Rutledge Third at 2016 Australian Women’s Motocross Championship

Kawasaki supported Meghan Rutledge took two wins from four motos and ultimately claimed 3rd overall at the single round 2016 Australian Women’s Motocross Championship held at the final round of the 2016 MX Nationals in Coolum, QLD over the weekend.

In the lead up to race one on Saturday, the multiple time Australian women’s motocross and supercross champion comfortably posted the fastest qualifying lap time of 1:49.055, establishing herself as a championship contender.

The first race started off promising for Rutledge who found herself in third position from the gate. It wasn’t long until Rutledge executed a pass and start battling with Maddy Brown for the race lead. The win was in the sights of the KX250F pilot until disaster struck and Meghan fell in the sixth lap. Quickly recovering, Meghan managed to salvage an 8th place finish.

Race two was a replay of the first moto with Rutledge and Brown banging bars shortly after leaving the gate. Meghan’s charge was interrupted with another stroke of bad luck in the second lap where she went down only to display pure resilience as she powered through the field again, crossing the line in a respectable 5th place.

The second day of competition rolled on and Meghan was more determined than ever to run a clean race. Missing the holeshot in the third moto didn’t faze Rutledge who mowed down her rivals and held on to the lead for her first race win of the weekend.

Spirits were high and Rutledge was feeling confident after a flawless performance in the third race of the championship. In the final moto Rutledge blasted away from the gate and closed in on the race leader, making a spectacular pass. Raw talent prevailed and Rutledge held on to the lead to cross the line in first place for the second time, granting her 3rd place on the overall championship podium.

“It was a weekend that consisted of both ups and downs. Day one wasn’t my best day, crashing in both motos and having to visit the Racesafe team for a quick patch up. Entering day two in 7th position, I was feeling very sore and things weren’t looking very good for me to even get on the podium.”

“Knowing I had nothing to lose and that pain is only temporary, I gave my all on the second day. I was really happy to take the win in both motos and to get on the podiumfor a 3rd in the championship overall.A huge thank you to my sponsors, I couldn’t do this without all your support,” Meghan commented.

Meghan Rutledge will now begin preparation aboard her Kawasaki KX450F for her appearance at the upcoming Newcastle City Supermoto event in one weeks’ time from 3rd to 4th September 2016.

“I’m excited for the Newcastle City Supermoto and I’m looking forward to trying something new and learning new things from this event!” said Meghan who traditionally focuses on motocross and Supercross competition but is always open to a challenge.

2016 Australian Women’s Motocross Championship results:

1) Jessica Moore – 127 points
2) Maddy Brown – 123 points
3) Meghan Rutledge – 119 points – Kawasaki KX250F
4) Emma Milesevic – 116 points
5) Tayla Jones – 114 points
6) Dannielle Foot – 100 points
7) Sarah Guthrie – 100 points
8) Jessica Gardiner – 91 points
9) Courtney Whyte-Dennis – 86 points
10) Chelsea Blakers – 79 points