Dean Ferris takes 3rd overall in Australian MX Championship‏

Dean Ferris finished off the
Australian MX Nationals in superb form, ultimately taking 3^rd
overall in the closely contested Pro Open class. Ferris was also awarded
the Andrew McFarlane Trophy, a prize which recognizes the highest placed
privateer rider.

The final round, which was held at
Coolum this past weekend, was a double header with 6 motos spread over 2
days. The Saturday was 2 X 25 minute races, with the championship coming to
a head on Sunday with 4 x 7 lap back to back races.

On Saturday Ferris started in great
form. In the opening moto Ferris hunted down and passed Billy Mackenzie for
the lead, ultimately gapping the field to win by just under 10 seconds. The
second moto was a lot tougher as a first lap crash left the 20 year old
fighting back from 29^th place, before another small off hindered
his progress further. In the end the Honda privateer rider managed to
recover to 11^th place at the chequered flag, awarding him
4^th place for the day.

In the Sunday finale, a series of 4
back to back races, Ferris was determined to go for victory.

In the opening race a poor start
left him fighting through the pack, crossing the line in
4^th.

The second race was spectacular as
a super charged Ferris fought hard, coming from 3^rd place to
ultimately take the win.

In the third race, whilst battling
for the lead with Mackenzie, Ferris landed on a tire and ripped off his
rear brake pedal. Overcoming the brake problems Ferris still managed a
3^rd place, crossing the line just 6 seconds off the race
winner.

In the final show down of the
series it was Billy Mackenzie and Dean Ferris fighting elbow to elbow as
they gapped the pack. Whilst Ferris posted the fastest lap, it was
Mackenzie who took the race victory.

Dean Ferris commented on the
racing: “For me it was a very positive end to the Australian MX
season. We made some fundamental bike set up changes a few weeks back and
that has really boosted my speed on tack. It showed on Sunday morning when
I posted my first Pro Open pole position and then also the fastest lap in
that final moto. For sure Billy and I where the fastest guys out on track
this weekend, so to finish the championship with that form makes me really
happy. This week I fly out to Belgium, my plan is to try and get a ride on
a team for some of the remaining Grand Prix events, so hopefully that all
comes together.”


Final Australian Championship
Standings - Pro Open

1 Jay Marmont 495
2 Billy Mackenzie
482
3 Dean
Ferris 465
4 Tye Simmonds 431
5 Cheyne Boyd 416
6 Todd Waters 365
7 Cody Cooper 354
8 Daniel McCoy 297
9 Lewis Woods 255
10 Beau Ralston 242