Features 20 Dec 2014

Moto Awards 2014

MotoOnline.com.au's sixth annual Australian awards feature.

Back again for a sixth consecutive year are the MotoOnline.com.au Moto Awards, where we name the stars of the season past in a reflection of Australian and international racing. MotoOnline.com.au’s Moto Awards are done purely for entertainment purposes, pieced together via what we witnessed during the year both within Australia and abroad.

Image: Jeff Crow.

Image: Jeff Crow.

National Rider of the Year – Matt Moss

For the second year running it was impossible to look past Moss, successfully defending his MX1 MX Nationals crown, as well as his supercross title with a perfect season. The sheer capabilities of Moss to control such a hard-fought pair of championships can’t be denied.

International Rider of the Year – Ken Roczen

After finishing third in the supercross standings and winning the 450 Class outdoors, Roczen established himself as a genuine premier class contender in his rookie season – only due to get stronger come the new year with more experience on his side.

Off-Road Rider of the Year – Toby Price

In regaining the Australian Off-Road Championship, winning the Finke and Hattah Desert Races, and sweeping the Desert Tri-Series, Price was a man on a mission this year despite coming back from career-threatening injuries. Now prepping for Dakar, don’t be surprised to see him feature at the front in select stages on debut.

Rookie of the Year – Ken Roczen

He may also be the International Rider of the Year, but it’s easy to forget that this year was Kenny’s first on the 450. Again, another reason why he will be hard to look past when the gates drop on 2015.

Personality of the Year – Josh Cachia

Not as polished as some, Cachia has a natural Aussie sense of humour that shines through no matter the situation – just watch this 10 Questions interview to witness it first hand.

Image: Jeff Crow.

Image: Jeff Crow.

Race Series of the Year – MX Nationals

The MX Nationals continue to evolve year on year, featuring 10 rounds of absolute action within the MX1, MX2 and MXD ranks as well as the variety of supporting acts. It was also exceptional to see supercross make headway this year as well.

Most Anticipated Motocross Model – 2015 KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition

While details are thin at the moment in regards to an Australian release, the news KTM is releasing a 250 SX-F version of its Factory Edition special has got MX2 fans in a frenzy. Plus, the updated 450 looks just as impressive.

Most Anticipated Enduro Model – 2015 Yamaha WR250F

It’s been a long time since Yamaha has updated its trusty WR250F, but the time has come for 2015 and it’s already shaping up to be a winner. We’ll have our hands on it early in the new year!

Top Team – Serco Yamaha

You have to admire the efforts of Serco Yamaha in the MX2 ranks, winning their second consecutive MX Nationals title with the YZ250F against a host of powerful 250 two-strokes. This year it was Luke Clout who got the job done, delivering on board what was an all-new YZ250F at the beginning of the season.

Best Event – Monster Energy Supercross, Anaheim 2

With Chad Reed coming from behind to pass James Stewart and Ken Roczen in the final laps for his first win since 2012, the Aussie hero had fans worldwide on their feet. Respect!

Image: Simon Cudby.

Image: Simon Cudby.

Hottest Topic – James Stewart doping saga

It went on for eight months and now the verdict has been reached – we won’t be seeing James Stewart behind the start gates in 2015 after he failed an anti-doping test at the Seattle supercross. What’s the future hold for the former multiple champion?

Greatest Disappointment – Reed’s injury

After winning two of the first five rounds, it was crushing to see Reedy crash out of contention at San Diego. He did try and soldier on, but it wasn’t to be, and now we await to see if he can rebound all over again. You’d be mad to doubt him.

Most Surprising Moment – Villopoto to MXGP

It was rumoured for a long time, but when word finally came that RV wouldn’t be going for a fifth supercross title and instead will finish his career in Europe, it set up one of the most anticipated battles of all time between him and world champion Antonio Cairoli. We can’t wait to see it go down.

Social Standout – Kale Makeham

There’s a lot of value in having a strong social media following for racers and Makeham is one of the best in the business. Providing plenty of behind the scenes insights for his fans to follow and a subtle mix of sponsor promotion, he has a good mix that’s constantly building momentum.

Special Mention – Mathew Phillips

After making history as the first rider to go back-to-back with EJ and E3 World Enduro titles, Phillips has established himself as a great world champion and no doubt there will be plenty more to come.

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