Local Heroes Ando and Hoad to Battle Series’ Dominator, Moss

Twelve-time Australian title winner, Craig Anderson, and Kawasaki Racing Team’s Mitch Hoad will take on Matt Moss at the final round of the Yamaha Stadium Motocross Series on March 8.

Moss, who has won every Pro Open and Pro Lites heat in rounds one and two of the series, will have his work cut out for him to maintain his clean-streak - Anderson is in fine form already this season and he and Hoad will have the home-turf advantage as both live in the area.

Fans will likely turn out in force to support their local stars - about 3000 have turned up to each round so far and the same number are expected for the final show down. However, with Team Shift Motul Suzuki’s headquarters just around the corner from the Maitland showgrounds, Moss might be just as comfortable on the track as his opponents. Woodstock Honda Thor Racing’s Craig Anderson certainly feels he will be in for some bar banging action on the purpose-built track - made from more than 12,000 tonnes of dirt - in Pro Open next Saturday evening.

Anderson, who will be contesting Pro Open, said Moss (who races both pro divisions) has "stepped up" his riding this year and is "riding really well".

"It should be good racing... this year’s been good, I’m just trying to do some testing at the moment and get ready for the nationals," Anderson said.

"I’m looking to win the title this year and if I keep working hard, hopefully it will come".

"I rode [the Maitland round of the Yamaha Stadium Motocross Series] last year as well. These events are run really well, last year we even got a bit of rain which softened the track up nicely".

"It will be a fun event for me, it’s not too far up the road so all the friends and family will definitely be there".

Moss said he was looking forward to racing Anderson. He said he would be spending all of next week at the Suzuki headquarters training and testing. "Ando is a multi-time Australian champ, he knows how to do it, he knows how to go fast," Moss said. "It should be good!" Another rider to watch at the final round will be Hogs Breath Yamaha Development Team member Aden DeJager, who put in a commendable performance at round two finishing third in Pro Open.

Yamaha Stadium Motocross events boast classes for every level of rider, from Nippers – four to eight-year-olds on 50cc bikes – to Clubman, Women’s All Powers, Pro Lites and Pro Open.

The Yamaha Australian Institute of Motocross will also be running a school for all those junior riders who want to get an edge on their opponents or just learn the basics on the Friday before the event.

To enter the race or school, please visit www.dirtbikepromotions.com.au, contact Dirt Bike Promotions on 02 63624437 or 0438721024 or email . Make sure you don’t miss the next Dirt Bike Promotions event: the opening rounds of the Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships will be held March 15 and 16 at Port Macquarie.