals is set to be held at Coolum Pines MX Track, this coming weekend August 27-28.