Harri Kullas: Missed opportunity for Yamaha rider at FatCat?
By Team TMX on 13th Jul 22
British Motocross Championship Tommy Searle Harri Kullas FatCat Sam Nunn
After closing the gap on series leader Tommy Searle to just 13 points at round five, Harri Kullas was sitting in second place in the standings as he entered round six of the Revo ACU British Motocross Championship at FatCat Motoparc in Yorkshire.
The Cab Screens Crescent Yamaha rider qualified fifth fastest, then rounded turn one of the first race in third, behind fast-starting John Adamson and Josh Gilbert. Gilbert dropped out, and then Kullas made the pass on Adamson to lead mid-race and pull a comfortable lead over Seale, who moved to second place late in the race.
Kullas was second off the line in race two, behind Searle, then made the pass on lap four to lead. Kullas initially pulled a small gap, but Searle rallied towards the end and passed Kullas with two laps remaining, giving the 30-year-old Estonian a 1-2 scorecard for second overall.
"I was looking forward to FatCat as it's a track I ride well at," said Kullas. "My qualifying was okay, and fifth place gave me the gate pick I probably would have gone for if I had pole.
"It was a good start in race one with third out of the gate. Gilbert dropped out with a mechanical, and then I had a good battle with Adamson until he made a mistake, and I took the lead. After that, I controlled the pace of the race and won from Tommy.
"I started race two alongside Tommy, but he had the inside line, and I tried for many laps to pass him as I felt I had the faster pace at the start. Finally, I did get him mid-race, but then, a few laps to go, Tommy passed me after a back marker held me up."
Analysis
With Searle's well-publicised struggles at FatCat earlier in the season, it's easy to see this as a missed opportunity for Kullas. Searle, however, had arrived at the notoriously tricky circuit well prepared after hammering out laps at sand tracks in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Kullas had done everything right. He had won the first moto, got into the lead in the second race, and held it well.
But, as long as the following rider's pace is good, they often have the advantage. We've seen it many times. The British champion saw his chance and pounced without mercy.
With 13 points dividing Kullas and Searle, the final two championship rounds at Whitby and Landrake are building to be pretty special.
Dan Thornhill
Kullas's MX1 teammate Dan Thornhill suffered from poor starts. "It made things difficult," he explained. Thornhill was down in 14th early in race one and then fought his way to 10th. It wasn't any better in the second moto but that was hampered by a bike issue. "I did the best I could in moto two after losing my rear brake on lap one in a collision, to end up 11th. Consistent rides today but Im still searching for more," he added.
Sam Nunn
Cab Screens Crescent Yamaha's MX2 pilot Sam Nunn had to work hard for his 14th place overall. "Very hot today at FatCat, but really happy with my speed and fitness," said Nunn. "First lap crashes in both races made it even harder for me. I did push through in both motos to 13th place so I was happy with that. Thanks to the whole team and everyone involved for their help."
Whitby is next on July 30-31, and then Landrake for the finale on September 10-11.
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