New Zealand Moto 1 Motorcycles Honda Trio Make Their Mark At ProMX Round 1

With rough conditions and a stacked field in both classes, New Zealand Honda riders kick started their 2024 Aus ProMX Campaign at Wonthaggi for Round 1 of the ProMX Championship. 

The King Brothers, Curtis and Rian, competing in the MX2 class both felt the soaring temperatures in the late Victorian summer, combined with the rough sands of Wonthaggi. 

For Rian, a career best 8th place in the final MX2 Moto was a huge achievement for the MX2 rookie, demonstrating his progression over the off-season in New Zealand. 

“I struggled with arm pump during the first Moto”, said Rian. 

“I got a great start in Moto 2 and worked my way through the pack, so I am happy with my 8th place finish”, concluded Rian. 

Curtis King would not fair so well, with Moto’s marred by first turn crashes and poor track posotions, 28-27 Moto scores would conclude a frustrating day for Round 1. 

“It was a tough day for me and I struggled to get comfortable on the bike” Said Curtis 

“I had a bad start and came off the track during Moto 1 and then in Moto 2, I went down on the first turn.” 

“We’re both looking forward to the hardpack track at Horsham for the next race” Said Curtis. 

New Zealand youngster Pheonix Van Dusschoten set the pace early on, qualifying in 10th place in the MX3 class to secure himself a great gate pick and track position for the Moto’s.

In Moto 1 Pheonix got a great start and was battling with the leading pack until a small crash left him further down the field. Pheonix fought hard to cross the line in 14th. 

Ready to fight for the podium again, Phoenix was involved with an early pile up in Moto 2 resulting in a loss of positions and left him finishing in 12th for a 13th place overall.

“ I felt great on the bike and I was happy with my starts” Said Pheonix “ I learnt a lot from the racing here so overall it was a good start to my championship.”

The Moto1 Motorcycles Honda Racing Team now heads to MX Farm for R2 of the Sunshine State MX Series March 23rd and 24th.