Under overcast skies with intermittent showers, Larwood proved he is the real deal with two exceptional results in each of the 25 minute motos to claim second place in his first MX2 race at a national level.
Race one saw the South Australian battle Kyle Webster for the lead in the opening stages before settling in to second place. He kept the pressure on for the entire length of the moto to cross the line in second and within sight of the leader.
In the second moto, his start wasn’t as good, and he was forced to work his way through the pack. He moved forward quickly, setting the fastest lap of the race as he clawed his way back to a fourth place finish. His 2-4 results were the perfect start to the season for the young gun and a great confidence booster heading into the rest of the championship.
“I wanted to get off to a good start and take advantage of round one being on a track that I’m familiar with,” Larwood begins. “I put in a lot of work leading into the season and it was awesome to get a reward for myself and the team straight away and confirm that we are on the right track.
“Conditions today were tough with the track deep and the constant showers but I really enjoyed racing and battling with the MX2 guys. The top guys all have so much experience but its good to be in the battle with them and learn as I race.
“Thank you to everyone at the WBR Yamaha team and all our sponsors and let’s keep working hard for round two,” Larwood said.
Team mate, Max Purvis also made a debut of sorts, he first national race in the premier MX1 division. Purvis, who only weeks earlier, claimed the New Zealand MX2 Motocross Championship, he limited time on the bigger capacity but made a good fist of things to finish sixth overall with his 9-7 results.
Starts proved to be his downfall on the day but he was able to fight his way forward on each moto and finish inside the top 10 to give him a solid foundation for the championship moving forward.
“There are a few things I need to work on but overall, it wasn’t a bad day and good to get the first race on the 450 under my belt. I had a quick transition from racing the 250 in NZ, to stepping on a 450 here, but with a few weeks before the next round, I will be better prepared and hoping to move forward.
“There are a lot of fast riders in the 450 class but racing with them can only benefit me as I learn the pace and intensity to be up the front and establish myself.”
The WBR Yamaha team will now set their sights on round two of the championship at Canberra on May 2. The circuit will provide a much different challenge to riders and teams as the swap from the soft black sand of Wonthaggi to the hard packed clay and jump
