2019 Pirelli MX Nationals
Moree, NSW will host the penultimate round of the 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals this weekend, as the action heats up for Round 8, before the series heads to the final double round in Coolum, Queensland for Rounds 9 & 10.
As it stands Luke Clout leads the MX1 class by a small margin from Hayden Mellross and Todd Waters, with just 12-points separating the trio. In the MX2 class Wilson Todd leads Kyle Webster and Jay Wilson, with 10-points between each rider, ensuring the title fight will go down to the line. In MXD Regan Duffy holds a strong lead, but with three rounds to go anything could happen, with Maximus Purvis within striking distance and Rhys Budd a more distant third.
The MX Nationals are expected to tremendously boost the local economy in the Moree region, injecting over $250,000 as race team personnel, riders and thousands of fans call into Moree and the surrounds for a weekend of racing action.
Kevin Williams – MX Nationals Series Promoter
“It’s a great feeling to be heading back to Moree and this time we are bringing the tightest points chase in MX Nationals history with us. Riders and teams will be doing everything they can to secure an advantage in the chase to the championship on this last weekend of racing before the series final. For current and new fans of the sport, this is a race event not to be missed!”
Thor MX1
The Thor MX1 Championship is wide open after Todd Waters had an off weekend of racing at the previous round at Gympie, relinquishing the series red plate to new championship leader Luke Clout.
Hayden Mellross also took advantage of Waters’ off weekend to catapult into second in the series points. With all three only separated by 12-points in total, the series is coming down to the wire as Moree will prove momentum for the rider able to leave with the red plate heading into the Coolum double-round final.
Outside the top three, Kirk Gibbs had a strong performance at Maitland and sits fourth overall, with a 12-point lead over Jayden Rykers, while Brett Metcalfe, Justin Rodbell, Jesse Dobson, Richie Evans and Laweson Bopping complete the top 10 in the MX1 standings.
Finishing fourth at the previous round will have certainly motivated Waters to reclaim the red plate, with the rider explaining he’s more at home on the bike than ever and will be focusing on bringing home the wins.
Todd Waters – P3 Overall
“I’ve had another great couple of weeks on the DPH Husqvarna FC450 since Maitland. It’s incredible how at-home I feel on the bike and I just really love going riding at the moment. I’m comfortable with my position in the championship, and I’m going to keep focusing on myself, improving the little things to make sure I give myself the best chance to win every time the gate drops. My goal for this weekend is the same – win races.”
Having become Queensland State MX1 Motocross Champion last weekend, Jesse Dobson also has his sights set on Moree, aiming to ensure that all the hard work through the year will continue to pay dividends as the season draws to a close.
Jesse Dobson – P8 Overall
“My year has been up and down for sure, with some uncertainty at the beginning of the season before we pulled together a small crew, with some great support. Now, four months later I sit eighth in the championship, with four superpole appearances from a possible six and a Queensland state title. I feel really confident that I can bring home some good race results and finish out the championship strong. I’ve put everything on the line this season, I’m working hard for myself and my sponsors, and I’m showing everyone that I’m an MX1 championship contender. The class is full of fast racers, but I belong at the front and I’m determined to show that again at Moree this weekend.”
MX1 Standings – Top 15
| Pos | Name | Total |
| 1 | Luke Clout | 397 |
| 2 | Hayden Mellross | 388 |
| 3 | Todd Waters | 385 |
| 4 | Kirk Gibbs | 312 |
| 5 | Jayden Rykers | 300 |
| 6 | Brett Metcalfe | 293 |
| 7 | Justin Rodbell | 287 |
| 8 | Jesse Dobson | 258 |
| 9 | Richie Evans | 258 |
| 10 | Lawson Bopping | 215 |
| 11 | Zak Small | 206 |
| 12 | Joel Wightman | 201 |
| 13 | Joben Baldwin | 193 |
| 14 | Erki Kahro | 190 |
| 15 | Cody Dyce | 183 |
Pirelli MX2
In Pirelli MX2 Wilson Todd continues to lead the championship however he now has Kyle Webster hot on his heels after a big win at Gympie, cutting the points lead in half to just ten points. Jay Wilson is still in the championship fight in third, but it is coming down to a two horse race with Webster and Todd going head to head at Moree for that all important advantage heading into Coolum.
