Dean Ferris, Mitch Evans and Cody Dyce all stood on the top step of the podium after a tough day at one of the country’s most demanding circuits.
After round two of the championship, Yamaha still holds the points leader red plate with Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha) in control of the MX1 division and Kade Mosig (DPH Yamaha) in third. Wilson Todd (DPH Yamaha) holds a slender points lead in the MX2 class over Mitch Evans (Serco Yamaha) while Cooper Pozniak (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) continues to lead the MXD class with team mate Cody Dyce in third.
CDR Yamaha (MX1) – Craig Dack
“We had a bit of a scare going through the team during the week when Dean mentioned he was still having some issues from his crash at the opening round. He hadn’t been able to ride much in the lead up and we even sent him out to the public track at Appin on Saturday to feel things out and see how it was.
“So with that background and lead up, it makes his result on the weekend all-the-more impressive. He wasn’t great in race one but he is mentally pretty strong and he rebounded well in race two and now holds a commanding lead in the championship after two rounds. It’s important we all keep our heads down and keep working hard because we know after 25 years in the game how easy it can all change. Every championship CDR has won I know it’s been won by 100 % focus from the rider and staff.
“For Dylan, he is trying to manage an injury while racing and training at the same time and that is always difficult to do. This hard pack surface is harder on your body in many ways as there is a lot more impact and vibration transmitted through the bike because of the hard nature of the dirt. He will improve and our aim for him is to have him 100% by the second half of the year and then he can show us what he has got.”
Serco Yamaha (MX2) – Gavin Eales
“Mitch Evans has completely exceeded the expectations we had for him as a team. We had discussed Mitch just being a regular top five rider as he finds his feet in the MX2 class but he has shown he is more than up for the challenge and really made some big steps in his riding and training.
“To see him smile after the last race and be part of a win that is so significant is pretty special and we are so happy with the job he is doing for us.
“Jackson is riding well and has himself in a good position after two rounds. I know he wants more and is a bit frustrated but its only round two and to be sitting in the top four and well within striking distance isn’t bad.
“We will continue to work with him and to get the most out of him and his bike and I’m sure you will see much better results from Jackson in the coming rounds.”
Yamalube Yamaha Racing (MXD) – Scott Bishop
“First of all, I want to throw out a big thank you to Mike Ward and Cory Hillsley, the guys on the tools in our team, as the first couple of rounds have been hard work. With both riders having crashes and straightening out bent bikes, to the race to race maintenance and then to have a mud race in the final moto of Appin just made their weekend even harder, so thanks to them for their efforts.
“We were pretty fortunate to get the win at Appin as several things went our way. It’s not often a 7-1 wins the overall but sometimes you get lucky, and we got lucky. Cody was amazing in the last race and when all the other riders struggled with the conditions, he looked right at home and the win is a good confidence boost for him.
“Coop had a tough weekend in that he desperately wants a good result but sometimes tries to push it and make mistakes at the wrong times. He was frustrated after the weekend but that will only motivate him more for the next round. It is something we are working with both riders on and that’s how to be a smart racer, not just a fast racer but I think both riders are learning their lessons and will be better for it.”
