Dunlop-equipped racers again occupied multiple podium positions in both the MX1 and MX2 categories at Shepparton's seventh round of the 2017 MX Nationals series in Victoria on Sunday.
In the premier MX1 class it was KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs who captured a breakthrough overall victory thanks to a consistent moto scorecard on the technical circuit.
The 2015 series champion lept to an early lead on the day with his second moto victory of the season in moto one before backing it up with a strong runner-up finish in moto two to claim his maiden victory of the 2017 season.
Although making his first substantial mistake of the year while leading moto one and subsequently finishing in seventh position, CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris returned with vengeance in moto two winning convincingly to secure the second spot on the podium behind Gibbs.
Kicking off his day with an exciting battle for second in the opening moto of the day, DPH Motorsport Yamaha’s Kade Mosig rounded out the top five in the overall rankings on his Dunlop-shod YZ450F.
Defending champion Ferris continues to lead the MX1 championship standings followed by Gibbs in second position and Mosig in third with three rounds remaining on the 2017 schedule.
The MX2 class saw a consistent Wilson Todd reign supreme aboard his DPH Motorsport Yamaha entry as he rode to the overall victory thanks to a 2-2 moto scorecard on the day.
The series leader topped fellow Dunlop-equipped championship rival Mitch Evans on the day the class rookie rode his Serco Yamaha YZ250F to a 1-5 score to secure the final spot on the podium.
Aboard his Yamaha YZ250F Richie Evans also put in a strong performance in Victoria as he rode to sixth overall using a consistent 6-6 scorecard.
In the MXD category, Yamalube Yamaha Racing’s Cody Dyce finished in the runner-up position overall after dominating the opening moto of the day and backing it up with a second in moto two.
The development class rookie now sits within striking distance of the 2017 number one plate as the series heads to its final round in two weeks time.
“It’s great to see Kirk claim his first victory of the season,” said Dunlop national motorcycle manager Sebastian Mincone. “To have both Kirk and Dean occupying the top spots in the MX1 class speaks volumes for the Dunlop equipment. Overall it was a strong weekend for our riders and we’re happy to continue leading both the MX1 and MX2 categories with Wilson adding another victory to his name yesterday too.”
The 2017 MX Nationals will take a brief one-week break before returning at Port Macquarie in New South Wales on 30 July for round eight.