Fantasy Rider Points Breakdown: AUSX Round 2 – Redcliffe, QLD

Round 2 of the AUSX Championship in Redcliffe offered fans another fun night of racing, with multiple riders pushing their limits and delivering key performances in the AUSX Fantasy League. Let's dive into the standout riders, compare their Round 1 and Round 2 performances, and explore the stats that could give you an edge in your fantasy team selection for the next round.

SX1 Fantasy Breakdown

Top Rider: Joey Savatgy (25 Points)

Savatgy broke through for a P1 finish, rebounding from his Round 1 second-place finish. Although his fantasy score remained at 25 points, his consistent performance (average of 23.5 points over two rounds) makes him a must-pick rider for fantasy managers. With no handicap to boost his score, Savatgy relies purely on his results to deliver value, making him a stable choice but without the extra bonuses seen with others.

Standout Performer: Hayden Mellross* (35 Points)

Once again, Mellross* proved to be a fantasy sleeper pick. Finishing 6th on the night, his +5 handicap propelled him to an Adjusted Position of 1, netting a total of 35 fantasy points (including his Privateer Bonus). This mirrors his Round 1 performance, where he also scored 35 points, showcasing his incredible value as a mid-pack rider who benefits from handicaps. Mellross* now averages a whopping 35 points per round, making him one of the top fantasy options going forward.

Improved Picks: Jed Beaton & Brett Metcalfe

Beaton finished P4 but received a +1 handicap, bringing him up to an Adjusted Position of 3 and a total of 30 points (boosted by a Holeshot Bonus). Compared to his Round 1 score of 16 points, this is a major step up, giving him an average of 23 points across both rounds. Similarly, Metcalfe finished 9th but his +5 handicap elevated him to 4th in the fantasy rankings, earning 28 points with a Privateer Bonus. His average of 31.5 points makes him a strong contender for future rounds.

Steady Performers: Luke Clout & Dean Wilson

Clout and Wilson continued their consistent fantasy output, with Clout finishing second and scoring 22 points, and Wilson finishing third for 20 points. While they didn't benefit from handicaps, these riders have been stable selections, with Clout averaging 26 points and Wilson 27.5 points across two rounds. Expect similar returns as the series progresses, but for fantasy managers looking for higher risk/reward picks, handicapped riders like Beaton or Mellross* may offer more upside.

SX2 Fantasy Breakdown

Top Rider: Shane McElrath (25 Points)

McElrath bounced back in Round 2 after a disappointing performance in the first round. Securing P1 in the SX2 class, he delivered a solid 25-point fantasy score. Although McElrath had no handicap or bonuses to boost his score, his round-winning result makes him a high-value pick going forward, especially after his Round 1 stumble. His average of 19.5 points per round may not be eye-popping, but expect that to rise if his form continues.

Hidden Gem: Alex Larwood (35 Points)

Larwood continues to impress FastMoto fantasy managers, delivering another stellar performance. His P3 finish, coupled with a +4 handicap and a Holeshot Bonus, pushed his fantasy score to 35 points, identical to his Round 1 result. With an average of 31 points per round, Larwood's fantasy value is undeniable, making him one of the best picks in the SX2 class.

Notable Performers: Brodie Connolly & Kayden Minear

Both Connolly and Minear delivered strong performances, with Connolly finishing 4th and benefiting from his +3 handicap to score 25 points. Minear's +4 handicap brought him to an Adjusted Position of 2, earning him 22 fantasy points. Both riders remain solid mid-tier picks, with Connolly averaging 23.5 points across two rounds, while Minear sits at 22 points.

Privateer Bonus: Liam Atkinson

Atkinson, who finished 11th, scored 23 points thanks to his +2 handicap and Privateer Bonus. His Round 1 score of 24 points gives him an average of 23.5 points per round, making him a good value pick for fantasy managers looking for under-the-radar riders with solid potential.

Round 1 vs Round 2 Comparisons

• Joey Savatgy delivered another consistent round, with his average now at 23.5 points, though he lacks the handicap upside of other riders.
• Dean Wilson saw a slight dip in performance but remains a reliable option, with his average of 27.5 points making him one of the top SX1 picks.
• Hayden Mellross* and Brett Metcalfe continue to be the value plays in the SX1 class, averaging 35 points and 31.5 points, respectively. Their handicaps and bonuses have made them fantasy legends so far.
• In the SX2 class, Alex Larwood has been the standout, maintaining his 35-point average, while Shane McElrath redeemed himself with a Round 2 win, increasing his average to 19.5 points.

Fantasy Strategy Going Forward

• Leverage Handicaps: Riders like Mellross* and Larwood prove the value of handicaps, consistently turning mid-pack finishes into top fantasy scores. Managers should target these types of riders to capitalise on the point boosts.
• Watch for Holeshot Bonuses: Riders like Beaton and Larwood benefited from the Holeshot Bonus, adding crucial points to their totals. Keeping an eye on riders who excel in starts can pay off.
• Look for Privateer Bonuses: Riders like Atkinson and Metcalfe have shown that Privateer Bonuses can significantly enhance a rider's score, making them valuable fantasy picks in future rounds.

Disclaimer: Riders marked with '*' were not available for selection in the FastMoto system for Rounds 1 and 2.