Defending champ wins Aussie SX opener

Defending champion Justin Brayton has kicked off his 2018 Australian Supercross Championship campaign in commanding fashion by winning the opening round at Jimboomba Stadium (Qld) on September 15.

Brayton edged out teammate Brett Metcalfe in a Penrite Oil Honda Racing SX1 quinella, while KTM’s Luke Clout finished in third position ahead of Dan Reardon (Yamaha) and Jace Owen (Kawasaki).

“I couldn’t rush it, the track dried out and there were areas that didn’t offer a lot of traction so I needed to be patient,” said Brayton after the final.

“Overall I am happy with my speed throughout all sessions and this is a great way to start the Championship.”

After qualifying in second, current Australian motocross champion Dean Ferris (Yamaha) had a big spill in his heat race and didn’t take any further part in proceedings. He suffered concussion and a bruised right lung, which will keep him sidelined for the balance of the championship.

Jay Wilson (Yamaha) was victorious in SX2 ahead of Americans Bradley Taft (Kawasaki) and Joshua Osby (Honda).

Round two will be held in Coolum (Qld) on October 6.

SX1
1. Justin BRAYTON
2. Brett METCALFE
3. Luke CLOUT
4. Daniel REARDON
5. Jace OWEN
6. Dylan LONG
7. Jesse DOBSON
8. Nicholas SUTHERLAND
9. Jesse MADDEN
10. Robbie MARSHALL
11. Joel WIGHTMAN
12. Connor TIERNEY
13. Jamie HARVEY
14. Zak SMALL
15. Joshua KILVINGTON
16. Timothy MACARTHUR
17. James ALEN

SX2
1. Jay WILSON
2. Bradley TAFT
3. Joshua OSBY
4. Hayden MELLROSS
5. Jacob HAYES
6. Dakota ALIX
7. Wilson TODD
8. Richard EVANS
9. Dylan WILLS
10. Jackson RICHARDSON
11. Ricky LATIMER
12. Tomas RAVENHORST
13. Kyle WEBSTER
14. Hugh MCKAY
15. Bailey MALKIEWICZ
16. Rhys BUDD
17. Cooper POZNIAK
18. Gradie FEATHERSTONE
19. Aaron TANTI
DNF. Kaleb BARHAM