CDR back on top at Moree MX Nationals

The round win was Coppins' third of the season, handing him the red plate to signify his status as championship leader in the premier Pro Open category. Coppins' lead now stands at 18 points over defending three-time champion teammate Marmont.

"It's better late than never to take over the red plate," 34-year-old Coppins said. "The team has been gelling really well and Jay rode great today. I've been doing a lot of riding at the beach back home in New Zealand, so that should be good preparation for the sand next weekend in Coolum."

Marmont, 28, has been on the ultimate comeback trail in the standings, winning rounds six and seven recently and then today tying on points with Coppins to increase his title chances. Marmont fought through the effects of a nasty flu that had him couch-ridden during the week.

"That was one of the toughest races I've done, but I dug deep, did what I could and came away with a good result," the Wollongong resident said. "To race with Josh next weekend will be tough and he's a seasoned campaigner. I'm looking forward to Coolum, I've had a lot of luck and success there in the past. It'll be elbows out next weekend and I'm ready to get started."

CDR's main challengers for the Pro Open title, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Dean Ferris and Billy Mackenzie both had a round to forget, with Ferris losing the championship lead and Mackenzie dropping further down the standings. After qualifying first and leading the majority of moto one, a crash bumped Ferris back to third. Moto two saw a repeat of that result, but he crashed out of moto three, ending his weekend. Billy Mackenzie's luck wasn't much better as his title hopes faded with a crash-marred sixth overall. The Scottish standout is another four points in arrears of Monster Kawasaki teammate Ferris.

Rounding out the Pro Open podium overall was Queensland rising star Todd Waters for Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing, breaking through for his first rostrum of the year after returning from a wrist injury at round six last month. Waters scored 5-5-4-3 finishes for the round.

Championship Standings (after 8 of 9 rounds):
Rockstar Energy Drink Pro Open

1. Josh Coppins 603
2. Jay Marmont 585
3. Dean Ferris 563
4. Billy Mackenzie 559
5. Cheyne Boyd 494
6. Michael Phillips 460
7. Lawson Bopping 433
8. Cody Cooper 395
9. Louis Calvin 313
10. Daniel Reardon 226