Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1012061
IN THE WIND P48 FERRIS CLINCHES AUSTRALIAN MX CHAMPIONSHIP W ith one round still to go, Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy) clinched the 450MX title for the third straight time in the 2018 Australian MX National Championship. He sealed the deal in Gladstone, Queensland, August 5. Ferris actually clinched the championship in the first moto after taking the win over Brett Met- calfe (Penrite Honda Racing) and Caleb Ward (Davey Motorsports Husqvarna). After officially taking the title, it was business as usual for Ferris in the second moto. He grabbed the holeshot and went on to win, lead- ing it from flag to flag. Ward was second (a career best for the rook- ie racer) and Mitch Evans (Raceline Pirelli KTM) was third. However, Evans was penalized two positions for passing under the yellow flag. Metcalfe was then awarded third, and with it, second overall. Ward claimed third overall, fol- lowed by Evans and Dylan Long (Yamaha). After nine of 10 rounds, Ferris has an uncatchable 629 points followed by Evans with 507, and Luke Clout with 498. Long is fourth with 454 and Metcalfe is fifth with 454 points. "As I said earlier in the week, my plan was to just keep doing things as I had been doing them and nothing really changed despite the fact there was a championship on the line," Ferris said. "Maybe the biggest thing for me today was that I actually won Superpole, as I have been pretty ordinary in those things this year, so it was good to get a good lap in and get a little boost going into the first moto. "But overall, this year has been a dream for me and it's been awesome to work with some great people and companies that sup- port me. "Now, with the championship out of the way, I'm looking forward to going to Coolum and just enjoy- ing the weekend. My first cham- pionship in 2016 was all pressure with three of us going for the win and last year also had plenty riding on it, so to roll in this year with the pressure off and just for the love of racing is good. I can't wait!" Ferris' three-peat now makes it eight MX1 Championships for the CDR Yamaha team in an 11-year period. Jay Marmont, Josh Cop- pins and now Dean Ferris have all played a part in the dynasty the Yamaha team has produced over the years, but their success is never taken for granted by team owner, Craig Dack. "Three years in a row is special for the team and eight in 11 is also a great reward," Dack said. "It also shows the commitment my staff and our team sponsors have in meeting and striving for our goals. Our success is due to many factors but none more than the relationship we have with Yamaha and their continued supported is the key to our success." In MX2, Jay Wilson (Yamaha) was the overall winner, followed by Hamish Harwood (KTM), Wilson Todd (Yamaha), Aaron Tanti (Kawasaki) and Richie Evans (Yamaha). CN 450 PRO 1. Cole Thompson (KTM) 2-2 2. Colton Facciotti (Hon) 6-1 3. Kaven Benoit (KTM) 1-6 4. Tyler Medaglia (Kaw) 5-3 5. Matt Georke (Yam) 4-4 6. Jacob Hayes (Kaw) 7-5 7. Cade Clason (Hon) 8-8 8. Chris Canning (KTM) 9-9 9. Ryan Dowd (KTM) 12-7 10. Dave Blachet (Kaw) 11-10 Dean Ferris clinched a third straight MX1 title in the Australian National MX Championship.