New Zealand’s Kayne Lamont is still the man to beat across the Tasman.

He battled to third overall at the latest round of the Australian Under-19 Motocross Development Championships at Appin, New South Wales, at the weekend.

But, most importantly, he has managed to maintain his vice-like grip on the championship lead.

Overall class winner at Appin on Sunday was Australian former junior 85cc world champion Jay Wilson (Suzuki), while another Australian KTM rider, Dylan Long, finished the day runner-up.

Wilson finished 1-1-3 in the three races, former junior 85cc world No.3 Long scored 3-3-2 results and Mangakino’s Lamont took his CMR Red Bull KTM 250 to chime in with 2-2-5 placings.

“It was a hard-pack track and, being on a two-stroke bike, I had problems with wheel-spin on the slick surface,” said the 19-year-old Lamont. “The track suited the four-stroke bikes.

“In the last race of the day I got smashed into twice and was knocked back to 12th or 15th spot. I fought back, though, and managed to claw my way back up to finish fifth.

“I’m thrilled to be still leading and to come away with my points lead intact after a horror day like that … well I’ve got to be happy don’t I?

“I don’t like coming third, especially after winning four rounds in a row, but I simply struggled to get the power to the ground.

“I’m physically in great shape at the moment, probably the fittest I’ve been and now I have two weeks to rest up before the next round.

“I’m not panicking about the result on Sunday. I’m not happy to drop points but I’m still with a solid lead in the championship.”

The BikesportNZ.com star enjoys a 27-point lead in the series ahead of Long.

The Monster Energy MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championships, will now take two weekends off before continuing at Moree in New South Wales on Sunday, August 19.

Lamont is supported by CMR Red Bull KTM team, Jeff Leisk of KTM in Australia, Cannon Smith and Patrick Stafford of KTM in New Zealand, BikesportNZ.com, trainer John Appel, Dragon Goggles and Shift apparel.

 

Results from Appin, NSW:

MXD overall results:

1. Jay Wilson 70

2. Dylan Long 62

3. Kayne Lamont 60

4. Dylan Leary 58

5. Kale Makeham 48

6. Mitch Norris 47

7. Nicklas Scott 39

8. Sam Martin 34

9. Corey James 34

10. Dylan Wills 32

 

MXD Championship Standings (after 7 of 9 rounds):

1. Kayne Lamont 414

2. Dylan Long 387

3. Dylan Leary 352

4. Jay Wilson 340

5. Kale Makeham 337

6. Sam Martin 323

7. Mitch Norris 237

8. Joel Milesevic 230

9. Wade Hunter 176

10. Mitch Budd 175

© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com