Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing’s voracious appetite for victory has increased following its dual-class domination at Wonthaggi, with riders Brad Anderson and Ford Dale now turning their attention to Wanneroo near Perth for Round 4 of the Monster Energy MX Nationals.
After a two-year hiatus the series returns to the West Australian track, which is defined by its sandy surface, adding a unique challenge for riders used to riding on the East Coast’s hard-pack tracks.
Anderson and Dale have concentrated on riding on sandy tracks where possible to ensure they are fully prepared and comfortable on their Honda CRF machines.
The surface could suit the team’s MX1 pilot better than most, Anderson having ridden in sand regularly during his years of racing in the UK.
"I have been doing a lot of testing and riding in the sand to prepare for this weekend,” Anderson said.
"We have worked on a number of setup options for the sand, tested a new Pirelli sand tyre, tried new suspension and looked at different clutch activation.
"I’ll be looking to build on my result from Wonthaggi. I need to beat Josh (Coppins) in order to recoup some of the points deficit,” Anderson continued.
“At home in the UK I am recognised as more of a sand rider, so I am really looking forward to this round.
“I also have my dad coming out which I hope will bring me some extra luck,’ he concluded.
Anderson closed to within 20 points of Josh Coppins following his overall victory in Round 3.
Teammate Ford Dale reduced the gap to MX2 class leader Luke Styke to just 12 points after his Wonthaggi win, and is looking to make up more ground this weekend.
Dale acknowledged the importance of race fitness on the sandy surface.
"With Perth being a sandy track I have worked harder on my fitness coming into this event,” Dale explained.
“Riding these sort of tracks can take a bit more out of you than a hard packed track.
"So far everything is going really well, I feel good on the bike and I am fit and healthy.
"I am still 12 points off the lead so I need another consistent round to keep moving forward and make-up these points,” he said.
Round 4 of the MX Nationals will be held at the AJS Motorcycle Club in Wanneroo, WA on May 12-13.
