A strong uplift of form in Mackay saw Honda Racing’s Dean Ferris claim his first ProMX moto victory since his full-time return to competition, the triple national champion later outlining key factors that contributed to his swift turnaround.

Ferris controlled the second MX1 moto at Gum Valley from start to finish and ultimately took the chequered flag with a 2.7s advantage, marking a notable arrival at the front of the pack after finishing moto two in P9 at Wonthaggi just two weeks ago.

“It means a lot, not just for the championship and the round,” Ferris explained to MotoOnline. “Just getting back to form after everything I have been through in the last few years. It just felt really nice to get a result that I have been working for, for myself and the team.”

In August 2020, Ferris broke his back in a practice crash and also sustained 10 broken ribs. Last year in March he announced his retirement, before signing with Honda Racing later in the year to make a comeback of sorts in 2022.

Ferris suffered a pre-season setback ahead of the ProMX opener at Wonthaggi as he broke his collarbone in practice for the Coffs Harbour Stadium MX event. However, in a much better condition now physically, he indicated what improved between rounds one and two.

“There were a number of things. One, my health was a lot better at round two and, secondly, I would say my bike set-up was a whole lot better as well. Thirdly, I actually got bike time and training in before the event. Round one was definitely challenging… I had a lot going against me and we pretty much just put it behind us.

“It was nice to get a moto win, tried to not do anything crazy, just put myself in a good position and was able to get on with it. Now I can get on with the plan that I set out when I had come back to the sport. Definitely is that first step, that is for sure. A huge thanks to team Honda, they have been working so much and that was the first result I had got for them. Also to my suspension technician, my trainer, my osteo and everyone involved.”

Ferris finished fifth in Mackay’s opening moto, landing him second overall for the round in a 1-2 for Honda Racing alongside rookie teammate Kyle Webster. The number 111 currently sits sixth in the MX1 championship standings as six rounds remain in the 2022 series.