RND 2 MX NATS SET TO EXPLODE

POSTED: 27 Apr 2010 @ 11:45 am   298 VIEWS

McFarlane sets hopes on history with MX Nationals heading to Broadford VIC

The new track location (Broadford VIC) for round three of the Australian Motocross Championship, has former World #2 motorcross racer Andrew McFarlane setting high hopes of history repeating itself, as he remembers great podium success on the world circuit when Broadford hosted two rounds of the 500cc World Motocross Championship back in 2000 and 2001.

Eleven years on and McFarlane is concentrating on Australia’s Motocross Championship riding for JDR Motorex KTM Racing on board the KTM 450 SX-F.

Commenting on his memory of the glory days and high hopes of a podium at Broadford McFarlane said, “In the year 2000 a round of the World 500cc Motocross Championship headed to Broadford in Victoria. I entered the event with the confidence of showing the world stage that Aussie riders have what it takes to compete against the best of the best.

“At the time my bike was a 500cc two stroke built by Rob Twyerould who today is KTM Australia’s technical manager. I took the hole shot, and led the likes of 1999 World Champ, Andrea Bartolini, plus Joel Smets and Marnique Bevoerts for 32 minutes, until rain set in and I was passed by Smets and Bevoerts with two corners remaining. I still got a podium with third in Australia’s first ever World Championship round.

“My results saw me land a factory ride in Europe, and when the World GP returned to Broadford again in 2001, this time I finished second to ten time world champ and KTM rider Stefan Everts. I’ve now secured a third, and a second at Broadford on the world circuit, so it would be great to wrap that up with a first in the Australian Championship.

Andrew McFarlane currently sits fifth in the Pro Open of the Australian Championship, and will enter round three at Broadford alongside, team mate Tye Simmonds who is riding Australia’s only KTM 350 SX-F motorcycle, which will not be available in Australia until July 2010. Simmonds is only 17 years old, and the rider that has fans and competing teams talking as the next big name to come out of Australian dirt bike racing. Tye is the youngest factory rider in the premier class, and secured his first podium with third place at the previous round in Canberra.

Adding to JDR Motorex KTM Racing’s international experience will be PJ Larsen in the Pro Lites class. Larsen is from the California in the USA, and is renowned for his domination in the World Mini Bike Championships.

At the opening round of the Australian Motocross Championship Larsen dominated the rest of the field to take the lead in the Pro Lites class, but a good battle with Kirk Gibbs at round two in Canberra saw him move into second, with team mate Ryan Marmont in third place.

Confident of regaining his lead at Broadford, Larsen has been training alongside JDR Motorex KTM Pro Lites team mate Ryan Marmont, who will also be riding in the Pro Lites class. Both riders will enter on board the KTM 250 SX-F, a bike that saw Ryan Marmont win the Pro Lites Championship back in 2007.

The third round of the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals will take place on Sunday 2 May at State Motorcycle Complex, Broadford, VIC. The racing format for both the Pro Open and Pro Lites will be 1 x 20 minute moto and 2 x 15 minute motos back to back.

Admission is $30 for adults, $15 for children, $70 for families. For more information see www.mxnationals.com.au.

JDR Motorex KTM Racing Results will be posted at www.ktm.com.au and www.jdrmotorsports.com.au.