Honda enjoys successful first two rounds of AUSX

Same Team, New Riders on Top as Championship Points Tighten Heading into Round 3. Napa Auto Parts Honda rider Joey Savatgy claimed the overall victory in Round 2, taking the coveted red plate as the championship leader heading into Round 3. With the race for the title intensifying, Savatgy’s teammate, Dean Wilson, riding for SCT Logistics Honda, secured third place on the night and now sits second in the overall standings. Words: Honda

Savatgy was thrilled with his performance and the progress made with the team.

“The track was tricky, with few areas to make up time. The key tonight was minimising mistakes. I’m pumped with the team and the bike—we’ve had two days of testing, and the positive changes we’ve made are paying off,” said Savatgy.

Wilson, while disappointed with his third-place finish, remains optimistic about the rest of the season.

“Joey and I set the pace, and Clouty rode well, but tonight was about avoiding mistakes—and I think I made the most. Still, we’re in a great spot, and this championship is going to be tight,” said Wilson.

Boost Mobile Honda’s Aaron Tanti had a tough night, but holds onto fourth place in the championship.

In the SX2 250 class, it was all Honda. Shane McElrath took the win on his Polyflor Honda, with Cole Thompson finishing second on the Boost Mobile Honda, and Alex Larwood rounding out the podium in third. Brodie Connolly finished just off the podium in fourth, while Noah Ferguson had a night to forget, but remains third in the championship.

The surprise of the night came as Connolly emerged as the championship leader, despite a fiercely competitive field where only 3 points separate first from seventh.
McElrath is confident he’ll keep improving as the season progresses.

“What a great second night! We’re just two points off the championship lead, which is amazing given my first-round struggles. I can’t thank the team enough—we’ve made continuous improvements, and it really showed tonight,” said McElrath.

Connolly, though surprised to be in the lead, is pleased with his progress despite the challenges.

“I’m riding with an injury I sustained at Des Nations, so I didn’t know what to expect. The first two rounds have been tough—the speed is there, but mistakes, both mine and others’, have made it harder than it needed to be. I’m grateful for the break before Round 3 so I can focus on areas I need to improve,” said Connolly.

Jake Cannon had a rollercoaster night. After convincingly winning his heat race, he crashed in the final while running second. Despite the setback, Cannon holds second place overall in the championship, and he and the team will focus on areas for improvement ahead of Round 3.

Team Director Yarrive Konsky remains proud of the team but knows how quickly fortunes can change in racing.

“This weekend was intense—everyone is fast, but we need to cut down on mistakes and make sure the riders are as comfortable as possible. I’m incredibly proud of the team, especially with what they’ve achieved with Joey and Shane in just a few days on the new 2025 450 and 250. This weekend’s success is a testament to their commitment,” said Konsky.

Image: Honda