News 14 Apr 2015

Maiden Super Pole appearance for Makeham at Appin

Moss injured in first turn incident.

Team Motul Suzuki press release:

Team Motul Suzuki’s Kale Makeham broke through for his maiden Superpole appearance at the second round of the 2015 MX Nationals held at Appin, NSW on Sunday April the 12th. In just his second MX1 event, Makeham posted the fourth fastest qualifying time in regular qualifying, before backing up his performance in the one lap Superpole dash, giving the young Victorian the fourth pick of the gate when racing commenced.

A fast start aboard his Suzuki RM-Z450 in the opening moto had Makeham running at the pointy end of the field in 3rd position before a small mistake on the technical circuit left him to record a 10th place finish.

It was a reversal of form in moto two for the 21 year old as he worked his way back from a mid pack start to finish 7th, resulting in his first Top Ten overall round result in the MX1 class.

“It was a good day at Appin and there are plenty of positives to take away. Makeham commented. “I still had a silly little crash that cost me a top overall result, but it was a big step forward from Horsham for sure.

“I qualified for Superpole which was a little unexpected this early in the season. I have watched it from the sidelines the last couple of years while racing MX2 and always thought it was a cool concept. It was one of my goals to make Superpole this year and it to get the first one under the belt early was a great feeling.

“I got off to a good start in the opening moto and was sitting in third until about half way before I made a silly little mistake and tucked the front end. I finished the race in tenth and was a little frustrated after having a big gap over the riders behind me before the tip over.

“We made some changes to the bike between the two races and we went in the right direction for sure and the bike was unreal. I managed to work my way through the field after a bad start to finish 7th. “It was a good solid 30 minute moto with no mistakes or crashes and gave me a good gauge of where I am at.” Makeham added.

For Makeham’s Motul Suzuki team-mate Matt Moss, the day did not go the way he was hoping for. The reigning two time MX1 champion was caught up in a first turn crash in the opening moto that left the number one plated Suzuki pilot in the hands of Race safe. Moss was taken to hospital for further observations and later released. “Moss was caught up in a first corner incident which really knocked him around,” team manager Jay Foreman explained.

“He has some swelling still, but has been released and cleared of any serious injury, though he will have to see a couple of specialist later this week to asses the extent of any injuries that he may have sustained.” “As for Makeham it was a improved ride from round one. He made Superpole and was in a good position in the opening moto before he fell over.

“The second moto he passed a lot of riders and at the end of the race was in a freight train of riders from fourth down and picked up a seventh place finish. “He has the speed and is getting better and better every race and is continuing in the right direction.” Foreman concluded.

Team Motul Suzuki will next be in action when the third round of the 2015 MX Nationals heads to Broadford, Vic on the 26th of April.

For further information on Team Motul Suzuki visit www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au. Like Suzuki Motorcycles Australia on Facebook; Also follow @suzukiaustralia and @suzuki_mx_aus on Instagram.

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