First blood to SR75 at UK Arenacross
By Sean Lawless on 6th Jan 16
The SR75 Molson Racing Suzuki team picked up where it left off at the opening round of the 2016 Monster Energy Arenacross Tour powered by Ford Ranger at Manchester Arena on Saturday night.
Thomas Ramette won the Main Event with his team-mate Cyrille Coulon finishing fifth to immediately fire SR75 to the top of the team standings. Geoff Walker's outfit won both the individual and team titles last season.
"Having come into the series a little under the radar it's good to simply get on with what we do and give 100 per cent to our racing,” said Geoff. "Ultimately this is what we are about.
"Both Thomas and Cyrille give their all for this team every time and this is why we enjoy our racing.
"As a unit we, of course, realise this is a series with another 10 rounds to come.
"We will continue to get on with it, enjoy what we do and work to retain our level of race intensity and respect for everyone on track.
"The organisers put on a great championship and we are excited and honoured to be a part of it as a proud UK-based international team with fantastic athletes and team partners from the UK and around the world.”
Thomas, who also won the European SX title in November, was delighted to open his AX defence with a win.
"This is a cool way to begin the series for myself and of course the team,” said the Frenchman.
"I felt pretty tight all day so I know there is a big improvement I can make to take my level higher.
"The level in the series is great and to take victory while riding with good control and not at maximum is cool for the first race. The team have made me a perfect bike and I cannot say how excited I am to be with these guys on my new RMZ450.”
Cyrille, who struggled with injury throughout the 2015 tour, was also upbeat.
"My night is tough but I like,” said the team's second Frenchman.
"I am here for race and I like to race. I want make better starts in race and every time problem on first lap so I have big work every ride.
"My bike is perfect and I feel good on my Suzuki in the track. My feeling returns with the bike after more race so I am happy with solid start for for me and my team.”
