News 23 Oct 2009

Oz SX: Yamaha hopeful of success at Geelong Super X round

YAMAHA RACING:

A home-town advantage and the desire to record yet another upset victory will fuel Yamaha Racing’s squad of factory riders at the second round of the 2009 Monster Energy Super X series at Geelong’s Skilled Stadium on Saturday October 24, 2009.

After taking the opening round victory at the first round of the series in Launceston, CDR Rockstar Yamaha YZ450F pilot, Jay Marmont is confident of backing up with another solidng showing in front of his team’s home crowd in Geelong.

Serco Yamaha’s American import, Kyle Cunningham will also be striving for a repeat performance after the YZ250F-mounted young gun finished on the podium on debut in the competitive Lites class.

After mastering the double header format last weekend, Geelong’s Skilled Stadium will host the Quad Challenge, with two heats determining the top 20 riders to compete in the four, five lap sprints with the points awarded for each race determining the winner of the round.

Super X Open

Jay Marmont and Cheyne Boyd are hoping a home-town advantage will help them cross the finish line in first position on Saturday night with the CDR Rockstar Yamaha squad also based out of Geelong.

Marmont, who rode consistently to claim victory in the opening round, said he was feeling confident ahead of the event.

“I’m feeling pretty good about my chances this weekend,” said Marmont. “The format is going to see shorter races so starts will be as important as getting the heat win and a good gate pick.

“This week I’ve been back at my own Supercross track practicing and doing the little things to make sure I am ready.

“It was great to get a win under my belt last weekend, it shows that we are here to race for the championship and get the step up on Chad (Reed) before he gets too settled on his new bike.

“The shorter races suit me, a good start can help you clear out and over 5 laps there really isn’t much opportunity for the slow starters to fight back.”

A solid showing at Launceston has teammate Cheyne Boyd ready to challenge the Open class frontrunners.

Boyd rode consistently and was confident he had risen to a new level to compete week in, week out for a top three finish.

Super X Lites

After finishing on the podium last weekend in Tasmania, Serco Yamaha recruit, Kyle Cunningham believes he has the speed to once again factor within the top three this weekend in Geelong.

Cunningham, who was flown in from American to sub for the injured Mitch Hoad, is currently third in the 2009 Monster Energy Super X series.

While happy with the result the YZ250F rider believes he can finish higher on the podium.

“Last weekend’s result was good but it could have been a little bit better,” Cunningham said. “I did what I could but I didn’t get the greatest start in the first moto and I managed to get fifth.

“In the second moto I managed to catch up with Moss where I made a few passes and a few mistakes and ended up third.

“I definitely think I can go one better this weekend. This weekend is a 15 lap race, where endurance is going to be more important than last weekend when it was two, eight lap races.

“I’m five points off the lead and with the longer races there is more time to make up positions and points in the championship.

“My focus is on winning the championship and to do that I need to be consistent each week and just continue to make sure that I finish on the box.”

Cunningham’s teammate, Kirk Gibbs is currently fifth in the championship point score and is hoping for another strong result this weekend to help advance his position in the series standings.

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