‘Ando’ then proceeded to dice for the lead spot with international sensation Josh Coppins before finishing second in moto one.

He followed that up with a 4th and 8th place finish in the next two outings, taking a 4th overall for the weekend and helping the Australians retain their title for the third year running.

“This was a great race to race for me as I am able to take a lot away from it,” Ando commented. “The new bike is awesome and the team functioned well. The first race took a lot out of me as I pushed the entire time to keep with Josh. In the end he didn’t beat me by as much as I would have assumed.”

Daniel McCoy, riding for Honda for the first time, made his first competitive appearance in six months after an injury sidelined him for 80% of the motocross season.

“To say he was nervous would be an understatement,” said Team Owner Yarrive Konsky.

“But on the track it didn’t show. He looked comfortable on the Honda 450 and finished fifth overall.”

“My speed was good and I am working every day to get fitter and faster,” McCoy said. “I can’t believe how easy the Honda 450 is to ride. I am looking forward to next year and really want to thank Honda for believing in me and giving me this chance.”

Peter Boyle, now known as “Jack of all Trades” to his team mates, jumped on a 450 for this event after competing on a 250 all year.

Peter who has just come off a win at the final round of the Australian Off Road Championships decided to race in the open class and test his talents against the best Australian and New Zealand riders.

He finished eighth and proved very competitive in the open division.

“I had a lot of fun today even though it felt as though I was fighting with millions of angry golf balls!” Boyle said.

“The track was loose and the roost from the riders in front of me hurt I have to say. I am happy with my result though as I haven’t ridden the 450 that much this year.”

“I finished fifth in the final moto and felt that I had the speed to run with the guys in front of me. Next year will be a little different as I chase the off road championships, however I will pop in from time to time to compete in selected in motocross events. Thanks to Yarrive, Honda and the team. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Konsky said his riders and his team worked extremely hard for the event, and were pleased to come away with lasting results.

“I can’t believe how hard the guys worked to prepare for this weekend. We had a lot of riders to look after so thanks to Brad, Jarrod, Marko, Bruce, Kristian, Tony, Rob, Darlene, H and everyone else who helped out.”

“Our riders looked competitive and we have a great base to commence preparation for next year. A special thanks to Harry. He has already started preparing our 08 engines which shows with the holeshots we’re getting.”