Aussie MX title ready to roll

The 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, the battle for the Australian Motocross Championship, was launched in Sydney yesterday, ahead of the opening round in Broadford (Vic) on Sunday, March 13.

The season will see a back-to-back four-moto format in the Pro Open category, marking a gruelling test of rider and machinery.

Defending triple champion Jay Marmont will remain with the powerhouse CDR Rockstar Energy Yamaha team as he bids for his fourth straight crown, confident he has what it takes to remain at the top.

“There are going to be new guys battling for the title, a lot of points up for grabs and it’s going to be important to be consistent,” 27-year-old Marmont said.

“I’ve prepared as much I can heading into the season and I feel like I’m in better shape than I ever have been. Will it be enough? I hope so! We’ll definitely know once the racing begins.”

New Zealand’s long-time Motocross World Championship contender Josh Coppins (see video below) will join Marmont at Yamaha this season, the 34-year-old logging a series of impressive laps at Appin.

“It’s really professional in Australia so it’s great to come and race here, plus spend a little bit more time at home – I’m excited about it,” Coppins said. “All that I can do is give it 100 percent every week. After 15 seasons in grand prix racing I’m looking forward to what this championship presents.”

Last year’s runner-up, Scotsman Billy Mackenzie, returns with Monster Energy Kawasaki once again and he’s eager to go one better now that he’s settled into the Australian lifestyle. Both he and new team-mate Dean Ferris, who is the current No. 3, debuted their new colours today.

“I came over to Australia to have a bit of fun and we did that,” Mackenzie said of 2010. “Last year was a good fun year for me, but I could have ridden better and done things better. I feel like I’ve had my learning year, now I want to go out there and win the championship.”

One rider who is entering the season under the radar is Queenslander Dan Reardon, the JDR Motorsports KTM rider who returns home after three seasons based in America. Last time Reardon contested the MX Nationals in 2007 he won the title on a Kawasaki, and he is eager to reclaim that title from Marmont.

“Winning the title is the team’s plan and that’s my plan,” Reardon explained. “I’m feeling comfortable on the 350SXF so I look forward to getting round one underway and seeing how it pans out.”

Former Pro Lites champion Ryan Marmont, 26, will join Reardon this season aboard the factory KTMs.

The man who set the fastest lap at Appin was Cody Cooper, another Kiwi who has what it takes to battle for the title as Rockstar Motul Suzuki’s lone Pro Open contender. In his second year back on Australian soil, Cooper believes experience from last year will pay dividends come round one.

“We have a good base to start with after last year and I am entering the series really focused,” Cooper said. “There’s going to be a lot of competition this year and I’m excited about that, but I just have to worry about myself so I can do my best come round one.”

Meanwhile, the Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing team has announced the injured Todd Waters will be replaced by New Zealander Michael Phillips at the opening round in Broadford.

Waters dislocated his wrist and broke his scaphoid, requiring surgery, and has subsequently being ruled out for up to 12 weeks.

Phillips, 24, is no stranger to the team, having contested the Lites title on a CRF250R in 2010.

Many top Pro Lites contenders were also on hand at Appin today including 22-year-old 2009 champion Matt Moss (JDR Motorsports KTM) in his return to the series alongside Lites teammate Brenden Harrison.

Also debuting in new colours were Daniel McCoy (Rockstar Motul Suzuki), Cody Mackie (Team 07 Axis Motorsports Honda) and American talent Phil Nicoletti, who has been drafted in by Monster Energy Kawasaki as their lone Lites contender.

The Under 19s category will again expose Australia’s up and coming talent in 2011, that class featuring well over 50 pre-entries who are keen to stake their claims on the title ahead of round one.

Visit www.mxnationals.com.au for complete series and round information on the 2011 season.