Dunlop Tyres Australia press release:

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team’s reigning two-time MX Nationals champion Dean Ferris put forward a dominant performance to open his 2018 defence at Newry, Victoria, on Sunday.

Ferris was unbeaten in the pair of 30-minute MX1 motos in truly challenging weather and track conditions, picking up where he left off at the top of the points-table.

It was a satisfying beginning to the new year for Dunlop-equipped teams and racers at the season-opener, with Ferris directly followed by 2015 title-winner Kirk Gibbs (KTM Motocross Racing Team) in second overall via 2-2 finishes.

Moto one saw Ferris and Gibbs duke it out at the head of the pack until the former finally seized control, as Kade Mosig (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) and Brett Metcalfe (Penrite Honda Racing) made it a 1-2-3-4 for Dunlop in the first encounter.

While Ferris and Gibbs were able to repeat for another 1-2 in moto two, Mosig had to settle for eighth position following a fall that resulted in fourth overall and Metcalfe’s podium hopes were dashed when he experienced technical problems for a late-race DNF.

Additional Dunlop riders to complete the weekend within the top 10 included Luke Clout (KTM Motocross Racing Team) in sixth overall after carding P4 in the second affair, as well as popular Victorian Dylan Long (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team) in eighth.

The MX2 category saw Dunlop-shod Nathan Crawford ride his Serco Yamaha to first in moto one on return to the quarter-litre division, ultimately claiming second overall. Fellow lead Dunlop riders Richie Evans (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) and Wilson Todd (Serco Yamaha) were fifth and sixth respectively, the latter scoring third in race two.

Dunlop racers were also able to shine in the MXD ranks, as Penrite Honda Racing rider Callum Norton stood third on the overall podium, equal points for the round victory in a three-way tie for position. He was P2 in a frantic opening moto, crossing the line first only to be demoted one position due to a time penalty.

The next stop for the 2018 MX Nationals will take place at Appin in New South Wales on Sunday, 29 April, marking round two of the 10-round season for this year.

Visit www.dunloptyres.com.au or find Dunlop Tyres Australia & New Zealand on Facebook and @ridedunlopau on Instagram for further information on the brand.