Ryan Marmont and Motorex KTM have increased their lead in the Pro Lites class of the Nokia MX Nationals following an unbeatable performance at round four of the Australian Championship at Conondale in Queensland on the weekend.

Following a week of testing 2007 suspension components on the KTM250SXF with mechanic Danny Apro, Marmont felt confident of a victory. The two came up with a setting that allowed Marmont to master his riding style on the KTM and secure a win in both his motos for the number one spot on the day.

In his first moto, Marmont secured the hole shot and led for the first 22 minutes of the race. Close behind Marmont was Kawasaki rider Mitchell Hoad. The two battled throughout the remaining minutes of the race continuously swapping position until Marmont started to physically over heat, allowing Hoad to pull away.

Unable to shed any layers whilst riding Marmont rode at a comfortable pace behind Hoad. Maintaining his lead on the rest of the field Marmont was happy to settle for second until Hoad endured mechanical challenges, giving Marmont a clear run home to take the win.

Come his second moto, Marmont again pulled a gap on the field taking the hole shot. Dicing with Marmont in this moto was Honda rider Troy Dorron, who sits second in the Pro Lites Championship. The two kept each other honest throughout the entire race, until the last two laps where Marmont put his head down and pulled away convincingly taking his first double victory for the overall win on the Conondale circuit.

Pro Lite Championship points now sit with Motorex KTM and Ryan Marmont on 166 points, Troy Dorron and No Fear Honda in second on 148 points and Serco Yamaha’s Cameron Taylor in third on 135 points.

In the Pro Open racing Motorex KTM riders Timmy Weigand and Daniel McCoy endured a weekend of get offs and mechanical challenges, two ingredients they’re hoping to take out of the mix come the next round at Geelong in Victoria on Sunday 21 May.

QUOTES

Rob Twyerould – Motorex KTM Race Team Manager
“Going into the meeting Danny and Ryan were testing 07 suspension components and between them they came up with a very good setting which Ryan debuted in his first double moto win for the year,” said Twyerould.

“Conondale has traditionally been a tough circuit for Ryan so his achievements are all the more rewarding.

“With more testing leading into the next round Timmy and McCoy should start to shine. They’re both familiar with the Geelong circuit, after competing in the Oceania motocross last year.

“Ryan hasn’t ridden at Geelong before but with the way his KTM250SXF is going it should be easy riding for him.”

Lee Ellis – Motorex KTM Pro Open
Missed the round recovering from injury.

Timmy Weigand – Motorex KTM Pro Open
“I have put myself under a bit of pressure to impress with my first factory ride in Australia - that combined with bike familiarity has really taken its toll on my performance to date,” said Weigand.

“I’m finally starting to get used to the competition so I know what to expect and I’m comfortable with the team so I just need to master the bike.

“In my first moto I was second into the first corner behind Craig Anderson and then dropped back to 4th or 5th. They watered the track quite a bit which made it quite slippery. I had a get off on the slippery surface which put me back in the pack but I managed to work my way up to finish just outside the top ten.

“In my second moto I got a great start and was again second to Ando into the first corner. I dropped back a little and was dicing with Darryll King for a couple of laps when we collided mid air causing another get off. By the time I remounted heaps of riders had passed me and I finished way back.

“I’m hoping bike testing to fine tune my suspension settings, and track knowledge can help me get on the podium for the next round at Geelong.”

Daniel McCoy – Motorex KTM Pro Open
“I had a good week of testing the KTM450SX leading up to the event and Motorex KTM felt confident we had ironed out previous mechanical challenges, said McCoy.

“All precautions were made on race day but unfortunately I had a get off in moto one causing damage to the bike and then in my second moto unanticipated mechanical challenges struck.

“With this combination I was unable to finish either moto which was very disappointing. We have two weeks until the Geelong round of the Nokia MX Nationals so hopefully more team work can help me get where I want to be which is on the podium.”

Ryan Marmont – Motorex KTM Pro Lites
“It felt great to take my first double moto win for the season, said Marmont.

“The KTM250SXF is running like a dream for me. A combination of my sheer determination to win and the bike performance is what’s keeping me on top.

“Also, my fitness is really getting back to a level it should be at following my shoulder surgery so I’m starting to feel on a big high.

“Whilst I’m enjoying the success I know the competition is tough and there are a number of riders in the Pro Lites who are just as hungry for a win and the championship top spot.

“I haven’t ridden at Geelong before but I’ll be putting in the hard yards for testing and training leading up to the round so hopefully everything will continue to run smoothly and I can keep Motorex KTM at the top of the Pro Lites Championship.”