Max Purvis finished off the 2019 MX Nationals strongly taking a round win and a second place at the final two rounds of the championship a Coolum.
Purvis, while still mathematically in the championship hunt, was a long shot to pinch the MXD (under 19) title from Regan Duffy, as he entered the final weekend of racing some 34 points behind and in need of lady luck to make up the points gap.
But championships weren’t on the 18 year old Kiwi’s mind, winning races was, and he came alive on Saturday taking two impressive race wins to claim round victory and keep Duffy on his toes heading into the final day. The gap was back to 26, but with two races remaining, Max needed a minor miracle.
Lightning wasn’t able to strike twice, and Purvis couldn’t repeat his performance in the final round. He charged on to finish second in both races and take second for the round, but Duffy claimed the championship by 32 points over Purvis after the final 20 minute moto was complete.
“Coming into this season my goal was to win this championship so I’m a little disappointed that I wasn’t able to make that happen. Regan raced well all year and I just made some costly mistakes at the wrong time as well as not always getting great starts which set me back.
“Congratulations to Regan on a good battle and it was fun racing with him all season.
“This was my last year in MXD and I can’t thank the WBR Yamaha team enough for offering me this opportunity this year. Its been awesome having them working with me at the events and providing such good bikes to race. It’s a real family team and everyone works so hard.
“My plan is now to head back to New Zealand for a couple of weeks before getting started in supercross. I have only done a couple of supercrosses before and I really liked it so I’m keen to keep learning how to ride the smaller tracks and improve my technique on them.”
Jack Kukas was unable to race the MX Nationals after not getting a medical clearance for the weekend. Kukas was concussed at round eight of the championship last weekend in Moree and doctors felt he needed some extra time to ensure he is back to 100%.
Both Jack and the team were disappointed in not being able to race but also understand the rider’s safety is paramount.
Photo: Marc Jones