Debut Enduro-X event a big hit
Using existing elements of the Broadmeadows Park, Enduro-X added obstacles in the form of tyres, logs, rocks and a mud section. This meant that Enduro-X wasn't just a test of speed, but of balance, bike control and stamina, too.
The event was the brainchild of local enduro stalwarts, Col and Dave Robbins. Organising and hosting the event proved to be a test of the Robbins's stamina, too, after torrential rain forced them to abandon their first attempt at the event in 2011. Fortunately, the skies stayed clear in the lead up to the event, as well as on race day.
Hot, dusty conditions added to the challenge for the riders, which were spread across four classes: Pro; Expert; Clubman; and Over 35. The Motorex KTM Off Road Racing team fielded four Pro class riders in the form of Toby Price, Ben Grabham, Ben Burrel, and new recruit Chris Hollis in the Pro class. They were joined by familiar enduro names in the form of Glen Kearney and Matt Phillips, with trials specialists like Jack Field, Tim Coleman and Ina Halls adding a new and exciting element to the mix.
After heats and last chance qualifiers across the support classes throughout the morning and into the afternoon, the highlight of the day, the Pro class competition, came down to a trio of four-lap finals, with the glory - and a $5,000 cheque - going to the rider who accrued the most points across the three races.
The Motorex KTM team were expected to be the strength in the Pro class, and didn't disappoint, coming within a few points of making it a clean sweep across the Pro class podium. Toby Price and Chris Hollis scored a convincing 1-2 finish overall. Jack Field (Gas Gas) flew the flag for the Trials guys, finishing third overall.
Price (KTM 500 EXC) rode to 3-1-1 results across the three races, while current Australian Off Road Champion Hollis (KTM 350 EXC-F) sealed the runner-up position with a 1-4-2 scorecard. The result really could have gone either way, with both riders locked together for much of the final race, and stumbling at the same point on the challenging circuit.
"It was good to get the win in something different that we don't usually do," Price commented. "The track was marked out really well and was a lot of fun to ride - one wheel wrong and things got very difficult. I'll be doing a bit more testing on the 500 EXC in the next couple of days in the lead-up to the nationals, but so far, so good."
Grabham (KTM 350 SX-F) narrowly missed the Pro class podium in fourth overall, followed by Trials rider, Tim Coleman (Gas Gas). Motorex KTM team manager Brad Williscroft was victorious in the Over 35s category aboard the KTM 250 EXC, which was his first event on the two-stroke since 2003.
All riders expressed their satisfaction with the course and the running of the event. The good vibes and positive feedback created by the first Melbourne Enduro-X will hopefully lead to the event being a regular instalment on the Australian off road competioon calendar, with hopes of a multi-round, multi-State series to follow.
RESULTS - 2012 ENDURO-X - Broadmeadows Motocross Park, Melbourne.
ENDURO-X Pro Class (best of three four lap races)
1. Toby PRICE (KTM) - 70 pts
2. Chris HOLLIS (KTM) - 65 pts
3. Jack FIELD (GAS GAS) - 50 pts
4. Ben GRABHAM (KTM) - 49 pts
5. Tim COLEMAN (GAS GAS) - 47 pts
ENDURO-X Expert Class (one race final)
1. Liam CLOVER (HUSABERG)
2. Jayden GRIMSHAW (YAMAHA)
3. John PAYTEN (HONDA)
4. Luke HARRAWAY (SUZUKI)
5. Jake WHITLEY (KAWASAKI)
ENDURO-X Over 35 Class (one race final)
1. Brad WILLISCROFT (KTM)
2. Adam REIMAN (KTM)
3. Owen LOCK (YAMAHA)
4. Brandon KLENHUIS (HUSABERG)
5. Jason SALOPAYERS (KTM)
ENDURO-X Clubman Class (one race final)
1. Jack GAYNOR (KTM)
2. Brenton WALSH (KTM)
3. Simon VAN BAALEN
4. Kodi BURGOYNE (YAMAHA)
5. Liam MAGGS (HONDA)
Full results and more information at www.enduro-x.com.au
