Challenging start to ASX for Raceline Pirelli KTM

Challenging start to ASX championship for Raceline Pirelli KTM

Raceline Pirelli KTM press release:
Raceline Pirelli KTM got to a slightly bumpy but safe start to the 2016 Australian Supercross Championships at Jimboomba on the weekend, with both SX2 riders Wade Kirkland and Dylan Wills showing promising form throughout the round.

Thousands of spectators poured through the gates in Queensland on Saturday night, and both Kirkland and Wills were aiming to put on an impressive performance at round one throughout their heat races and 15 lap main event.

Despite having only rode Supercross for one week prior to the season opener, Kirkland showed plenty of potential at Jimboomba on the weekend. After finishing eighth in his heat, Kirkland raced to a hard fought 12th position in the SX2 main event, proving that he’s a natural when it comes to big jumps, and tight man-made circuits.

For Wills, round one of the 2016 ASX was a tough outing for the Newcastle talent. Wills battled it out with some of the best in the business to finish in an impressive fourth in his heat on Saturday, then with that result Wills progressed directly to the main event where two separate crashes hindered his charge – the KTM SX2 rider eventually finishing in 15th position.

Wade Kirkland – SX2 (12th Overall)

“It wasn’t too bad of a start to the Supercross series, it was my first ever Supercross race so 12th overall is pretty good,” Kirkland shared.

“I’ve literally been riding Supercross for one week, so I’m happy with what I achieved at round one.

“The team did a great job, we had the chance to do some testing before Jimboomba and it’s all paid off. Now we’ll just head to Toowoomba and see if we can improve again there.”

Dylan Wills – SX2 (15th Overall)

“It was a bit of a tough night. I went down at the start of the main, and I was coming through the pack and got to about ninth and I went down again,” Wills said.

“That sort of ruined my night – I wasn’t hurt or anything but the bike was a bit bent out of place, and I didn’t want to risk going down again. I got a good start, and I tried to do all the right things, but it’s racing, and I know it’s going to turn around soon I can see it.

“In the two weeks leading up to this round I made a lot of progress with my riding, so I’m looking forward to having a month of that, and then heading to Toowoomba where it will hopefully pay off.”

Chris Woods – Raceline Pirelli KTM Team Manager

“It was a challenging weekend for the boys. Obviously it was the very first time that Wade had raced Supercross, and despite Dylan showing some great speed in his heat race, as well as practice and qualifying, crashes in the main effected his overall result,” Woods said.

“Being the first round it’s good to get an idea of where the SX2 class is at with their speed, and we now have some really positive things to work on for the next round.

“With a month to get ready for round two, both Dylan and Wade have a lot more time to iron out any bits and pieces, and we’re looking forward to seeing what both riders can achieve with a little more preparation time.”

Raceline Pirelli KTM will now prepare for Round 2 of the 2016 Australian Supercross Championship being held at Toowoomba in Queensland on Friday October 14, 2016.

To follow Raceline Pirelli KTM’s progress this year, like ‘Raceline’ on Facebook or follow @raceline_motosport on Instagram.

For further information on the 2016 Australian Supercross Championship, head to www.ma.org.au