Jay Wilson Extends MX2 Lead in Toowoomba

Jay Wilson extends his MX2 lead
Jay Wilson extends his MX2 lead

JCR Yamaha rider Jay Wilson has added to his championship lead after winning the ninth round of the 2015 MX Nationals.

Story by Hayden Gregory
Jay Wilson extends his MX2 lead
Jay Wilson extends his MX2 lead


Only three points separated leader Jay Wilson from reigning MX2 champion Luke Clout heading into round nine at Echo valley, ensuring both races remained hotly contested and crucial to overall championship standings.

Jay Wilson qualified in pole position for moto one but it was Davey Motorsport’s (KTM) Jack Simpson who started the pick of the riders. Despite his holeshot start, Simpson’s lead lasted less than a lap being rounded up quickly by Luke Clout.

In an action packed start to the race, KTM’s Dylan Wills and JCR Yamaha’s Wilson started to build pressure on leader Clout with both riders eventually making the pass. Wilson stole the lead from Wills before Caleb Ward seemingly came out of nowhere to become the fifth sole leader of the race.

The race for lead position would remain extremely competitive with an amazing five riders holding first place within the first half of the race. Wilson, Wills, Caleb Ward and Takeshi Katsuya were all within contention.

It was Japanese veteran Katsuya who made his way around both Wilson and Ward to become the sixth leader for the race. In a thrilling contest for all fans, Katsuya would maintain his lead to finish in first place. KTM’s Ward finished in second place ahead of series leader Wilson in third.

In moto two, Wills once again managed a strong start taking hold of the early lead alongside Husqvarna’s Nathan Crawford. JCR Yamaha’s Wilson surged through the field to find himself in third place early on. It didn’t take long for him to round up the leading duo and take control of the race.

Wilson held off a fast finishing Ward to finally complete his first overall round win for the season. Another impressive race by Katsuya allowed him to cross the line in third. A count-back meant the Japanese rider had to settle for second place overall after finishing on equal points with Wilson. Caleb Ward secured third place overall with a consistent 2-2 finish for the weekend.

I couldn’t go this whole season and go for this championship and not get an overall win and I was happy to get it done here,” Wilson said. “I have always done well here, every senior race I have had here I have won, It is a good record to have I guess and I am pretty happy to walk away with the overall here today.

The overall victory for Wilson extended his championship lead to 21 points over former teammate Clout who finished down the leader board in eighth position with a 6-9 score.

I can’t say enough about the JCR Yamaha team. We’ve been working hard this season and it’s showing, our bikes are running awesome, I’m really enjoying myself and I just can’t wait to get to Coolum,” Wilson added.

 

 

Motul MX2 Round Nine Overall Points:

1st Jay Wilson – 65
2nd Takeshi Katsuya – 65
3rd Caleb Ward – 64
4th Dylan Wills – 54
5th Wade Hunter – 49
6th Nathan Crawford – 48
7th Jed Beaton – 48
8th Luke Clout – 47
9th Jack Simpson – 44
10th Dean Porter – 42

 

 

Motul MX2 Championship Standings:

1st Jay Wilson – 530
2nd Luke Clout – 509
3rd Takeshi Katsuya – 500
4th Jed Beaton – 443
5th Caleb Ward – 417
6th Wade Hunter – 411
7th Nathan Crawford – 394
8th Dylan Wills – 388
9th Geran Stapleton – 355
10th Luke Arbon – 327

 

Damien Ashenhurst
About Damien Ashenhurst 1721 Articles
Managing Editor of DIRT ACTION magazine. Damo doesn't like cheese or ISIS. Can often be found riding in mud because it's closest to the natural environment of a squid.