One of Australia’s leading international riders Jay Wilson of the Yamaha factory team in Japan, has won a third All-Japan Motocross Championship after clinching the Japanese 450cc title on Sunday in Kawagoe, Saitama, finishing the penultimate round second behind Team USA Honda rider Jo Shimoda.

Jay Wilson: This championship is special and maybe more than the others as I have really had to work for it. The rider level in Japan has picked up considerably since I have been here, so while the points gap on paper is good, it wasn’t like that on track in a lot of the races. I also felt like I enjoyed this one more. I tried to enjoy the process of racing for a championship and not get overwhelmed – I think I had a better balance and allowed me to relax when it matters and know that my riding will be good enough.

Wilson came into the round some 70-points clear of his nearest rivals but with three motos on the day and more to come at the final round, there was still plenty to race for to ensure the championship was his. Not only did he have to face off against the best in Japan, US based Jo Shimodo returned to his native country to throw a cat amount the pigeons in the championship.

Wilson finished the weekend with 1-2-2 results but not without some drama. The opening race saw Wilson cross the finish line in second place, but Shimodo was relegated several spots for jumping under a red cross flag.

Race two and the championship was there for the taking and despite some nerves, and a few on track mistakes, Wilson was able to get across the finish line in second and snare another championship before riding a more care free final race that saw him engage in a heathy battle with Shimodo in the early stages and then closing in on him again at the finish.