VICTORIAN motocross star Madison Brown was agonisingly close to claim her third Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance Australian Women’s Motocross Championship in-a-row after finishing just four points behind Western Australia’s Jessica Moore in a stunning finish at Coolum on Sunday,
August 28.
29 of the nation’s most-talented female riders took to the track at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast over the weekend to compete in the country’s top motocross competition for women at the final round of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals.
Maddy, from Seville East, looked in control early, taking out a closely-fought opening race with New South Wales’ Meghan Rutledge.
“In the first race on Saturday, I got a good start. I nearly go the holeshot in all three motos, except for the last one. My starts were really good which led into a clean track. I won the first moto after a good battle with Meg Rutledge,” Maddy said.
“In the second moto, I was in the lead and Meg and I clashed so I went back to ninth and I had to catch all the way up to fourth-place which didn’t help me with the points.
“On the Sunday, I played it smart in the third moto and settled for second because I knew that’s what I had to do to get some decent points,” Maddy continued.
“In the last moto, the pressure was on a bit, but the goal was just to get second or better to secure the title. I got a pretty poor start and I was about fifth but I was catching up and just over three or four laps to go I had a crash and the other girls were about 30 seconds ahead of me,” she said.
“I caught up to them and got into third and passed Jess Moore. I was happy to be in front of her because I just had to beat Jess to win the title,” Maddy added.
“I don’t know what I was thinking, I didn’t know she was that close behind me and I just backed-off near the finish line and she passed me by 0.163s of a second and I was devastated,” she said.
“It was pretty heartbreaking for me, especially when I crashed and I caught all the girls. I trained so hard,” she continued.
Maddy, who won the title in 2015 and 2014, said it was a live and learn moment. “I just let it slip away but there’s always next year. I’ll come back fitter and stronger and really determined,” Maddy added.
Maddy would like to thank DPH Yamaha for all the help and support she receives, her parents, Thor Australia, Psy, True Tune Suspension, CTi Knee Braces and everyone involved.
“I’m pretty happy with how my year went. It would’ve been good to win the Australian Women’s MX title for the third year running. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. I know that I’m capable of winning it,” she said.
On her plans for the summer, Maddy might compete in the Australian Supercross Championship, providing there is a round for the girls, but if not, will take some time off before the 2017 season. “I’m not sure what my plans are for next year yet.
“I’ll just have some fun on my bike and enjoy it,” Maddy added.
You can follow Maddy’s progress throughout the year by liking her official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Maddy-Brown-18-568031086664714/?fref=ts
2016 YMI Australian Women’s Championship results:
1) Jessica Moore – 127 points
2) Maddy Brown (VIC) – 123 points
3) Meghan Rutledge – 119 points
4) Emma Milesevic (VIC) – 116 points
5) Tayla Jones – 114 points
6) Danielle Foot (VIC) – 100 points
7) Sarah Guthrie – 100 points
8) Jessica Gardiner – 91 points
9) Courtney Whyte-Dennis (VIC) – 86 points
10) Chelsea Blakers – 79 points