Wednesday, 05 May 2010 11:01
Brad Williscroft and his faithful KTM 450 EXC have made it four consecutive titles in a row in the Northern Territory’s Kamfari Mud Race, as Williscroft again took top honours at the Darwin based event.
Semi retired from racing, Williscroft’s main job these days is heading up Motorex KTM Off-Road Racing as Team Manager, yet the racer within him still sees the New South Welshman take to miscellaneous off road events like the A4DE, Kamfari and soon the Finke Desert Race.
Commenting on his win Williscroft said, “I wasn’t going to ride in Kamfari this year because it conflicted with rounds 3-4 of the Australian Off-Road Championship at Conondale, and I had Race Team Manager duties at this round for Motorex KTM Off-Road Racing. Then word came that the tracks around Conondale were too wet so the event would be postponed opening up an opportunity for me to return to Kamfari and defend my title.
“There was going to be a lot more competition this year with a strong local line up entered including Daniel McGuiness, Jason Hill, and Chris Warwick plus Victorian riders Mark Sladek and Jehi Willis.
“It was a very short turn around to get me entered into the event, so I called in all my resources for help, and KTM dealership NT Motorcycle Centre, were first on the case by providing me with a ready to race KTM 450 EXC, the bike that I have won on in this event for the past three years.
“It was a shot gun start, and I got to the first corner in around fourth place. I tucked in behind the race leaders, and settled in at my own pace. I made a few little mistakes on the first lap which dropped me back to seventh, but I managed to find my rhythm, and work my way up to the race leaders again. At this time Jason Hill was leading, and I made a pass on him about 1km from the end of the first lap. From there I took the lead and didn’t look back.
“I was making decent gaps on the competition, and constantly searching for new lines to stay out of the big bog holes. I had a regular pace going of approx 20 minutes a lap, and the event was four hours long, so I was happy with my consistency.
“A lot of other competitors were having bike problems getting bogged in the muddy terrain, but I was able to avoid any mishaps like that, and I ended up lapping up to second place by the finish of the race. The KTM 450 EXC was handling the muddy conditions with ease, even when I had mud and water up to my seat. The performance and reliability of the bike hasn’t let me down four years running, while others have struggled to make it to the finish. They’re built tough and perfect for the harshest enduro conditions.
“I couldn’t have claimed my fourth consecutive Kamfari win without the help of all my sponsors and personal supporters, some of which who went the extra mile to help me get into this event; including NT Motorcycle Centre, Darwin Motorcycle Club, Force Accessories, Wired up electrical, Specialised labour & engineering, Quality cool, and Brendan and Kylie Walsh for accommodating me at their place in Darwin.
“Once again the support from the Darwin locals and media was amazing, so I’m thankful for everyone getting behind me, and KTM as I crossed the finish line.
“At presentation I was ecstatic and thrilled to claim another title, but it was here I was informed of the sad news of fellow KTM rider Andrew McFarlane passing away after a tragic accident at the Australian Motocross Championship. I was immediately struck emotionally by the news of losing such an ambassador of the sport. My deepest sympathy goes out to Andrew’s family.”
Brad Williscroft will now re-group with Motorex KTM Off-Road Racing to continue training and testing throughout May for a big racing calendar ahead in June, with the 2010 Finke Desert Race coming up on the June long weekend, plus rounds 5-6 of the AORC.
Stay tuned to race results at www.ktm.com.au
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