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Luke Clout returned to form at Round 3 of the 2025 Boost Mobile AUSX Championship, taking place at Sharks Stadium in Cronulla, riding his Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki KX450 to 2nd Overall. The night wasn’t without controversy, as Clout was initially awarded the Overall victory on the night following an official decision that promoted him to race winner in the last race of the night, replacing his 2-2 Finals performances to a 2-1. After an appeal however, the original results were reinstated, landing Clout with 2nd on the night.
“I felt great all day on the bike and my Qualifying time showed we had the speed to challenge for the win tonight”, said Clout.
“I can’t get caught up in the drama of the penalties and appeals, I’m happy for myself and the team to be back challenging at the front of the field and although we didn’t get the win, tonight was a massive step forward for the rest of the Championship”, concluded Clout.
Cole Thompson joined as the new signing to Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki team for Round 3, flying in from Canada and instantly demonstrating his trademark speed at the front of the SX2 field. Learning his bike as the day went on, Thompson gained speed and confidence heading into the Finals.
With great starts and track position across the Finals, Thompson would unfortunately go down in the Opening Lap of Final 1, charging from last place back to 10th position. With better luck in Final 2, Thompson pushed for a podium finish in 3rd, with 10-3 finishes landing him in 4th Overall from Round 3.
“I’m disappointed in the crash from the Opening Final as that cost us a shot at the Overall Podium”.
“But I felt great on the KX250 and my speed improved every time I was on track. The Empire Kawasaki Team have been fantastic to work with and I’m excited to get some more laps under me before we head to the AUSX Open in Melbourne in November”, commented Thompson.
SX2 Class teammate Rhys Budd logged another consistent performance with 7-9 finishes in the Finals for 7th Overall. With speed in Qualifying and flashes on track in the Finals, both Budd and the team await his breakout performance in the 2025 AUSX Championship in the coming races.
26 October 2025
Clout Claims 2nd to Rebound at Cronulla For Empire Kawasaki
Luke Clout (Photo credit ID MEDIA GROUP)
Rhys Budd (Photo credit ID MEDIA GROUP)
Cole Thompson (Photo credit ID MEDIA GROUP)
“I felt great all day on the bike and my Qualifying time showed we had the speed to challenge for the win tonight”, said Clout.
“I can’t get caught up in the drama of the penalties and appeals, I’m happy for myself and the team to be back challenging at the front of the field and although we didn’t get the win, tonight was a massive step forward for the rest of the Championship”, concluded Clout.
Cole Thompson joined as the new signing to Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki team for Round 3, flying in from Canada and instantly demonstrating his trademark speed at the front of the SX2 field. Learning his bike as the day went on, Thompson gained speed and confidence heading into the Finals.
With great starts and track position across the Finals, Thompson would unfortunately go down in the Opening Lap of Final 1, charging from last place back to 10th position. With better luck in Final 2, Thompson pushed for a podium finish in 3rd, with 10-3 finishes landing him in 4th Overall from Round 3.
“I’m disappointed in the crash from the Opening Final as that cost us a shot at the Overall Podium”.
“But I felt great on the KX250 and my speed improved every time I was on track. The Empire Kawasaki Team have been fantastic to work with and I’m excited to get some more laps under me before we head to the AUSX Open in Melbourne in November”, commented Thompson.
SX2 Class teammate Rhys Budd logged another consistent performance with 7-9 finishes in the Finals for 7th Overall. With speed in Qualifying and flashes on track in the Finals, both Budd and the team await his breakout performance in the 2025 AUSX Championship in the coming races.