DPH Motorsport’s Wilson Todd has raced to his first Motul MX2 round win of the 2017 race season after riding his Yamaha YZ250F machine to 1,2 results at Round 1 of the Motul MX Nationals at Wonthaggi.
With a number of riders stepping up to the Motul MX2 class from the MXD ranks, or returning from racing overseas this season, it was hard to pick who would take the first victory for 2017 on the technical Wonthaggi circuit, but Todd was dominant from the outset.
In what was familiar Victorian weather, qualifying took place in chilly conditions this morning and it was a battle of the three Yamaha riders Wilson Todd (DPH Motorsport), along with Serco Yamaha pair Mitchell Evans and Jackson Richardson. But after the 15-minute timed session it was Todd who topped the time sheets with a 1:45.476 lap time, an impressive 1.4 seconds ahead of Evans and Richardson.
Moto 1
With DPH Motorsport’s Todd taking first gate pick in race one, all eyes were on his 2017 Yamaha YZ250F as the 40 strong bikes approached the first turn, but it was Serco Yamaha’s Richardson who secured the first Raceline holeshot ahead of fastest qualifier Todd.
After only two laps, Richardson stretched out his lead on Todd to a healthy two seconds, while Synep Racing’s Dylan Wills settled in to third position aboard his Husqvarna ahead of Bulk Nutrients WBR’s Aaron Tanti.
Todd eventually made a pass for the lead and in the closing stages of race one Todd continued to put distance between himself and Richardson.
Moto 2
Davey Motorsport’s KTM rider Mastin got to the race lead after only the first turn, but DPH Motorsport’s Todd was once again lurking in second position threatening for the lead.
After only six minutes on the rough Wonthaggi circuit, Mastin looked in no way to be slowing down aboard his KTM 250 two-stroke, while Todd looked comfortable in second position ahead of CML Racing Team’s Harwood.
As moto two reached its closing stages, two-stroke piloted Mastin continued to lead from Todd, Webster and Harwood. Fifth position was occupied by Evans, followed by Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Rykers in sixth, and Serco’s Richardson who had made his way back to seventh from his lap one crash.
But it was Mastin who was the man of the moment in moto two, putting in a flawless performance to lead from lap one to the chequered flag. Todd crossed the finish line for the final time today in second, while CRF Honda Racing’s Webster wrapped up his second outing today in third.
With 1,2 results, DPH Motorsports’ Wilson Todd concluded round one on the top step of the Motul MX2 podium, Mastin wrapped up the season opener in second overall, while Serco Yamaha’s Mitchell Evans’ consistency paid off seeing the 2016 MXD champ finish his MX2 debut in third for the round.
Wilson Todd – DPH Motorsport – Round 1 Winner
“I’m stoked to come out this year and win the opening round. I had a lot of bad luck last season,” Todd shared.
“Obviously to come out and win the first round we’ve got the season on the right track. I got two awesome starts and finished top two in both motos, so I can’t ask for much more than that.
“It’s a family environment with the DPH Motorsport guys and everyone under the truck is super supportive, so I can’t thank them enough for their help to get this done and we’re pumped for the rest of the season.”
Motul MX2 Round 1 & Championship points
1) Wilson Todd – 67 points
2) Egan Mastin – 57 points
3) Mitchell Evans – 56 points
4) Jackson Richardson – 56 points
5) Jayden Rykers – 55 points
6) Kyle Webster – 53 points
7) Hamish Harwood – 52 points
8) Richie Evans – 46 points
9) Dylan Wills – 45 points
10) Aaron Tanti – 44 points