CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team owner Craig Dack has declared the right decision was made by Pirelli MX Nationals officials to cancel racing after the first round of motos at Appin’s opening stop in New South Wales today.

Continuous rain in the lead-up to this weekend’s opener and during today’s proceedings offered incredibly treacherous conditions, with riders lapping the Macarthur Motorcycle Club venue one-minute slower than last year’s event held in an adequate state.

While acknowledging the gritty sport that motocross is, Dack explained that there comes a point where the riders safety needs to be considered, with today’s shortened schedule satisfying him as the boss of the two top tier riders in Kirk Gibbs and Luke Clout.

“Last night we almost had three inches of rain, and I’m sure we’ve had nearly that today,” Dack told MotoOnline.com.au. “They really didn’t have any options – it was almost impossible to make a lap. I thought the decision they made in taking out Superpole and cutting practice and qualifying down – that was a good condition.

“Running the one moto was also a good decision – there’s a danger aspect to it. We know motocross should be rain, hail or shine, and it’s man and machine – we get that – but I think sometimes it gets to a point where it’s just nuts. All in all, I think the right decision was made.”

On debut with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy, Gibbs wound up third on the podium, while Clout finished in P8. The MX1 moto was captured by Todd Waters (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) in a stunning return to Australian motocross.