New to the series calendar, Maitland will hold a national event for the first time in 2019 and MX Nationals series promoter Kevin Williams expressed his enthusiasm to be heading to the venue.
“It’s fantastic to be heading to another new venue for round 7 of the series. The Hunter region is huge for Offroad Motorcycle riding with the region selling more bikes per year than anywhere else in the country. As a market and demographic that’s great for our series to be able to bring the MX Nationals show to the hunter regions enthusiastic fan base for the first time.”
The tighter confines of the Maitland circuit will switch up the tempo for the riders and teams from the high speed natural terrain of Gympie’s previous round six. With the closest championship points chase we have seen in recent years for THOR MX1 coming into round 7, the back to back short moto format for this round could throw the championship wide open. The tight track and intense racing will favor the young guns of Monster Energy CDR Yamaha’s Luke Clout and Empire Kawasaki’s Dylan Long, both who had great success winning at last year’s Ranch MX sprint format round. The elder statesman in the class of DPH Husqvarna’s Todd Waters, Monster Energy CDR Yamaha’s Kirk Gibbs and Penrite Honda Racings Brett Metcalfe will look to find good track position early and match the sprint speed of the younger generation. Don’t count out Raceline THOR KTM’s Hayden Mellross who is still on the hunt for his maiden victory in THOR MX1 and privateer hot shot Jesse Dobson who could really shock the field with his blistering speed and a good start in the back to back motos.
In Pirelli MX2, DPH Husqvarna’s Wilson Todd continues to lead the championship while the blue cru Yamaha riders of Nathan Crawford (Serco Yamaha) and Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha) are hot on his heels after podium performances at round 6. Jay Wilson could be especially dangerous as the 2015 series champion gains momentum from his win at Gympie in his trademark late season charge to the title. Penrite Honda racing’s Kyle Webster and Serco Yamaha’s Aaron Tanti will look to find podium form again at Maitland.
Motul MXD will showcase the up and coming young talent in U19’s age group who always show speed and intensity on the track.
Maitland will also welcome back the blue cru Yamaha 65cc Cup to the series, which is a key initiative by Yamaha and the MX Nationals to develop the next generation of Australian Motocross talent with young riders age 12 and under racing Yamaha’s 65cc machine around the national calibre race track on the same day as their racing heroes.
The action packed day kicks off at 10am, tickets available at the venue. Bob Robinson Park, 60 Kyle Street Rutherford which is situated within the Rutherford Industrial Estate, off the New England Highway west of Maitland.
