Hansen wins Dunedin mud fest

Wet and treacherous conditions prevailed at round five of the Monster Energy Super X event in Dunedin on November 20, with Kawasaki’s Josh Hansen demonstrating his skill on the ice rink to win both Open class motos, while Suzuki’s Matt Moss was the overall winner in the Lites.

Hansen made flying starts in the two 12-lap finals and never looked back, pushing him further ahead Yamaha’s Jay Marmont in the overall championship standings.

“That was a scary one, especially with points,” said Hansen.

“It was super wet, very muddy and a lot of lappers. Starts were really important and I had to be consistent and smart out there.

“It’s great to have the support I have behind me. Big thanks to everyone who has made it possible to be here and Troy Carroll from the Kawasaki Racing Team for all his help. This series is really cool and has been a lot of fun.”

KTM’s Tye Simmonds (2-3) and Suzuki’s Jake Moss (3-2) tied for points behind Hansen, with Moss claiming second on a countback.

With just two rounds remaining, starting in Parramatta (NSW) on November 27, Hansen has now extended his lead over Marmont to 46pts (275 to 229), with Moss (194) and Simmonds (191) battling hard over third place.

Marmont was fourth overall in Dunedin, ahead of a fifth place finish for local star Cody Cooper (Suzuki).

In the Lites the first of the two eight-lap finals was a nail biter, with Matt Moss and fellow Suzuki rider Steven Clarke sparing throughout.

Clarke was the eventual winner after overtaking Moss on the second last corner, with championship leader PJ Larsen (KTM) in third.  

Moss then blitzed race two, with Larsen and Cody Mackie (Kawasaki) rounding out the podium.

Larsen’s championship lead over Moss has now been trimmed to 4pts, with KTM’s Ryan Marmont is third.