Joel Kelso's maiden Moto3™ podium at Phillip Island
Thursday, 26 September 2024
A pivotal moment for CFMOTO and their rising star, Joel Kelso.
The Guru by Gryfyn Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2023 roared to life at Phillip Island, delivering a spectacle of high-speed action, unpredictable weather, and homegrown heroics.
As the sixteenth round of the MotoGP™ series, this event proved to be a pivotal moment for CFMOTO and their rising star, Joel Kelso.
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Renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery and demanding layout, Phillip Island lived up to its reputation as one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar.
The track's exposed nature amplified the already difficult conditions, with stormy winds, plummeting temperatures, and relentless rain testing the mettle of even the most seasoned riders.
For Joel Kelso, the Australian Grand Prix was more than just another race—it was a homecoming.
The 20-year-old CFMOTO rider approached the weekend with a potent mix of determination and local knowledge, setting the stage for what would become a career-defining performance.
Kelso's weekend began promisingly, with competitive times during Friday's sessions under unexpectedly warm conditions.
As the weather deteriorated, Kelso's resolve only strengthened. In Saturday's qualifying, he secured a front-row start with an impressive second place, eschewing the slipstreaming tactics favoured by many of his competitors.
Race day dawned with ominous skies and punishing winds, halving the temperatures from Friday's sessions.
Undeterred by the extreme conditions, Kelso launched into a 21-lap battle at the front of the pack.
His tenacity and skill in the treacherous conditions kept him in podium contention throughout the race.
A minor mistake with seven laps remaining cost Kelso his shot at victory, but the young Australian maintained his composure.
Crossing the finish line in third place, Kelso secured not only his first Grand Prix podium but also CFMOTO's second world championship race trophy.
This achievement marks the first time in a decade that an Australian has stood on the Moto3 podium at Phillip Island.
The Guru by Gryfyn Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2023 will be remembered not just for its wild weather, but for the emergence of Joel Kelso as a podium contender and CFMOTO's continued ascent in Grand Prix racing.
