2013 East Coast MX Series – Round 1 Appin

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Riders from all over New South Wales descended on Appin’s Macarthur Motorcycle Club for the opening round of the 2013 East Coast MX Series, presented by Transmoto Dirt Bike Magazine, February 16-17. Competitors were chomping at the bit to test each other’s speed and skill at Round 1.

Although the Macarthur Club provided an immaculate track, the weather played a major part which had a bitter-sweet outcome. Over 260 junior riders were blessed with glorious sunny weather, while the senior riders had to contend with treacherous muddy conditions. With close to 200 senior entries, less than half made it through the day.

The Juniors kicked off in perfect weather and track conditions, with full grids in some classes. MXR&D/Teencee/Race Pace rider Rhys Budd (10-U13 65cc + 9-U12 85cc) and KTM Newcastle’s Brock McLeary (Junior Lites two-stroke + Junior Lites four-stroke) cleaned up the doubles by winning each of their classes. Other class winners included Ryder Kingsford (7-U9 50cc), South Highlands Motorcycles/Race Pace’s Billy Payne (7-U10 65cc), Cooper Pozniak (12-U14 85cc), and David Ustariz (14-U16 85cc).

Saturday night, the rain came down and the loamy soil turned into a grease factory. The senior riders turned up on Sunday ready to race, but the conditions proved to be too hard for some competitors. Serco Yamaha team riders Luke Styke and Luke Clout battled in the Pro Lites class, with Styke taking the win in the first race, before retiring for the rest of the day, leaving Clout to take the Overall victory. Styke also took the first win in the Pro Opens class, but it was Berry Sweet/Lucas Oil/Yamaha’s Tye Simmonds who stood victorious in the end. Simmonds impressed the crowd taking five-out-of-five holeshots to take the $1000 cash Eliminator. Other class winners included SS Racing’s Dylan Lochhead (U19 C-Grade Lites), Jemison Smith (+19 C-Grade Lites), Jared Lambert (C-Grade Opens), Suttos Motorex KTM/TeeNCee Grafix’ Tayla Jones (Womens), and Paul Novak (+35C Vets).

The InsureMyRide and Mydrade promo girls tag-teamed the 15-second board, and handed out awards at the presentation. SS Racing, TeeNCee Grafix and Sponsorpoint in the trade alley were on hand during the day, while MXR&D provided free suspension checks, helping riders dial in their bikes. MXPhoto and JCMX Films were frantically scouring the track looking for the best action shots and footage of the racing possible, which we’ll bring to you soon.

A combined effort from East Coast MX team, the sponsors (Transmoto Dirt Bike Magazine, MXR&D, InsureMyRide, Mydrade, TeeNCee Grafix, Reality Design, Ipone Oils, Arnette, KTM Australia, Yamaha Australia, Honda Australia, Motoz Tyres, Sponsorpoint Power Plus Fuels, Lifestyle Sports and Physiotherapy), the competitors, the volunteers and the parents culminated into a fantastic weekend for all. For full results and times, head to the East Coast MX website.

The second round of the East Coast MX Series, presented by Transmoto Dirt Bike Magazine, will take place in Canberra, March 9-10.