Kawasaki Motors Australia press release:

Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing’s Aaron Tanti wound up tied on points for third at Gladstone’s ninth round of the 2018 Pirelli MX Nationals, in an event that proved to be one of the most challenging for MX1 contender Rhys Carter.

New South Welshman Tanti translated his P3 qualifying time into a second place finish in the opening MX2 encounter following a spirited ride for the top spot.

He was well in the thick of it during race two, pushing through the rough and demanding conditions at the central Queensland circuit, ultimately collecting fourth position. His 2-4 scorecard positioned him just two points shy of the overall victory, however he was credited fourth on countback after levelling on points for third.

“Moto one was good and I was confident,” Tanti explained. “I landed on the podium, but to go 2-4, get fourth overall and miss out on the overall win by two points is a bummer. In the big picture, I only lost one point to [Hamish] Harwood in the championship, so it’s good for me heading into the final round.

“I’m confident with how I’ve been riding, but it’s all going to come down to next weekend. There’s no one else to worry about, I’ve just got to battle it out and hopefully secure a podium position in the standings.”

Qualifying ninth, Carter charged to sixth in the opening moto despite being forced to overcome a number of errors, although his day would come to a premature end when an issue saw him withdraw from the final outing, granting him 18th overall.

“It just wasn’t my day, even with the sixth in the first moto,” Carter declared. “In race I just couldn’t find a flow, and that cost me in the end.

“The second race I got caught up in one of the ruts and went over the bars, I got back up and started coming through the pack, but then I had an issue – it happens and it is motorsport. I’m looking forward to Coolum and I’d be pretty happy if I could finish out the season on the podium.”

Tanti remains second in the MX2 standings with one round remaining, 57 points outside of the points lead, while Carter is currently seventh in the MX1 championship.

The Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing team will now head to Coolum in Queensland on August 11-12 for the 10th and final round of the 2018 MX Nationals. Head to www.mxnationals.com.au for further details on the series.

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