Dream Start for CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team

Media Information: 28 March 2022

Under awesome blue skies and sensational conditions, a large crowd gathered to watch the opening round of the championship and the always challenging Wonthaggi circuit didn’t disappoint as it was a real test of man and machine and fitting way to get racing back under way for the new season.

To view a recap of the round from CDR Yamaha: https://youtu.be/eBjWJ941VZ4

Reigning champ, Luke Clout, entered the weekend after a low key pre season but was confident he had what it takes to be a front runner in the MX1 (450cc) division and get his title defence off to a great start. He did more than that and left the circuit with the perfect 1-1 to score maximum points.

The day wasn’t without its challenges for Clout, but he used his years of experience and racing knowledge, stayed clam under pressure and stick to the CDR Yamaha game plan for the weekend. In both races, Clout always point himself in good track position and was then able to make the most of mistakes made by others to take both race wins and hit the ground running in 2022.

“The plan coming into the weekend wasn’t to be the fastest, or the wildest or the flashiest, but be the smartest and log good laps at a good pace and I’m pumped that we were able to do it today. This track is tough, and it was un-seasonally warm down here so maintaining focus was so important as the track can get you at any time. 

“Kyle was clearly quicker than me today as he was exceptionally fast and that’s ok. The old me would have over-ridden and done something stupid but we have 16 races to win this championship and every one of them is important, so I kept me head in the game from the moment the gate dropped and I was rewarded with the round win.

“Thanks again to the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team for again giving us the best and its great to have my brother back on the tools. Looking forward two in a couple of weeks and keen not get back to work this week,” Clout ends.

It was also a stunning debut for Aaron Tanti with the CDR Yamaha Team taking second place for the round with 3-2 results in the two, thirty-minute races. Tanti’s riding has stepped up considerably since joining the CDR Yamaha team and the Wonthaggi circuit was once considered a liability for Tanti, is now proving to be a strength and he improves his riding in soft, sandy conditions.

Tanti was up the front in both motos and logged consistent laps all the way until the finish. He looked comfortable and in control the entire time and his second place was only the second time he has stood on the podium since joining the MX1 division.

“I’m pretty happy with how the weekend played out and the way I rode,” Tanti begins. “The start of any new championship is a little nerve racking and the goal is always to get some good points, stay health and get back into the swing of national race intensity.

“The next few tracks and a bit more in my wheel-house as far as the track surface, but I’m beginning to like this sand stuff and slowly working things out to produce good lap times.     

“The bike was awesome all day and we barely touched it, so the team have done a great job in preparing things and a 1-2 finish is always a great reward for everyone’s work,” Tanti said.

The 1-2 result left team owner, Craig Dack, all smiles at the end of the day, but it was just as much about how the riders went about it as it was the result that impressed him.

“The 1-2 result is a dream start and even out did our own expectations coming into the event. Both riders showed great composure on a tough track but also got the most from themselves as they were both exhausted at the end of each race. 

“We also under no illusion that the competition is close this year with plenty teams and riders that will be in the mix for race and round wins. We will enjoy this one tonight and then get back to work in readiness for the next round at Gum Valley,” Dack explains.

Round two of the Pro MX moves to the Gum Valley circuit, eighty kilometres south of Mackay in Queensland. Nestled in the rolling sugar can fields, the track is one of the best in the country and the riders are looking forward to it.