No two ways about it, the 2017 Motul MX Nationals was one for the books, throwing up all sorts of twists and surprises.
You can read the full wrap in ADB Issue #458 but here’s what some of the top riders thought of their 2017 season.
WORDS // SIMON MAKKER: PHOTOS // ADB, SM AND MX NATS
DEAN FERRIS
“This championship is pretty special for me,” he said. “I went out with the intention of winning the overall at every round and, with the exception of Shepparton, where I had my only crash of the series, I managed to do that. After the pressure last year where it went down to the final lap of the final race, it was a really nice feeling to wrap the championship up with a round up our sleeves.”
HAMISH HARWOOD
“Some rounds were okay but some were just torturous,” Harwood admits. “The hardest thing was my hands got so sore and tired of holding onto the ’bars, especially on the hardpack tracks.”
“MX2 was my focus, but KTM wanted to show that their 300XC is a great alternative for motocross in the MX1 class, so I put my hand up for the job,” he says. “Even though it’s been tough, I’d probably do it again next year, as I’ve received a lot more exposure from it that if I’d just come fourth in MX2.”
BRETT METCALFE
“This year’s been a big learning curve and things didn’t work out the way I’d hoped, but it’s been enjoyable nonetheless,” Metty reflects. “Being involved with the Kawasaki team in the back-half of the season has been good, and I’ve loved being back home with the wife and kids.
“I’d like to explore options to come back to Australia, whether it’s for racing or permanently. I definitely feel I’ve got more racing to do, so next year I’ll be back and ready for a really good run for the title.”
KYLE PETERS
“It’s been a tough season with some injuries and a few little things here and there,” Peters admitted. “Overall I had a lot of fun and had a good experience, but it’s a whole different world over here. I feel like I’ve learned a lot over the past six months, that’s for sure.”
“I’ll go home, re-evaluate and try to find something for next year and if an offer comes from the right team over here I’ll be back.”
EGAN MASTIN
“This feels amazing,” Mastin grinned between champagne showers.
“It’s been a hard two years in America by myself and with no support, so to come back here and win the championship straight away, I couldn’t be happier. I was an unknown coming into the season – that’s just what happens and for some reason the officials and people don’t really like me, but I’ve got an awesome group of people behind me and that’s all I need.”
KIRK GIBBS
“I’m happy to be the only guy to beat Dean this year. I would’ve liked to have at least brought the championship fight into the final round, but he rode so well this year and I can’t take anything away from him.”
