15/04/2025
Where do I even start. I still can't believe what we have pulled off this season against all odds. With alot of personal/family behind the scene stuff around me, made this a tough season. 1st meeting I won the final but I had to rerun the final and red lit and then lost that final, another meeting I had Gastro and I arrived at the track with no crew as all were home sick, some how won that meeting. After another meeting I had points taken off me due to a incorrect decision made on race day being corrected a week later. Completely ok and happy with the correct decision being put in place. It just made it harder for me at the finals.
It's been a long hard 9 years of blood, sweat and tears. We are finally Mod Bike Track Champions!!!
Going into the last round 40 points down the task was pretty simple. Make it to the finals and the rest will work itself out. We started the day qualifying in 7th spot. Bike running on song between 9.19-9.26.
Unfortunately, the way the field fell, it lined me up against some of the slowest bikes in the field. Having to wait 2+ seconds before I could go. Makes it super tough not to red light, so my lights weren't the best, but we got the wins in round 1 and 2 by 0.030 and less.
With Ashton going out round 1 and I making it to the 3rd round, the focus then turned to Ian Reed who was 20 points behind me.
3rd round we had a solo pass, where I made a simple mistake changing gears over the bump, which led to a missed shift.
It all came down to the semi finals. If I win the semi final, the way the points were, the championship was mine. If I lost the semi final the championship went to Ian Reed.
Again, I was lined up against a slower bike, waiting over 2 seconds on the line. Reaction wasn't flash as I didn't want to Red light, I was cautious, but the bike was faultless and I was clean, taking it right to the line side by side. I was on my number running another 9.26, not allowing my fellow competitor to back off, which forced him into a breakout with not backing off. This handed me the win and the championship. This took me to the final against Ian.
After going through all the emotions of the day, my head probably wasn't as focused as I normally am. Slow light and a bit off my dial in gave Ian a chance to roll off, handing him the win. That's racing I got what I wanted most, the Championship.
Ashton, you did an amazing job this year in your first full time season, be proud of your achievements, you are a force to recon with. Ian you showed everyone why you have won multiple national and state championships and pushed me all the way, congrats on your final win and second place in the Championship. Brian, you pushed us as well during different points of the season, thank you for some great races and our friendship.
I'm super proud of what we achieved this season. 9 rounds of racing and we made the finals 4 times. 2 wins and 2 runner up results.
All this wouldn't be possible without the support of my family and in particular my Mum and Caris who both put alot of time in behind the scenes. My Grandad who is 93yrs old and a ex bike racer himself, has supported me from day dot, every race from his chair.
To my sponsors, Cullys Yamaha for all my part supplies and give away gifts for the spectators. Auto One Morley for all my fluids and tools. Both companies have been by my side for most of my journey in the sport. Both proud supporters of my time in the sport and I'm forever grateful.
Also Daniel Nattalotto, Brian Hotker and the Pattos (Todd and Wayne) who helped me, suported me and guided me when I first joined the sport and still do .
Thank you to Troy Thompson, for babing sitting duties of my son Luca, making sure mum could come out on track to be with me on both my championship win and my second place in the finals, that means alot to our team.
We took a bike that many said I was crazy to try drag racing. It wasn't made to drag race. We turned it into one of the most consistent bikes in the field and a bike fellow riders now see as a serious contender. First time a Yamaha has won Mod Bike track championship in WA in the Motorplex era (25 years).
Thank you to everyone who came up and congratulated me at the track and for all the messages and phone calls that l have received. Truly feels amazing all the support. I think I'll be on this high for a few weeks yet.
WE ARE TRACK CHAMPIONS BABY!!!🏆🏆🏆
Cully's Motorcycle Centre Auto One Morley Motorsport Distributors Group
