Long, now the loan-ranger in the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team produced another consistent night of racing to claim fifth on the night and move to fifth in the championship with two rounds to go.
Under the triple final format that sees the SX1 (450cc) riders hit the track in quick succession over three, twelve lap races, Long finished with 8-5-4 results on the night and continued to improve each race.
Race one he suffered from a poor start and struggled to get through the mayhem but with better starts in each of the next two races, Long was able to produce the speed and skill he has and was right in the thick of the battle.
The final race saw him in fourth and hot on the heels of the top three for the entire race, just unable to make a pass on the experienced riders in front of him.
“Things started off a little ordinary but by the end I was on the pace and battling inside the top five, which is where I think I should be,” Long expressed.
“Getting out of the gates well and through the first turn was so important on this track and when I got up front I was able to maintain it. To follow and race guys like Brayton, Metcalfe and Reardon, all very experienced and professional riders allows me to see what they do and take in how they got around a track like that. I learnt a lot from watching them in that final race so hopefully I can pick up next week where I left off tonight and aim for the podium at round four.”
Adelaide was a happy hunting ground for Long in 2017 where he finished second in the main event behind US Import, Justin Brayton, and he is targeting a repeat performance this weekend.
Dean Ferris was back at the races on the weekend and in good spirits after his nasty fall at round one. Although still not able to ride or race yet, Ferris was on hand for the legends parade, which also featured his boss, Craig Dack, as well as sign autographs for fans at the event and at Peter Stevens promotional night.
“Things are progressing well and I’m starting to feel much better. The first week I was pretty dusty but at the moment I feel fine and my body and mind are healing well. I’m still not ready to get back on the bike yet, but my progress is good and doctors are happy with what they see.”
SX1 Round 3 Results
1st Justin Brayton- 72
2nd Brett Metcalfe – 69
3rd Dan Reardon – 60
4th Jace Owen – 49
5th Dylan Long – 47 (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team)
6th Lawson Bopping -45
7th Nick Sutherland – 38
8th Robbie Marshall- 36
9th Jesse Dobson – 36
10th Zak Small – 35
SX1 Championship Points Standings after Round 3
1st Justin Brayton – 75
2nd Brett Metcalfe – 66
3rd Dan Reardon – 54 (Yamaha YZ450F)
4th Jace Owen – 52
5th Dylan Long – 46 (Yamaha YZ450F)
6th Luke Clout- 46
7th Jesse Dobson – 40
8th Nick Sutherland – 39
9th Robbie Marshall- 34
10th Zak Small – 29
