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From - Jim Tuckerman:
APPIN SET TO IGNITE:
After a stunning opening round amongst the rolling hills of Conondale, the Maxxis Australia Motocross Championship now converges on the historic town of Appin this weekend for round two.
Appin, located 71km south-west of Sydney, occupies a scenic spot on the edge of the vast urban sprawl of the nations largest city. The current population of just over 1,600 will temporarily swell to many times that number with the excitement that a national MX round brings to the village.
Jay Marmont (Motorex KTM), Pro Open winner at round one, lives only half an hour away in Wollongong so considers Appin home turf, “I practice a lot out at Appin and it should make for great racing this weekend.”
The talented 19-year-old then continued, “Last weekend the Conondale track favoured our four-strokes a little, but at the more technical Appin circuit I think the playing field will be a lot more even.
“Appin has a fairly hard packed surface with a lot more altitude changes and jumps than Conondale, so the action will be even better for the spectators.
“Actually, Appin is an excellent track for spectators. There is a large hill on one side where they can pretty much view the whole track so they always know what is going on.”
Jay on his main threats this year…
“The King brothers once again proved how strong they were last weekend and they will be hard to beat all year.
“Broomy (Paul Broomfield) was also on the pace last weekend and looks fired up for this year so it should make for a great championship.”
While the Pro Open competition is buzzing the Pro Lites class is proving absolutely electric. Over 90 entrants battled during qualifying at Conondale and at least that many are expected to take part at Appin.
Defending champion Troy Dorron (Full Throttle Sports Honda) is going to have his work cut out this year fending off challenges from Troy Carroll (CDR Boost Yamaha) who proved dominant at round one.
“We had a few machine problems at round one but we hope to have that sorted for this weekend and if that works out we will definitely be giving T.C. more of a hard time this weekend.”
Daniel McCoy (Serco Motorsports) made a great debut at round one and, like Marmont, also calls Appin his home track.
“I have a lot of confidence heading to Appin this weekend as I have practiced a lot there in the lead up to this year’s championship.
“We are doing some work this week to help getting the suspension working better for this weekend as I was having to fight the machine too much at Conondale which made fatigue a factor in the closing stages of the races.
“So if we can get that sorted out we should be in with a great chance. With any luck they don’t water the track too much like they have in past years as that always makes the track turn to mud as the day progresses.
“All going well, I am hoping for the top step of the podium this weekend.”
Adding even more spice to the event will be the presence of Australia’s fastest junior riders, who take to the track in the ADB Roost Rookies events.
Honda’s Bronte Holland took a clean sweep at Conondale but Toby Price (Kawasaki) should prove quick on home turf. Also hoping to upset the apple cart will be the incredible Moss brothers, Jake and Matt, who travel from Nowra to uphold Suzuki honour at Appin. Other fast challengers will include South Australia’s Wade Thompson (KTM), Western Australia’s Bryan Staring (Honda) and New Zealand charger Jesse Wiki (Honda).
A fine 26 degrees is forecast so the temperature will be mild, but the action will be hot. Action gets underway at 0845 and concludes with the presentations at 1600.
Make no mistake, these riders are the hard men of Australian racing, battling it out in what is recognised as an extreme test of physical endurance for both man and machine. Riders will race one 30-minute race followed by two 15-minute races in quick succession. And road racers think they do it tough!
Adult entry is $20.00 children12 to 15 $10.0 and kids under 12 free. A family pass which caters for two adults and two children costs $. 50.00
So get out to Appin this Sunday to see Australia’s next world champion in the making!
By - Trevor Hedge : www.mcnews.com.au
