Raceline Pirelli KTM press release:

It was a history making day for Raceline Pirelli KTM at round six of the MX Nationals at Nowra yesterday, with Tasmanian team rider Wade Kirkland racing to a career first overall MXD victory.

With both Kirkland and MX2 rider Dylan Wills entering the round on a wave of confidence, both riders delivered top results when racing got underway at Nowra yesterday, and both riders left the track with a some outstanding achievements, as the series progresses on to Conondale.

Kirkland, who qualified in an impressive third position with a 1:48.536 lap time, went on to take third place in the first Pirelli MXD moto for the day. But it was race two that not only impressed the team but the entire crowd, with Kirkland securing the race lead early in the moto and checking out, eventually handing him the final moto victory, as well as the MXD round win at Nowra. Kirkland continues to hold second position in the Pirelli MXD championship after yesterday’s racing.

Wills who qualified just outside of the top five in sixth position in the MX2 class, went on to take both holeshots across the two motos, crossing the finish line in an impressive 5th place in moto one, while in moto two Wills took 9th. With both results combined, Wills who considers Nowra a home track, concluded the round in eighth overall. With the results from yesterday added to the MX2 championship points standings, Wills now sits in 7th overall.

Wade Kirkland – MXD – 1st Overall (3rd, 1st)

“It’s been a long road to get to the top step of the podium that’s for sure. I got to a pretty good start to the season and it all came together at Nowra today,” he said.

“We did a fair bit of testing in the break and it really paid off. I’ve got my suspension even better and it made a big difference today.

“I’ve been chipping away and it’s awesome to reward the team with a win straight after the break. They have all put in a lot of hard work to get here, so I can’t thank them enough.”

Dylan Wills – MX2 – 8th Overall (5th, 9th)

“Nowra was pretty good for me, I got a taste of running at the front with the boys and I led a few laps. I got two holeshots which was unbelievable, I haven’t done that in a long time so that’s a big credit to Woodsy and the whole team for putting an amazing bike underneath me,” Wills shared

“I’m pretty disappointed in myself for crashing out of third place in moto two, even though I didn’t quite have the pace of the front three guys for the whole length of a moto, I felt like I was set for a 4th or 5th again but it is what it is.

“I got up from my crash as quick as I could and I fought the rest of the moto on a twisted bike. I’m fighting hard and I’m sure all the pieces to the puzzle will come together soon!”

Chris Woods – Raceline Pirelli KTM Team Manager

“I’m absolutely stoked. Today was such a huge achievement for the team. It’s been a really big six months getting to this point and I can’t thank our sponsors, supporters, and all who are involved with the team enough,” he said.

“Wade really showed what he’s made of today. He’s a great kid who shows a lot of maturity on the track. He doesn’t get flustered and he just gets the job done, which he certainly did at Nowra.

“Willsy (Dylan) rode extremely well today too, and took a lot of steps forward. To take two from two holeshots and get inside that top five in a moto is fantastic.

“We did a lot of testing with the boys in the break and it’s paid off. It’s been a long time in between podiums, and we are just so happy for the entire team for making this happen.

“We simply couldn’t do it without the backing of our sponsors and our staff – a first round win for 2016 at Nowra is a top way to reward them for their hard work and dedication.”

Raceline Pirelli KTM will now prepare for Round 7 of the 2016 MX Nationals being held at Conondale in Queensland on July 16, 2016.

To follow Raceline Pirelli KTM’s progress this year, like ‘Raceline’ on Facebook or follow @raceline_motosport on Instagram.

For further information on the MX Nationals, head to www.mxnationals.com.au