The Battle In The Bush series rolled into Warwick MX Club for another action-packed four-hour team relay, with Rooted & Roosted emerging victorious after a hard-fought battle across one of Queensland’s premier motocross venues.
Warwick MX Club delivered a unique layout by combining its renowned motocross circuit with fast-flowing enduro sections weaving through the trees and a sandy creek bed. After three days of track preparation and watering, riders were treated to prime conditions, with the club’s signature “chocolate cake” dirt earning plenty of praise throughout the day.
The event atmosphere began the night before with camping, a large bonfire and plenty of bench racing as competitors caught up over dinner and a cold drink. Many riders were returning to Warwick for the first time in years, while others experienced the venue for the very first time, highlighting the broad appeal of the Battle In The Bush team format.
Before the main event, riders warmed up with practice laps and a series of novelty competitions. Jesse Bishop claimed victory in the Pod Rut Limbo, clearing an impressive 70cm to win a set of DangerBoy LE 2 Knee Braces, while Daniel Newson took out the Pirelli Slow Race. The Motorex Barrel Challenge also kept spectators entertained before attention turned to the day’s feature race.
A full grid of 21 teams lined up for the traditional Le Mans-style start, with riders sprinting across the start straight before launching onto their waiting bikes. Stark Future grabbed the Pirelli Holeshot and controlled the early stages, leading the opening eight laps as Team1Lap stayed within striking distance.
As the race settled into a rhythm, Rooted & Roosted worked their way to the front and never looked back. The team completed 51 laps in 4:00:28 to claim the Open Class victory, finishing just over two minutes ahead of The Gundy Boyz. Stark Future secured the final podium position after an intense battle with MXstore that continued right through to the closing laps.
Although Stark Future finished third, they set the benchmark for outright speed by recording the fastest lap of the Open Class with a blistering 4:15.764.
MXstore and The Ark and Bark Crew rounded out the top five with 50 laps apiece, while Team1Lap finished sixth after completing 49 laps.
The event’s relaxed team format once again proved popular with competitors.
“I love this style race, four hours, do as many laps as you like, swap transponders, it’s super cruisey, go as fast or slow as you like, and hang out with the boys and have a beer after the race,” said Matty McFerran.
One of the standout stories came from PKA Racing. After an early injury sidelined teammate Aron, father-and-son combination Matt and Kaden stepped up to complete the four-hour relay as a two-man team. The pair soldiered on to complete 41 laps and finish 16th in the Open Class.
In the Mixed Class, Daycare & Dirtbikes proved too strong, completing 46 laps to secure a convincing three-lap victory over Misfits, with Emma McFerran leading the charge and young gun Tara Randall starring for the runners-up.
The Vets Class belonged to Two Pro’s One Slow, who completed 49 laps to comfortably defeat BFR Bandits and The Striking Individuals, both of whom finished on 45 laps. BFR Bandits claimed second by just 26 seconds in one of the closest battles of the day, while Two Pro’s One Slow also posted the fastest Vets lap with an impressive 4:36.200.
The celebrations continued after the chequered flag, with trophies presented thanks to Rival Ink and a generous prize pool supplied by Motorex, Oakley, Barkbusters, Pirelli and Ballards.
Following a successful Warwick round, the Battle In The Bush series now heads to Queensland Moto Park on Saturday, August 8, before visiting Appin on Saturday, September 5, where both events will be contested on dedicated motocross tracks. Register your interest at battleinthebush.com.au.
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