JDR Motorex KTM yesterday celebrated a triumphant podium sweep of the Pro Lites class in the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals season opener in memory of the legendary late Andrew McFarlane.

Last season the Broadford round marked the lowest of lows that a team can experience when former world title contender and multi-time national champion McFarlane was killed during a devastating practice incident.

Less than 12 months later the team topped the Pro Lites podium, with new signing and 2009 champion Matt Moss winning ahead of teammates Brenden Harrison and rookie Josh Cachia.

The weekend marked the perfect start for new team manager Danny Ham – himself a former factory racer – and he told MotoOnline.com.au this afternoon that the win means so much to the entire JDR Motorex KTM squad.

“Going into the event I knew that it was going to be a tough year at Broadford for everyone involved,” Ham commented. “It was on the mind of everybody, what happened last year, so to come away with the win really made the team happy.

“It was so devastating for the team last year there, so to come away with that kind of start is just really uplifting for the team. Everyone is so proud and the boys have been working so hard to get everything ready.

“It’s a dream really, to start the way we have is just amazing.”

Moss lead the orange trifecta at the head of the Pro Lites field, taking the overall victory with 1-2-2-1 results for the round.

“It was the first time I’ve done these formats with four races back-to-back and I felt really good,” 22-year-old Moss said. “It’s good that all three of us are on the podium for KTM and we’ll keep working hard to stay here on top.”

Rising star Brenden Harrison consistently featured amongst the front of the field and commenced 2011 on the podium in second overall with 3-5-5-3 results in his return from a broken femur.

“I got four good starts and it really helped,” the Queenslander said. “The team went 1-2-3 for the round, so all in all it was a good day and I’m ecstatic for them.”

Rounding out the podium for KTM was current Under 19s champion Josh Cachia with 2-17-1-6 finishes. His race two result was due to a first lap fall, but the moto three win capped off an exceptional debut.

“It was a solid result and a good way to start the season,” the Kilmore local commented. “I was stoked to get my first moto win in the third race and look forward to round two.”