Wilson Todd – P1 Overall
“I wasn’t happy after Maitland, even though I still have the red plate, the lead is back down to 10 points, so I’m focused on strong starts, and setting a fast pace in Moree. I’m comfortable leading, and even though I’m looking at the championship more than the round, I want to win races and rounds. We’ve got the sprint format this weekend so there’s three gate drops and I’m ready to put the FC250 on top.”
With Nathan Crawford winning his first moto of the 2019 season at Maitland, you can bet he will be aiming for more podiums, and currently sits fourth in the standings, with a 38-point gap to third placed Jay Wilson.
Aaron Tanti meanwhile completes the top five, with Dylan Wills, Bailey Malkiewicz, Ricky Latimer, Cooper Pozniak and Morgan Fogarty representing the top 10.
Bailey Malkiewicz – P7 Overall
“Every time I show some speed, a small mistake puts me back in the pack, so this weekend is all about concentrating on those small mistakes and putting the bike in good situations so I can put the speed I have to my advantage. There’s a bit of a charge in the second half of the season from a few riders, but I’m confident that I’ll be able to keep moving forward in the championship.”
MX2 Standings – Top 15
| Pos | Name | Total |
| 1 | Wilson Todd | 397 |
| 2 | Kyle Webster | 387 |
| 3 | Jay Wilson | 377 |
| 4 | Nathan Crawford | 339 |
| 5 | Aaron Tanti | 328 |
| 6 | Dylan Wills | 304 |
| 7 | Bailey Malkiewicz | 280 |
| 8 | Ricky Latimer | 252 |
| 9 | Cooper Pozniak | 249 |
| 10 | Morgan Fogarty | 243 |
| 11 | Isaac Ferguson | 234 |
| 12 | Joel Evans | 220 |
| 13 | Riley Dukes | 202 |
| 14 | Jye Dickson | 188 |
| 15 | Joel Green | 188 |
Motul MXD
Motul MXD will showcase the up and coming young talent of the U19’s age group, with the usual speed and intensity on the track, with Regan Duffy holding the standings lead from Maximus Purvis and Rhys Budd.
Regan Duffy dominated in Maitland, with Mason Semmens runner up, while Purvis completed the top three.
Motul MXD Standings – Top 15
| Pos | Name | Total |
| 1 | Regan Duffy | 426 |
| 2 | Maximus Purvis | 397 |
| 3 | Rhys Budd | 349 |
| 4 | Noah Ferguson | 311 |
| 5 | Mason Rowe | 310 |
| 6 | Brodie Ellis | 299 |
| 7 | Jack Kukas | 280 |
| 8 | Jai Walker | 277 |
| 9 | Liam Walsh | 265 |
| 10 | Jayce Cosford | 252 |
| 11 | Mason Semmens | 249 |
| 12 | Mackenzie O”Bree | 242 |
| 13 | Tye Jones | 226 |
| 14 | Deakin Hellier | 168 |
| 15 | Navrin Grothues | 167 |
The action packed day kicks off at 10am following practice and qualifying with the first MX2 race at 10:25am, tickets are also available at the venue, 7km North of Moree.
Moree MX Nationals Sunday Schedule
- 8:00am – MX2 PRACTICE / QUALIFYING – 25 Mins
- 9:00am – MX1 PRACTICE / QUALIFYING – 25 Mins
- 9:30am – SUPER POLE – 5 Mins
- 10:25am – MX2 MOTO 1 & 2 – 8 Laps (back-to-back races)
- 11:45am – MX1 MOTO 1 – 16 Laps
- 1:45pm – MX2 MOTO 3 – 10 Laps
- 2:20pm – MX1 MOTO 3 – 16 Laps
2019 MX Nationals Calender
- Round 8 – Moree, NSW, July 28, 2019
- Rounds 9 & 10 – Coolum, QLD, August 3-4, 2019
Source: MCNews.com.au