Daryl "NZ Larry Ward" Hurley on MX Podium at Newcastle Home Event

Team Shift Motul Suzuki’s, Daryl Hurley scored a strong podium finish
to further secure second place in the 2007 Australian Motocross
Championship during round four at Raymond Terrace, Newcastle (NSW).
Massive crowds turned out to the Newcastle-based team’s home event
which included Aussie international racer, Chad Reed as a guest entrant.
The Pro Open moto one saw Hurley round the first corner in fourth place
where he became caught in a stoush with Craig Anderson and Matt Moss.
Finally extricating himself from the battle group, Hurley set out after leaders
Chad Reed and Daniel Reardon, but the pair had pulled out an insurmountable
lead, leaving the former Australian Champion to ride a lonely race alone in
third place. In an absolute carbon copy of moto one, Hurley began moto two
in fourth, battled Moss before passing him for third place, and then set off
after the leading pair who were once again long gone.
Team Shift Motul Suzuki rider, Luke Burkhart was once again one of the fastest
on track in the Pro Lites class, setting the second fastest qualifying time aboard
his Suzuki RM-Z250. Burkhart’s fortunes quickly took a downturn in moto one.
After starting strongly in third place, the young Kiwi rider crashed while making
a pass for second spot. Rejoining in 10th, Burkhart pressed on before suffering
a second crash a couple of laps later which wrenched his thumb, re- injuring it
and causing him to pull out of the competition for the remainder of the day. Burkhart will now return to New Zealand to have his injury examined and
assess his options for the remainder of the Australian Motocross season.