They Fire Up on Sunday

Australian MX Nationals

www.motoonline.com.au   With a new season upon us, MotoOnline.com.au explains why this year could be the best yet!

The Monster Energy MX Nationals will officially fire-up this Sunday, 14 April, at Raymond Terrace in New South Wales, one of the most anticipated seasons in history. With so many topics, wide-open fields and a selection of world class professional race teams, tune in for all 10 rounds of 2013.

New champions
Three new champions will be crowned in 2013 following the departure of reigning champions Josh Coppins (retired), Ford Dale (steps up to MX1) and Kayne Lamont (steps up to MX2) from the MX1, MX2 and MXD classes respectively. While the number one plates will be absent, the title-race is wide-open across the board!

Live streaming
With Williams Event Management launching live streaming via a partnership with My Sport Live in 2013, catching the MX Nationals action from anywhere will be easier than ever before. For now it’ll consist of a pre-show and practice/qualifying, however chances are we’ll see Coolums final motos aired as well.

MX2 madness
Remember the battle that went down to the wire last year? Well, Luke Styke and Josh Cachia are certain to continue that well into 2013. Ford Dale might be in the 450s now, however there are a host of fresh faces eager to join Styke and Cachia in title contention.

Rising stars
Some of the new talent injected into Australian Motocross for the new year include Luke Clout on the Serco Yamaha, Geran Stapleton at Raceline Pirelli Suzuki, Choice Motorsports KTM’s combo of Kayne Lamont and Dylan Long, plus more. As for the 450 class, we have some riders on factory teams, such as Ford Dale, Kirk Gibbs, Matt Moss and Adam Monea.

Orange brigade
JDR Motorsports may have packed up and departed Aussie shores, however the good news is that KTM Australia has formed an all-new factory super team under the guidance of Rob Twyerould. Signing 2012 standout Todd Waters alongside Kirk Gibbs, Motorex KTM has stolen much of the limelight during the pre-season.

Can Jay Marmont rebound to score title number five outdoors? Image: Jeff Crow/Sport the Library.

Marmont’s mission
With four titles to his name across the 2008-2011 seasons, Jay Marmont entered last year with a massive amount of pressure following a shock silly season switch to Monster Energy Kawasaki. Now 12 months in and with a Supercross title at Kawasaki to his credit, expect a rejuvenated Marmont this year – especially flying in beneath the radar.

Supporting acts
An expanded support category line-up is in store for 2013, including the boost from a single KTM-backed 2-Stroke Cup round up to three. Plus the Vets, Amateurs, Rookies and Quads will also grace the series at certain rounds during the 10-round campaign. No doubt we’ll be witnessing action aplenty throughout!

Tradition returns
The single topic most riders are excited about this year is the fact that we will see tradition two-moto formats return. The MX1 and MX2 classes will be a battle of the best over a 30-minute duration for each race, requiring a whole different skillset compared to recent seasons.

International flavour
International contenders continue to add flavour to the MX Nationals, with the ongoing Australia v New Zealand rivalry stepping up a notch following Josh Coppins’ 2012 MX1 win, plus Kayne Lamont’s MXD victory. We’ll see the Aussies take on the Kiwis, plus Scottish star Billy Mackenzie, and more all season long. Can we keep the title on home soil this season?

Moss v Moss
In a battle of the twins, season 2013 will feature an inner-family rivalry in the MX1 category as Matt Moss and Jake Moss go head-to-head. Matt has the factory Motul Pirelli Suzuki while Jake is on the satellite Cambell Mining-supported Suzuki, setting up an intriguing battle of the brothers. Both have won MX2 titles, forming a race to the family’s first premier class title.

Top photo:  Todd Waters will lead Motorex KTM’s return to the MX Nationals. Image: Andy McGechan.