Anderson and Sword crowned Champions in Scotland
By TMX Archives on 25th Aug 09
Brad Anderson on the PAR Homes Honda, and Stephen Sword aboard his KTM UK machine, were both crowed ACU Maxxis British Motocross Champions in their respective classes this weekend at Duns in Scotland.
Race day had to be cut short due to dreadful weather conditions which were making the track treacherous, so both riders picked up their titles after Anderson won the MX1 race and Sword finished second in the MX2 race.
Anderson didn't have the MX1 race all his own way as Billy MacKenzie on the CAS Honda lead from the moment the gate dropped. Unfortunately for MacKenzie he crashed on lap six which left him down the order.
Anderson took the lead and pulled away from MacKenzie who was still circulating in second place. As the race progressed MacKenzie was suffering from arm pump and succumbed to Ray Rowson on the Buildbase CCM.
MacKenzie said: "I didn't announce how bad my injury was but it had got to the point where I had to have an operation. It is still tender but I can ride. I just wanted to prove to myself and to everyone that I could come back. It was a good race, I wish the weather had stayed dry and I hope that we can come back here next year.”
Rowson said: "I've spent a lot of this season injured so it is good to be getting back into it. The track is real wet so it is a shame we couldn't ride yesterday when it was dry.”
Anderson said; "I've been trying so hard, and to be here and to win it's just amazing. I just wanted to stop on the bike and not do anything stupid. I was actually thinking about race two but that was cancelled. Thanks to everyone. I'm now looking to get picked for Des Nations team, I'd be proud to represent the UK and I think I'm ready for it.”
Sword also had a tough time in the MX2 race as his team-mate, Shaun Simpson came back in style by winning the race on his home circuit as he returned from injury. He lead from the off and at one point was 9.742secs clear of Sword. He made a brief slip up mid race letting Sword take the lead for one lap, but he pulled it back coming over the line 8.756secs ahead of the newly crowned Champion.
Third place went to Ulster's Martin Barr on the Relentless Suzuki as he battled away with Mel Pocock on the UTag Yamaha.com machine.
Sword said: "It feels really good to win here. It isn't going to happen again, winning the title in Scotland where my family is from. It really is a special moment. I want to thank everyone who has helped me this year. It's great to get another title.”
Simpson said: "It is definitely good to be back even in the rain. It is also great to win. I'm with the same team for 2010 so I hope to have a better season and take the British title and I'll see what I can do about the World title.”
The final round of the Championship will take place at Landrake in Cornwall 27th September where the remaining Championship positions will be decided.
MX1 Race one results
1.Brad Anderson PAR HomesHonda 38:05.290
2.Ray Rowson Buildbase CCM Racing 38:58.438
3.Billy MacKenzie CAS Honda 39:35.376
4.Tom Church Buildbase CCM Racing 39:47.585
5.Gareth Swanepoel Kawasaki Racing Team 39:49.547
6.Gordon Crockard PAR Homes Honda 39:56.192
7.Kristian Whatley LPE Kawasaki 40:09.308
8.Jamie Lewis Nigel Arnold KTM 41:30.987
9.Jason Dougan Phoenix tools/CCM Racing 36:39.653
10. Jordan Rose STR Honda 38:19.197
MX1 Championship standings
1. Brad Anderson 289
2. Gareth Swanepoel 231
3. Carl Nunn 203
4. James Noble 201
5. Tom Church 178
6. Scott Columb 152
7. Jason Dougan 150
8. Billy MacKenzie 147
9. Bryan MacKenzie 113
10. Alex Snow 97
MX2 Race one results
1. Shaun Simpson Red Bull KTM 38:52.322
2. Stephen Sword Red Bull KTM UK 39:01.078
3. Martin Barr Relentless Suzuki 39:29.779
4. Mel Pocock UTAG Yamaha Dixon Racing 39:52.074
5. Neville Bradshaw D B Racing Honda 40:06.566
6. Scott Elderfield PAR Homes 40:24.935
7. Zach Osbourne UTag Yamaha.com 40:28.601
8.Alan Keet Proseal KTM 40:29.402
9. Wayne Smith Samsung Yamaha 40:31.748
10. Mattis Karro MVR-D Suzuki 41:01.263
MX2 Championship standings
1. Stephen Sword 274
2. Neville Bradshaw 219
3. Jake Nicholls 215
4. Martin Barr 193
5. Scott Elderfield 171
6. Mattis Karro 170
7. Wayne Smith 156
8. Graeme Irwin 147
9. Pascal Leuret 135
10. Mel Pocock 134