After a six-week mid-season hiatus the crucial second half of the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals kicked off at Hervey Bay’s Dundowran Circuit today.

Additional testing and off-season racing paid dividends for the Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing team, with Brad Anderson and Ford Dale both claiming the third step of the dais in their respective MX1 and MX2 classes. 

Anderson holeshot the opening MX1 moto but lost a spot and ended the 9-lap race second. In Race 2 the Brit got a great start and moved around the outside of his competitors and into second.  

The Honda rider pushed a little too hard into the next and went down. Re-joining the race at the back of the field, Anderson worked his way up to tenth by the race end.

In the final 30 minute moto Anderson worked hard to secure a top three finish.

“I thought I had the holeshot in the final race but there was a bit of a melee and I got pushed through the barrier and then had to turn back,” Anderson explained. 

“I worked my way up to second but made a mistake and Todd  (Waters) got past me. 

“All-in-all I was quite happy to finish third in our first MX Nationals event following the break, but I need to work on being more consistent,” he continued.

“In terms of the championship I am still sitting third and made up some points on the championship leader (Josh Coppins).”

Teammate Ford Dale also had his work cut out for him, the Sunshine Coast rider spent a lot of today charging up through the order.  

Dale crashed twice in the opening MX2 race but came through to finish fifth. In the second moto Dale past Luke Styke for the lead but a small off saw him lose his lead and finish second.

A poor start in the final race proved costly for Dale who went down after a multi-rider collision on the opening lap. The Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing rider fought his way from the back of the field to finish fifth and claim his fourth podium of the year.

“After a six week break it is kind of like the season starting all over again so it was good to come out of today with a podium,” Dale said.

“My CRF250 was awesome today I just had too many crashes. I am still sitting second but I conceded a few more points to Luke (Styke). 

“The next four rounds are tracks that I really enjoy so I am looking forward to some better results,” Dale added

The Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing Team will now prepare for Round 7 of the Monster Energy MX Nationals at Horsham on Sunday July 15.

The Zero Seven Motorsports team and MX2 class competitor Adam Monea remained solid to score strong points and a podium position in the sixth round championship; in what were arguably some of the toughest MX Nationals conditions of the season so far.

Due to intense rain in recent weeks, the sandy Hervey Bay circuit become incredibly rutted and rough, causing many of the countries best athletes to come to grief.

Monea crashed hard in moto one, whilst challenging for the win against championship leader Luke Styke. Monea flew over the handlebars and was lucky not to be hurt in the incident. He recovered to finish eighth.

In the second MX2 race he rode strong and was close to a podium position when a small mistake and fall in a corner relegated him to fifth place.

True to form, the Victorian excelled in the treacherous 30 minute final moto, finishing in third place, behind Josh Cachia and kiwi Scott Columb. It was Monea’s fourth podium result for the year, he maintains seventh place overall in the MX2 Championship standings.

“I’m really happy with everything we have going here at Zero Seven (Motorsports) at the moment. My bike is great and I feel really good on it. I’ve worked really hard all year on my strength, which helps so much when the conditions deteriorate. It just seems I’m having one average moto per round, which is keeping me off the podium overall. I’m really determined to get some more race and overall wins before the season is out!” Monea said.

Making his MX1 (Pro Open) class debut, was 16 year old Dion Picard from New Zealand. Picard was moved up to the MX1 class to help fast-track his experience against the countries best and despite having minimal bike preparation earned

consistent places of 16th, 15th ,15th for 15th overall. A sign of great things to come for the youngest rider in the field.

“That track was so difficult today, but I really enjoyed having the power of the 450cc bike beneath me. I’ve just moved over to Australia to live and ride full time now, which I think will help me improve my speed and fitness as the series goes on. I’m really thankful for the opportunity and cant wait for Horsham!”

MXD new recruit Tyson Cherry experienced first hand how difficult national racing can be. The 19 year old from Mt Evelyn in Victoria performed well in the opening race to earn a 13th position, but struggled with some poor starts and the enormous ruts throughout the latter stages of the day.

“That was by far the most challenging track I’ve ever ridden on! It was awesome experience for me though, just to see how the whole national scene works, so I’ll be much better prepared for the next round in Horsham. I know what I have to work on now, so I’m really looking forward to it.” Cherry said.

The seventh round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals will be held at Horsham, in Victoria, on Sunday July 15.

For more information go to www.mxnationals.com.au.

For more information on Zero Seven Motorsports, visit www.facebook.com/07motorsports

Jetpilot Japan FMX rider Genki Watanabe takes out the Second Round of the GO Big Whip contest!

Jetpilot rider Dustin Farthing took out round three on the weekend! Dustin has won every race in the three rounds and so far is proving unstoppable!

Dustin was finally challenged this year during the third moto of the Pro-AM Runabout Open class with Claude Clayton getting a good jump out of the gate and holding the lead for several laps before the King was able to get by him to ride to the win and a first overall.

Check out the full story and photos at: www.ijsba.com

Angie Koops has taken 3rd in open womens at the Queensland State Titles on the weekend. Angie's consistent surfing put her in 3rd Place overall for the Series, Yeah Angie!

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