A look back at the 2012 MX2 series

ROUND 1: LONG LANE

 

What a start for the MX2 boys at Long Lane as the popular Scott Mathia bagged his first ever AMCA Championship moto win, a feat then also achieved by Brandon Benjamin in the final race of the day. 

 

Much to the delight of the crowd and his very proud father, a certain Mr Peter Mathia, 26-year-old Scott also claimed a richly deserved maiden overall MX2 Championship win, joined on the podium by Ben Saunders and Brandon Benjamin.

 

There was drama in qualifying at Long Lane, as expected title contender Lewis Abbott was forced out after suffering a season-ending, serious knee injury. 

 

Making brave comebacks after suffering injuries early in 2012 were Ryan Morris, Sean Frayne and James Lane, with all three riders recording times fast enough to book their place in the main event.

 

Morris's comeback was indeed truly remarkable, more than a month ahead of schedule after breaking his leg.

 

After early leader Paul Neale had slipped off in moto one of the new season, a four-way battle raged for glory as Mathia, Saunders, reigning Champion Shane Holmes and AMCA series debutant Jack Cox locked horns. Taking control on lap five, Mathia then raced onto take the chequered flag and his first ever Championship moto win from Holmes, Saunders, Cox, Adam Wells and Carl Benjamin.

 

Enjoying the sweet smell of success, Mathia then took victory again in moto two but could he make it a glorious hat-trick? 

 

Well, despite leading that final chase, Scott had to settle for third spot as Benjamin moved through to bag a great win followed by Saunders, Cox, Aled Bellis and Neale.

 

ROUND 2: BROOKTHORPE

 

Round two and now it was Jack Cox's turn to join the maiden winners club, claiming his first Championship and overall win. 

 

Just like MX1, the riders in MX2 class were forced to endure a tough opening moto at Brookthorpe as they tackled the rather treacherous conditions.

 

Making a mockery of the going though was Jack Cox, fresh from his recent success in the British Masters MX2 Zook Clothing Amateur Championship. 

 

In moto one Jack blasted to a big gate-to-flag win from Saunders, Holmes, round one winner Mathia and Carl Benjamin. 

 

Indeed so bad was the mud in this clash that 13 riders were not classified as finishers!

 

As the track then gradually dried out, Paul Neale produced a brace of his trademark quick starts to lead motos two and three from gate to flag and bag 120 vital Championship points. 

 

Although Cox slipped off in both clashes, he did still score second and fifth placings, enough to also earn him the overall verdict on the day, joined on the podium by Saunders and Neale.

 

In the title race though, two-stroke KTM pilot Saunders was the new pace-setter, 18 points clear of Cox with first round winner Mathia dropping to third.

 

ROUND 3: PONTRILAS

 

In what eventually proved to be one of the pivotal moments in the eventual destination of the 2012 title, series leader Saunders was forced out of the opening moto at Pontrilas with mechanical problems on lap one.

 

So with the dejected KTM ace recording a zero against his name, Cox took maximum advantage to blast to the win from Neale, Carl Benjamin, Ryan Crowder, Holmes and James Lane.

 

With one race down and two to go, the heat was on as Cox moved back to the top of the table, courtesy of his moto win and the unfortunate Saunders' DNF. 

 

Would Ben bounce back? Well, after gating fifth in the second clash of the day, Ben quickly passed Jospeh Del Busso and Martin Jones but that's as good as it got. 

 

Again leading from gate to flag,it was to be another victory for Cox.

 

Looking for maximum points, Cox did not enjoy the best of starts in the final clash, finding himself down in 12th. 

 

Up front though and looking for a big result, the very determined Saunders took the win from Neale, Holmes and Carl Benjamin with Cox recovering to earn fifth just ahead of Crowder. 

 

The unlucky Benjamin later discovered he had broken his hand in moto three after clipping a post!

 

FOR FULL REPORT AND PICTURES SEE TMX NEWS, JANUARY 4