With Sunday’s racing marking the series’ first ever visit to the venue in northern New South Wales, Peters was optimistic heading into the event that he could capitalise on his ability to learn quickly and deliver the Factory Suzuki Team with improved results, however when racing got underway it was a lacklustre round for the American import.
Peters got his Round 8 campaign started with the 12th fastest qualifying time yesterday morning, meaning that the Suzuki rider would be forced to start with a mid-pack gate pick, on a track where starts were more important than ever.
In race one Peters started inside the top five, however, a crash at the half way mark of the 30-minute moto whilst sitting in sixth saw the Suzuki rider drop three positions, eventually crossing the finish line in ninth.
In the second moto, unfortunately, Peters was handed the same fate. Halfway through the opening lap of the final race of the day Peters went down once again, but despite re-joining the race in 18th position, the American rider charged back through the field to ninth place after the 30 minutes. With 9,9 race results, Peters wrapped up the Port Macquarie leg of the MX1 championship in ninth overall.
“Round 8 wasn’t the greatest. I really struggled all day with myself and I never really felt comfortable or clicked with the track,” Peters explained.
“The track itself turned out to be really one-lined – everyone was doing the same things everywhere, so that made it difficult to make up time or pass other riders.
“We’re heading to Toowoomba for the next round which is where I kick started things last year. It’s where I achieved my first race win and also my first MX1 podium so I have experienced a lot of success there. Hopefully we can replicate that at the next round and finish the season on a high.”
The 2017 Motul MX Nationals will continue with round nine to be contested at Toowoomba in Queensland on Sunday, August 13. Visit www.mxnationals.com.au for further information on the series.
