Australia’s premier motocross rivalry burst into life on Friday at Cosy Creek MX Circuit as the Berry Sweet 2025 Manjimup 15,000 opened with heated practice sessions and the return of fan favourite Regan Duffy.
By Tom Shanahan
Defending champion Jed Beaton made an early statement at Friday practice, topping the standings by 2.5 seconds over championship rival Kyle Webster with a 1:56.687 lap time.
Honda Racing Australia’s Webster finished second in practice on Friday ahead of a weekend he hopes to break his Manjimup 15,000 title hoodoo.
“This is a real special race. And it’s obviously, like you said, one of the biggest races in Australia,” Webster said in a Press Conference at the track on Friday.
“So it’d be great to win one. I’ve tried many times, had about 400 third (places). So, I’d just like to not come third.”
Monster Energy CDR Yamaha’s Beaton said he is looking forward to this year’s Manjimup 15,000 following Dirt High Promotions announcement that this year’s All Stars races will have an increased number of laps.
“I wasn’t really used to that (shorter races last year), it was like 4 to 5 laps we were doing, moved on,” Beaton said.
“I don’t know, it was pretty wild. You just had to be consistent. Anything can happen in them small races.
“Obviously, this year we got the eight laps. So, it gives you a little bit more time to think about it.”
GO24 Team Green Kawasaki Australia rider Brett Metcalfe said the opportunity for riders to go up against Beaton and Webster at the Manjimup 15,000 and across the ProMX calendar is “so good” for motocross in Australia.
“They’re so talented and fast, and the pace they are setting in the ProMX is insane,” Metcalfe said.
“It is world calibre. I wish that they would go and race MXGP right now or AMA…. because I do think they are top five calibre riders in the world right now.
“So for us guys and Brody, the opportunity to ride against this level, not me I’m just trying to have some fun, it’s so good for Australian riders to have two guys who are world class, to set the tone, and try and chase down.”
Raceline Tdub Husqvarna Racing rider Regan Duffy made an early statement on his return to Cosy Creek MX Circuit early on Friday, topping the opening practice session with a 2:00:544.
“It’s obviously a place I have had good memories at, I’ve had a lot of good times and good history at,” Duffy said.
“I was successful as a junior here and then obviously jumped straight up and won it fresh out of juniors, so yeah it’s pretty special to me this place.”
This weekend marks the first time Duffy has rode the Manjimup 15,000 since his near fatal accident in 2021. He said winning the Manjimup 15,000 in his first year as an All Stars rider back in 2019 was something he dreamed of throughout his junior racing career.
“It was a whole life’s dream, I remember on 50s saying ‘I’m going to be the youngest ever to win this race,’” Duffy said.
“And every year I’m watching and, you know, comparing my lap times as a junior and I’m just set on it. I’m going to win.”
Alongside the return of past legends like Duffy, Honda Racing Australia’s Brodie Connolly is gearing up for his first Manjimup 15,000 weekend.
“My first time here, had a bit of a walk around yesterday and this morning and it looks pretty cool,” Connolly said.
“But it could be a pretty wild weekend racing the 450.”
Connolly’s step up to a 450 sets up a fascinating clash at this weekend’s Manjimup 15,00, as the current ProMX2 Championship leader takes on the ProMX1 heavyweights in a one-off showdown in the All Stars class.
“I’ve told myself, try take it easy. I’m not sure if that’ll happen, but we’ll see how it goes.”
You can watch the full 2025 Berry Sweet Manjimup 15,000 Press Conference from Friday on Dirt High Promotions YouTube channel and social pages.