CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris has kick-started his title defence after recording a perfect 1-1 scorecard today at the opening round of the 2017 Motul MX Nationals series in Wonthaggi, Victoria, while Wilson Todd (DPH Motorsport Yamaha) earned his career-first victory in the MX2 category.

Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki’s Kyle Peters secured the holeshot in moto one and maintained the lead until there were just two laps remaining, where he was passed by Ferris before suffering a devastating mechanical issue, relegating him to ninth.

Eventual overall runner-up Kade Mosig (DPH Motorsport) and Crankt Protein Honda Racing’s Todd Waters capitalized to finish second and third respectively, as Kirk Gibbs (KTM Motocross Racing Team) and Brett Metcalfe (SD3 Husqvarna) rounded out the top five.

In race two, MX1 rookie Luke Clout (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) claimed the holeshot, although it was Ferris who was quickly appointed the lead as rival Waters fell victim to a first turn crash.

Mosig maintained a close distance behind Ferris to be credited second, while Gibbs rounded out the top three in third, awarding him the final spot on the podium in the overall results.

Metcalfe held third in the early stages, however a mechanical issue at the halfway mark ultimately saw him record a DNF. Luke Styke (KTM Motocross Racing Team) and Clout completed the day fourth and fifth respectively.

The opening MX2 race saw Wilson Todd and Serco Yamaha’s Jackson Richardson share the lead as they exited turn one, with Richardson who holding the advantage early on.

The pair remained within striking distance for majority of the race, however Todd made a move for the lead in the later stages to take home his first moto victory of 2017.

Synep Racing Husqvarna’s Dylan Wills slotted into third, but a mistake saw him drop down the order, allowing Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Jayden Rykers to secure the position.

Davey Motorsport KTM’s Egan Mastin shot to the lead with a convincing holeshot in moto two, going onto the control the remainder of the 20-minute plus one lap moto to take his first win of the year.

Race one winner Todd continued to hold second, crediting him the overall, while Kyle Webster (Penrite CRF Honda Racing) moved by Hamish Harwood (Davey Motorsports KTM) at the halfway point to claim third.

Mastin’s race victory elevated him to second overall, just one point ahead of Serco Yamaha teammates Evans and Richardson who tied on points, with Evans claiming the higher position on count back. Western Australian Rykers finished fifth overall with a 3-6 scorecard.

The MXD class was wrapped up by Yamalube Yamaha Racing’s Cooper Pozniak who put together two perfect motos, finishing the weekend ahead of rookies Jy Roberts (Husqvarna) and Cody Dyce (Yamalube Yamaha Racing).

Dyce actually crossed the line in first position during moto one, although he was issued a 10-second penalty which denied him the win. The top five was completed by Kaleb Barham (SD3 Husqvarna) and Benjamin Broad (Kawasaki).

The 2017 Motul MX Nationals championship will continue with round two of the season at Appin in New South Wales on Sunday, 23 April.