After finishing second in the MX3 division in 2021, Kingsford elected to move him to the pro ranks in the MX2 class and has more than done himself proud with some stand out results at the first round of the championship on a demanding and intimidating Wonthaggi circuit.

To view a round review video from the WBR Yamaha Team: https://youtu.be/6kU7Zn70v6k

Kingsford finished with 6-5 results to claim fifth spot but things could have been even better. Have the confidence boosting result in race one, Kingsford burst from the blocks in race two and settled into second place. He more than held his own and remained in touch with the race leader for several laps into the race before a mistake saw him fall from his YZ250F and lose positions.

He was able to remount and get back into the race before hammering all the way to the end and scoring a very impressive fifth place.

“I’m stoked with my results and so happy with how I raced,” Kingsford beamed. “There’re a lot of great riders in the MX2 class and it was a bit weird battling with some riders that I had looked up to for years.

“I had put in a lot of hard work with the team and was confident I would go ok – but my goal was just a solid top 10 in both races – so to come away with top five in a race and also fifth for the day has surprised me.

“I have done plenty of laps around Wonthaggi and I felt pretty good all day. My fitness was good as I was able to fight all the way to the end and the bike was sweet both races.

“The next track is a different type of dirt and surface, so we will get to work on that and keep the momentum going,” Kingsford ends.

Stepping up for a last-minute guest ride was Kiwi Yamaha rider, Brodie Connelly. Connelly entered the event with little time on the WBR Yamaha YZ250F bit made the most of his limited time and finished up tenth for the day with 11-10 results.

The Kiwi ran up front early in race one but the pace was hot and he slipped back down the top 10 but it was a still a big learning curve for him and a round that he can take a lot from.

“We haven’t had any national racing in New Zealand this year, so to step straight into the championship in Australia where the riders are fit and ready to go was tough. The speed and depth of the MX2 field here is strong and all it takes is one mistake and you have half a dozen riders all over you.

“I’m in for the next one in Mackay and I hear the track is a bit more like what we would race in New Zealand so I’m looking forward to that and hoping getting a better result for myself and the team.

“Thank you to Travis and everyone at the WBR Yamaha Team for having me over and looking after me. They have been great to deal with and I’m really enjoying my time here,” he ends.