Fantasy Rider Points Breakdown: AUSX Round 3 - Wollongong, NSW

The anticipation for Round 3 of the FOX Australian Supercross Championship at Wollongong's iconic WIN Stadium didn't disappoint. With an audience of nearly 12,000 fans and the stunning NSW coast as the backdrop, the evening was electric despite light rain challenging the riders. This round not only tested the top contenders' skill but added pivotal fantasy points to the mix, giving fans fresh insights into their favourite racers' performances and handicaps. Let's break down the key moments and points scored.

SX1 Class Fantasy Breakdown

• Joey Savatgy dominated the headlines, clinching the top spot despite a turbulent night. Aided by his +0 handicap, Savatgy's relentless spirit was rewarded with 35 total points, including a 10-point Holeshot Bonus. Despite going off-track in Race 1 and a late crash in Race 2, Savatgy emerged victorious overall, extending his lead in the series. This stellar performance solidified him as a must-pick for fantasy managers moving forward.
• Dean Wilson, the defending champion, consistently finished in second place across the heats, showing resilience but ultimately yielding ground to Savatgy. With a +0 handicap, Wilson accumulated 22 points, showcasing his reliability but leaving room for growth as he looks to reclaim his lead.
• Luke Clout battled fiercely, capturing the holeshot in Race 1 and finishing third overall. His 20-point score reflects strong performances but not enough to overtake the top two contenders.

Other notable SX1 performances:

• Jack Mather (+6 handicap) leveraged his adjusted position to grab 25 points, proving to be a fantasy dark horse with impressive returns.
• Hayden Mellross, with a +3 handicap and a privateer boost, secured 25 points, staying competitive in the fantasy lineup.
• Aaron Tanti earned 27 total points, bolstered by a 10-point Holeshot Bonus, though he was edged out in the main race battles.

Fantasy Standout Scores (SX1 Class):

• Joey Savatgy: 35 points (1st position, holeshot bonus)
• Jack Mather: 25 points (7th round position, adjusted 1st)
• Hayden Mellross: 25 points (10th round position, adjusted 7th, privateer boost)

SX2 Class Fantasy Breakdown

The SX2 class spotlight belonged to Shane McElrath, who proved his mettle by sweeping all three races. His perfect run, combined with a +0 handicap, yielded 35 points, including a 10-point Holeshot Bonus, making him a prime fantasy pick for enthusiasts looking to bank on consistent performers.

• Brodie Connolly overcame a mid-race crash to secure 22 points and a career-best second-place finish. His consistent form has fantasy managers intrigued for future rounds as he narrows his focus on staying in podium contention.
• Cole Thompson, finishing third with a +0 handicap, earned 30 points bolstered by a 10-point Holeshot Bonus, maintaining his status as a reliable top-three contender.

Other SX2 highlights:

• Reid Taylor (+3 handicap) capitalised on his adjusted position and Holeshot Bonus, racking up 35 points, matching the night's top performers with his standout race.
• Ben Novak (+11 handicap) leveraged his adjusted 1st position and Top Privateer Bonus for a whopping 35 points, showcasing the value of betting on underdogs with high handicaps.

Fantasy Standout Scores (SX2 Class):

• Shane McElrath: 35 points (dominated with wins and holeshot bonus)
• Reid Taylor: 35 points (4th round position, adjusted 1st)
• Ben Novak: 35 points (9th round position, adjusted 1st, privateer bonus)

Key Takeaways for Fantasy Managers

• Handicap Advantage: Riders with mid to high handicaps (e.g., Jack Mather in SX1 and Ben Novak in SX2) yielded significant returns when performing above expectations. Monitoring these handicaps is crucial for identifying high-value picks.
• Holeshot Bonuses Matter: Points from holeshot bonuses can create a substantial boost. Savatgy, McElrath, Taylor and Tanti capitalised on this, proving that selecting riders with quick starts can be strategic.
• Consistency vs. High Risk: While top-tier riders like Savatgy and McElrath ensure stable scoring, investing in riders like Jack Mather or Reid Taylor with higher handicaps can provide game-changing points if they deliver standout performances.

As the series heads to its next round, fantasy managers will have their eyes on rider handicaps, recent form, and track conditions to make informed decisions. With just two rounds remaining, every choice can mean the difference between victory and disappointment. Stay sharp, monitor those handicaps, and keep an eye on privateer boosts for maximum impact!