A win each for team-mates Sword and Nicholls
By TMX Archives on 27th Jul 09
The race action at Foxhill was drama packed during the sixth round of the ACU Maxxis MX2 British Championship which saw title leader Stephen Sword win race one but not finish race two.
Sword, on the Red Bull KTM, blitzed the first moto coming over the line13 seconds clear of team-mate Jake Nicholls. Both riders held theirpositions for the full race distance and it was the fight for thirdwhich entertained the crowds.
Zach Osbourne and Neville Bradshaw were really fighting it out forthe whole race but it was French rider Pascal Leuret who pipped themboth to third place. He made his definitive move on lap 12 and held itto the chequered flag.
The second moto was shaping up to be another Sword white wash as heran at the front leaving his team-mate Nicholls chasing once again.However, on the last lap while leading by over three seconds Sword'ssprocket broke up, giving a surprised Nicholls the win.
Nicholls took his first ever championship race win, Leuret steppedon the podium again but this time in second place and Zach Osbournefinished in third place.
Despite not finishing the race Sword is still leading theChampionship and is determined to win at Duns which is his home roundon the 23rd August.
Sword reflected: "It's not been a perfect day but these thingshappen. I'm in one piece and I've still got the Championship lead. Iintend to win in Scotland.”
Nicholls said: "I pushed Swordy the whole race and he gapped me abit during the mid part of the race. I saw the final two laps board andstarted to push hard again. He had some trouble with back markers butit worked out ok for me. I have been working with Josh Coppins and hehas been instrumental in what I have achieved. I've worked hard duringwinter and I'm really enjoying the KTM. I've got to thank my family andfriends, plus my team as they are all so helpful.”
Race one results
1. Stephen Sword Red Bull KTM UK 35:50.402
2. Jake Nicholls Team KTM UK 36:03.448
3. Pascal Leuret MAR Honda 36:18.758
4. Neville Bradshaw D B Racing Honda 36:22.367
5. Martin Barr Relentless Suzuki 36:26.057
6. Scott Elderfield PAR Homes Honda 36:34.856
7. Zach Osbourne UTag Yamaha.com 36:42.636
8. Mel Pocock UTAG Yamaha 36:43.094
9. Graeme Irwin KTM UK 36:43.924
10.Wayne Smith Samsung Yamaha 36:52.669
Race two results
1. Jake Nicholls Team KTM UK 35:57.812
2. Pascal Leuret MAR Honda 36:31.093
3. Zach Osbourne UTag Yamaha.com 36:33.308
4. Martin Barr Relentless Suzuki 36:38.946
5. Scott Elderfield PAR Homes Honda 37:09.015
6. Neville Bradshaw D B Racing Honda 37:14.978
7. Wayne Smith Samsung Yamaha 37:17.377
8. Mel Pocock UTAG Yamaha Dixon Racing 37:26.206
9. Graeme Irwin KTM UK 37:29.849
10. Michael Phillips DB Racing Honda 37:30.492
Championship standings
1. Stephen Sword 252
2. Jake Nicholls 208
3. Neville Bradshaw 203
4. Martin Barr 173
5. Mattis Karro 159
6. Scott Elderfield 156
7. Wayne Smith 144
8. Graeme Irwin 137
9. Pascal Leuret 135
10. Shane Carless 126