Motul Pirelli Suzuki’s Todd Waters took out his first Pro Open victory of the 2012 MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, at Murray Bridge in South Australia on Sunday, 20 May.
The 21-year-old from Cairns became the first Australian to win a round this season as the series reached its halfway point, placing himself right in title contention aboard the fuel injected 2012 model Suzuki RM-Z450.
Waters won the opening two 15-minute motos of the weekend that were staged back-to-back, before a second place after leading much of moto two sealed the overall victory for the round.
“It was pretty much just a picture perfect day,” Waters explained. “I got three good starts, was in the top three for all of them. The first moto I got the holeshot and led from start to finish, then in the second moto I was up front again and made the pass halfway through.
“I had a ball riding with Brad [Anderson] in the final moto, dicing for the lead, and I enjoyed it. I didn’t get the win in that one, but I had a lot of fun. I love this track and it’s one of my favourites, so it was good to come back and win. My fitness is great, I’ve been working really hard, so I’m just looking forward to this six-week break to redo my base fitness.”
Former New Zealand champion Cody Cooper claimed fifth for the second round in succession, continuing to struggle with his starts, but again displaying the speed the challenge for victory on any given weekend. Cooper took fourth in moto one and third in moto two, but a fall in the final moto saw him forced to settle for 10th to complete his weekend.
“Practicing my starts all week didn’t really pay off, which was frustrating for me,” Cooper commented. “I was happy with the opening two races, but in the final moto I hit Brad [Anderson’s] back wheel, the whole field went past, and that was a tough way to finish. We’ll keep working on everything I need to work on, so now we have a break and I hope I can come back firing for the season’s second half.”
Waters’ win elevated him to second in the title chase, now only 21 points behind series leader Josh Coppins at the midway point of the championship. Cooper is now sixth, just two points outside of the top five.
Motul Pirelli Suzuki’s Pro Lites entrant Scott Columb was sixth overall in his first visit to South Australia following a consistent effort. He finished seventh in the opening moto, fifth in the second and sixth in the third, locking in sixth overall for the round. Columb’s now 11th in the standings, tied with fellow Suzuki standout Errol Willis.
“I finished with 7-5-6 results, which was consistent for me, but I have to get a start,” Columb commented. “If I get a start that will make it easier. I’ve had some bad luck lately, but I’ll go home and keep working on my starts, keep plugging away to get on that podium.”
The MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, will continue at Hervey Bay in Queensland on Sunday, 1 July.
Round Five, 2012 MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship
Pro Open Overall Results:
1. Todd Waters (Motul Pirelli Suzuki) 72
2. Brad Anderson 63
3. Tye Simmonds 56
4. Lawson Bopping 52
5. Cody Cooper (Motul Pirelli Suzuki) 49
6. Josh Coppins 48
7. Daniel Reardon 40
8. Daniel McCoy ((Hart & Huntington / InsureMyRide Suzuki)) 39
9. Dean Porter (Suzuki) 33
10. Jay Marmont 30
Pro Lites Overall Results:
1. Josh Cachia 63
2. Cheyne Boyd 60
3. Ford Dale 53
4. Justin McDonald 49
5. Luke Styke 46
6. Scott Columb (Motul Pirelli Suzuki) 45
7. Lewis Woods (Hart & Huntington / InsureMyRide Suzuki) 39
8. Kade Mosig 39
9. Errol Willis (Raceline Pirelli Suzuki) 37
10. Nick Murray 33
Pro Open Championship Standings (after 5 of 10 rounds):
1. Josh Coppins 301
2. Todd Waters (Motul Pirelli Suzuki) 280
3. Brad Anderson 274
4. Lawson Bopping 255
5. Tye Simmonds 234
6. Cody Cooper (Motul Pirelli Suzuki) 232
7. Jay Marmont 207
8. Jake Moss 171
9. Daniel McCoy (Hart & Huntington / InsureMyRide Suzuki) 164
10. Daniel Reardon 147
Pro Lites Championship Standings (after 5 of 10 rounds):
1. Luke Styke 306
2. Ford Dale 274
3. Cheyne Boyd 258
4. Josh Cachia 258
5. Kade Mosig 233
6. Kirk Gibbs 229
7. Adam Monea (07 Motorsports Suzuki) 215
8. Justin McDonald 192
9. Lewis Woods (Hart & Huntington / InsureMyRide Suzuki) 173
10. Errol Willis (Raceline Pirelli Suzuki) 168
11. Scott Columb (Motul Pirelli Suzuki) 168
About SUZUKI
Formed as a weaving loom manufacturer in 1909, Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan started producing motorcycles in 1952.
Suzuki is an established brand in the Australian market, as the third-highest selling motorcycle brand.
For further information on Suzuki products, interested customers should visit their local Suzuki dealer, who can be found through the Dealer Locator on www.suzuki.com.au.
About MOTUL
Motul is a synonymous brand name when it comes to the motorcycle community and their passion for performance and excellence. Riders using Motul synthetic oil, ride their bikes with upmost confidence. They know that the oil they are using in their bikes has a proven pedigree that not only protects engines but also improves performance.
The uniqueness of Motul lubricants is that the oil available on the store shelf is a direct result of Motul’s research and development on the racing circuit.
Focused on improving the reliability and performance of lubricants, Motul has remained an industry leader, consistently pioneering many of the most important developments in engine oil history.
1953 – Motul produced the world’s first multigrade oil.
1966 – Motul produced the world’s first semi synthetic oil.
1971 – Motul produced the world’s first 100% synthetic oil with ester.
2004 – Motul produced the world’s first double ester technology.
Due to their ability to produce oils that will genuinely endure and protect during the toughest conditions in motor racing whilst also providing extra horsepower, Motul has become a dominant presence in National and International Motorsports. Maintaining this relationship over many decades has come via a commitment to evolve side by side with the engine technology of tomorrow.
For more information on the any of the products in the Motul range, visit www.linkint.com.au or www.motul.com.au.
About PIRELLI
Pirelli Motorcycle Tyres have a long history of outstanding success in a range of racing disciplines.
In 2011 Pirelli Scorpion MX riders won the premier World MX1 World Championship and MX2 World Championship which brings their MX World Championships up to an impressive 56 titles.
In Australia Pirelli has taken out the Motocross Nationals Pro Lites Championship and Under 19s Championship in 2011, as well as winning the 2011 Australian Four Day Enduro.
Pirelli is one of the biggest tyre manufacturers in the world in terms of sales revenue.
Pirelli has been producing motorcycle tyres for over 100 years and is well known in the motorcycling world for their technical precision and their advancements in cutting-edge motorcycle tyre technology.
The Pirelli range caters for all segments of the motorcycling market with performance tyres suited to motocross, enduro, trials, scooter, ATV, cruiser, touring, sport touring, sports and racing bike applications, including the exciting new Diablo Rosso II.
As a reflection of their quality and high performance, Pirelli is used by racing teams around the world including Team Motul Pirelli Suzuki and Raceline Pirelli Suzuki in the Australian Motocross and Supercross Championships. Pirelli is also the exclusive supplier of tyres for the World Superbike Championship.
For further information contact:
Sou Fong
Event / Racing Coordinator
Suzuki Australia - Motorcycles
Ph: (03) 9931 5590
Email: sou_fong@suzuki.com.au
