BCP Pro Circuit Honda Junior Development team rider Rhys Budd has landed himself on the podium at the recent Appin Round of the MX Nationals with a solid second place overall. With conditions that saw one of the most rutted outdoor tracks in recent years the junior 250cc Rookies were put to the test on a circuit that had some of the top senior pro riders commenting on just how technical the track was.
After securing the second fastest time in Qualifying Rhys Budd got himself a great start in moto one by leading the pack into the first turn on board his Honda CRF250R. A small mistake in turn one dropped Budd back to second place where he would settle into a rhythm. A front wheel tuck at the bottom of one of the huge downhills dropped the Honda rider back to fourth where he would end up at the finish of the race.
The second moto for the Rookies saw Budd once again rocket out of the gate and would lead the pack into turn one. A race-long battle would ensue with arch rival Mason Semmens that would also include young gun Bailey Malkiewicz and when the chequered flag came out Rhys Budd finished a credible second place, giving him second overall on the day.
“It was a bit of a roller coaster ride for us today,” said Budd.
“I felt really good in time qualifying and felt confident going into race one but when the gate dropped I just rode really tight and pumped up which caused that big crash. We re-grouped for moto 2 and came out swinging! I know I’ve got a bit to do to get up to where I need to be but the positive is that I’m ahead of where I thought I’d be coming back from the broken wrist. Each week I’m going to get that little bit better.”
“It was also good to work closely with Lee Hogan and the team for the first time on race day. We put together some good strategies with grid selection and dealing with the slippery start gate which worked awesome. It’s great to have that experience behind us! Everyone gels really well together, the bike is great and we are taking lots of positives into the rest of the season,” Rhys continued.
Budd’s BCP Pro Circuit Honda team-mates Travis Edwards and Royce Anell struggled on the technical and treacherous circuit with small crashes and a lack of flow hindering any solid progress, however both riders learned valuable lessons that will help in preparation for Round 2 of the series when the MX Nationals hits Horsham on May 21st.
1st place- Mason Semmens
2nd place- Rhys Budd- BCP Pro Circuit Honda
3rd place- Bailey Malkiewicz