Tanti Tightens the Screw in MX1 Championship Chase
To view the CDR Yamaha bLU cRU round review: https://youtu.be/PPS2xmpFSo8
In 2022, the Gilman circuit is where Tanti got his championship wave rolling and was able to ride it all the way to Coolum and with it take the number 1 plate. Is history about to repeat itself? Tanti finished the day in second place with a pair of second place moto finishes across the two motos, but more importantly, it was the points gained on his championship rivals that really made the day stand out for him.
He came into the Gilman round 26 points behind the series leader but left South Australia only nine adrift and ready to take up the challenge at the remaining three rounds. Tanti showed good poise during the two motos at Gilman as conditions changed greatly during the day and even an afternoon storm that rolled through during the final moto, didn’t seem to bother the current champ.
“I came into the weekend pretty determined to get my season back on track and myself back into the championship fight and although I didn’t get the round win, I was able to do that, so it was a positive weekend for me.
“I have always enjoyed racing here and the track was in amazing shape considering the weather the area had in the lead up, so congratulations to the club and the crew for effort they put in to make the weekend happen.
“I’m now back to within striking distance of the lead and we have three rounds to come all in Queensland, so its game on. Thank you to everyone on the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team as weekends like this are always hard work but everyone chipped in and we were able to get the results we needed,” Tanti ends.
The weekend also provided plenty for Luke Clout who claimed fifth for the round but again took the right steps that will see him get back to his best form. Clout ran up front in the early stages of race one before having some issues causing him to slow and nurse it home.
But he came out swinging in moto two and moved into the lead at the halfway stage and held it to the closing stages when he made a mistake and went down but was still able to salvage a third-place finish.
Fifth for the day and he now sits fifth in the championship and within 30 points of the leader and given the depth and the unpredictable nature of the premier class this year, Clout’s well and truly in the hunt for this years’ championship.
“I feel good leaving here today,” offers Clout. “While I didn’t win, I think it was another good step in the right direction in terms of speed and I feel a race and round win isn’t that far away.
“We have a month break before we head to Toowoomba, so its back to work on Monday and let’s aim to get our first round win of the season there,” Clout said.
Round six of the championship does indeed move to Toowoomba and the rolling red clay of the Echo Valley circuit on June 25.
PROMX RESULTS
Round Five – Gilman
MX1
1st Kyle Webster – 50
2nd Aaron Tanti – 44 (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team)
3rd Jed Beaton – 36
4th Kirk Gibbs – 35
5th Luke Clout – 30 (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team)
MX1 Championship Standings
1st Jed Beaton – 172
2nd Dean Ferris – 171 (Yamaha YZ450F)
3rd Aaron Tanti – 163 (Yamaha YZ450F)
4th Kirk Gibbs – 154
5th Luke Clout – 144 (Yamaha YZ450F)