Disappointment for Knight at Weston!
By TMX Archives on 16th Oct 08
WITH the 2008 US Grand National Cross Country title, his second consecutive crown, wrapped up with his victory at round 11 of this year's series, David Knight turned his attentions to the infamous Weston Beach Race last weekend.He once again entered both the quad and solo classes. He last raced at Weston in 2006 when he won the solo class, so his goal for 2008 was to try and do the double and win both classes. Knight's just for fun' outing in the Quad race saw him finish fourth overall.
Running at the head of the race, the Manxman lead for a while but in the closing stages of the three-hour event an intermittent fault saw his bike cut out on several occasions. Despite his problem, David still completed 17 laps and missed the podium just by one position.
The serious stuff came during the solo event the race Knighter hoped to win. Starting well and claiming the holeshot the KTM rider spent much of the first hour battling against New Zealand's Josh Coppins. Forced to catch back up to Coppins and then race leader Stefan Everts after his bike wouldn't start following the first round of pit stops, Knight rode hard during the second hour and lead the race after the second refuelling stop.
He opening up a 30-second lead as the race neared its conclusion, with 40-minutes remaining Knight's bike stopped and he was unable to get it to restart for around one-minute.
Dropping back to second and behind Everts, David again pushed hard and closed in on the Belgian again.
Disappointingly, Knight's bike stopped again shortly after that, which put him out of the race.
Having competed 15 laps Knight was credited with 13th position.
David Knight: As I was unable to ride at Weston last year, I was really looking forward to this year's event. It's just too bad that both races weren't two hours long as I'd have won both if they had been.
The quad event was just a bit of fun. It was going really well, but I'm not sure if I got some water in my fuel or what because near the end of the race my bike started to cut out. Like I said it was just a bit of fun, so I wasn't too worried about it. Fourth's not too bad, but it could have been a win if I'd had a little luck on my side.
Not finishing the solo event is really disappointing. I was really pleased with the way I rode, enjoyed battling with Josh Coppins more than any other race I've ever done. I just can't believe that having done the hard work and got into the lead it all ended with me finishing down in 13th."