Honda hold the RED plate in both classes after ASX round 2

Saturday, October 29, marked the second round of the 2022 Australian Supercross Championship. Held in the confines of the Adelaide Showground in South Australia, round two was run in front of many passionate spectators. Honda Racing Australia enjoyed another positive outing and continued marching towards titles in SX1 and SX2.

Max Anstie was the star in ‘red’ and not for the first time. ’99’ was riding a wave of momentum after a very positive outing in Melbourne and put that to good use aboard his CRF250R. Although his start was not ideal in the SX2 final, he persevered and eventually claimed the lead on lap eleven of fifteen to maintain his win streak. 3.282 was his eventual margin of victory and now, thanks to consecutive wins, he is sat on a lead of twelve points in the championship standings.

Wilson Todd was the rider who Anstie had to pass in order to take the win in Adelaide. Todd put that power in his CRF250R to good use and took the holeshot – he logged consistent lap times at the front before being passed by his experience teammate. ’20’ still held on for second place though, to make it a one-two for the team, and catapulted himself into ninth in the championship standings. Gage Linville was the third CRF250R rider in the top ten; he took ninth and made a big step forward in his second race as a professional.

Elsewhere, Justin Brayton missed out on the SX1 win by the slimmest of margins. Brayton raced across the line in second place and was just 3.673 behind the eventual winner – he is now tied for the series lead with just two races to go. Kyle Webster joined his teammate in the top five and showed more potential indoors; he made more progress than his peers after ending lap one in ninth and was eventually ranked in fifth. ’96’ was just 3.507 adrift from the rider in third, so he has his sights set on the podium now.

The Honda stars will knuckle down now and prepare for the penultimate round of the current campaign in Newcastle, which will be run on November 26. The finale will be held in Wagga Wagga just one week later.

Max Anstie: “I had a really solid race. There was a bit of carnage on the opening lap – the guys were going everywhere! My teammate, Wilson, was riding a great race and out front. I managed to click off my laps, stay consistent, pass him and bring home a one-two finish for the team. It was cool to race here. There was a good crowd! I am looking forward to the final two rounds.”

Wilson Todd: “It was a decent day. I was the fastest qualifier this morning and then I pulled the holeshot in the main event. I led a bunch of laps, but Max ended up getting by me. I managed to bring it home in second though!”

Gage Linville: “The day started well! I was second in my heat race, but got a bad start in the main event. I was just struggling with the track a little bit, but managed to grab my first top-ten finish. I am happy that we are making progress! I will see you all in a couple of weeks in Newcastle!”

Justin Brayton: “It was a solid day. I qualified in first, got the heat win and ended second in the main event. I started in third in the main – it was good enough – but I struggled with the track. It was very simple, more motocross like and quite short. It is all good though! I’m looking forward to regrouping at home before the final two rounds here in Australia!”

Kyle Webster: “It has been an up-and-down day. I am happy that I finished the main with a solid result! I did not get the best of starts, but managed to ride through the field a little bit and get back to fifth. I was actually right there with third and fourth. My riding was a lot better today, so hopefully we can do some work over the next couple of weeks and come out swinging at the next round.”