Motul Pirelli Suzuki’s McCoy Races To Wollongong Super X Win, Clarke Second In The Lites

31/10/2011

RACE REPORT
2011 Australasian Supercross Championship (Round Two)
Wollongong (NSW)
29 October 2011

Team Motul Pirelli Suzuki’s Dan McCoy scored a triumphant first ever victory in the Pro Open category at Wollongong’s second round of the Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship, on Saturday, 29 October.

McCoy, 27, defied the odds with a spectacular performance in rain-soaked conditions after a thunderstorm struck WIN Stadium just moments before the finals commenced.

Once the gates dropped in the premier 15-lap Pro Open main event, McCoy scored the holeshot before settling into second position. McCoy made his way back to the front before the halfway mark and was never headed, despite numerous attempts from his rivals to challenge him for the position.

The win has boosted McCoy and the RM-Z450 to the top of the championship standings after two of five rounds, now taking the elusive red number plate into his home round at Campbelltown Stadium next weekend to signify his status as the series leader.

“It’s a great feeling for myself and especially the team, since they have worked so hard,” McCoy said. “I’ve never been in the position to race with the red plate, so I’m stoked and really want to hold onto it for the whole series. Having it at my home race will be special.

“The conditions on Saturday night were really tough, but the track was prepared well considering the storm. Being out front makes it easier in the mud, but I had to remain focused and was lucky enough to get the win!”

Raceline Pirelli Suzuki satellite team rider Lawson Bopping also finished in the top five, placing fourth for the round after challenging for the lead in the mid-stages of the race.

Team Motul Pirelli Suzuki’s Pro Lites contender, Steven Clarke, earned his first podium of the season aboard the RM-Z250, finishing second following a consistent performance.

British rising star Clarke, 21, now sits fourth in the standings and was pleased with his performance in what were ultra-tough conditions. Earlier in his dry heat race, Clarke finished a solid second to prove his form, rain, hail or shine.

“I got out to a pretty good start and rode a smart race to pick up some valuable points,” Clarke said. “I’m still in contention for the title, which is quite good, because anything can happen and probably will happen before the end of the series.

“The whole team has had the bike set up for me really well since I got here and it’s great to ride. I’m getting more and more comfortable every time I ride it, so there’s more to come. I want to win races and I feel that’s coming soon. I’ll train with McCoy this week and aim for that top step next week.”

Team Motul Pirelli Suzuki manager Jay Foreman credited the performance of the riders and team for their performance at WIN Stadium, confident that both McCoy and Clarke will build momentum as their confidence continues to grow.

“The first round was positive for us in the mud and we improved on those results over the weekend,” Foreman reflected. “Daniel has the championship lead and we are really proud to get the win in Wollongong. His consistency has been really impressive to start the season.

“Steven only rode the bike once before the first race, so he’ll just get better and better now in time. He was actually in the running for the win before being caught up with another rider early in the race, so we look forward to watching his progress in the coming rounds.”

The Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship, will continue this Saturday night at Campbelltown Stadium in New South Wales, marking round three of five for the 2011 season.

2011 Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship
Round Two – Wollongong, NSW

Pro Open Results:
1. Dan McCoy (Team Motul Pirelli Suzuki)
2. Dan Reardon
3. Jay Marmont
4. Lawson Bopping (Raceline Pirelli Suzuki)
5. Todd Waters
6. Tye Simmonds
7. Michael Phillips
8. Craig Anderson
9. Billy Mackenzie
10. Jake Moss

Pro Open Standings (after 2 of 5 rounds):
1. Dan McCoy (Team Motul Pirelli Suzuki) 41 points
2. Tye Simmonds 40
3. Dan Reardon 34
4. Billy Mackenzie 34
5. Jay Marmont 33
6. Todd Waters 30
7. Ryan Marmont 30
8. Michael Phillips 29
9. Cheyne Boyd 27
10.Jake Moss 22

Pro Lites Results:
1. Matt Moss
2. Steven Clarke (Team Motul Pirelli Suzuki)
3. Brenden Harrison
4. Gavin Faith
5. Luke Styke
6. Luke Arbon
7. Adam Monea
8. Casey Turner (Suzuki)
9. Matt Ryan
10. Keiron Hall

Pro Lites Standings (after 2 of 5 rounds):
1. Matt Moss 50 points
2. Brenden Harrison 40
3. Luke Styke 38
4. Steven Clarke (Team Motul Pirelli Suzuki) 37
5. Adam Monea 28
6. Gavin Faith 27
7. Casey Turner (Suzuki) 25
8. Kirk Gibbs 22
9. Luke Arbon 20
10. Matt Ryan 20

About SUZUKI
Formed as a weaving loom manufacturer in 1909, Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan started producing motorcycles in 1952.

Suzuki is an established brand in the Australian market, as the third-highest selling motorcycle brand.

For further information on Suzuki products, interested customers should visit their local Suzuki dealer, who can be found through the Dealer Locator on www.suzuki.com.au.

About MOTUL
Motul is a synonymous brand name when it comes to the motorcycle community and their passion for performance and excellence. Riders using Motul synthetic oil, ride their bikes with upmost confidence. They know that the oil they are using in their bikes has a proven pedigree that not only protects engines but also improves performance.

The uniqueness of Motul lubricants is that the oil available on the store shelf is a direct result of Motul’s research and development on the racing circuit.

Focused on improving the reliability and performance of lubricants, Motul has remained an industry leader, consistently pioneering many of the most important developments in engine oil history.
1953 – Motul produced the world’s first multigrade oil.
1966 – Motul produced the world’s first semi synthetic oil.
1971 – Motul produced the world’s first 100% synthetic oil with ester.
2004 – Motul produced the world’s first double ester technology.

Due to their ability to produce oils that will genuinely endure and protect during the toughest conditions in motor racing whilst also providing extra horsepower, Motul has become a dominant presence in National and International Motorsports. Maintaining this relationship over many decades has come via a commitment to evolve side by side with the engine technology of tomorrow.

For more information on the any of the products in the Motul range, visit www.linkint.com.au or www.motul.com.au.

About PIRELLI
Pirelli Motorcycle Tyres have a long history of outstanding success in a range of racing disciplines.

In 2011 Pirelli Scorpion MX riders won the premier World MX1 World Championship and MX2 World Championship which brings their MX World Championships up to an impressive 56 titles.

In Australia Pirelli has taken out the Motocross Nationals Pro Lites Championship and Under 19s Championship in 2011, as well as winning the 2011 Australian Four Day Enduro.

Pirelli is one of the biggest tyre manufacturers in the world in terms of sales revenue.

Pirelli has been producing motorcycle tyres for over 100 years and is well known in the motorcycling world for their technical precision and their advancements in cutting-edge motorcycle tyre technology.

The Pirelli range caters for all segments of the motorcycling market with performance tyres suited to motocross, enduro, trials, scooter, ATV, cruiser, touring, sport touring, sports and racing bike applications, including the exciting new Diablo Rosso II.

As a reflection of their quality and high performance, Pirelli is used by racing teams around the world including Team Motul Pirelli Suzuki and Raceline Pirelli Suzuki in the Australian Motocross and Supercross Championships. Pirelli is also the exclusive supplier of tyres for the World Superbike Championship.