Kristian Whatley is back!
By Sean Lawless on 4th Apr 18
British Motocross Championship Kristian Whatley Culham
Following almost a year on the sidelines after breaking his femur last April, former champ Kristian Whatley was back in action at the Maxxis opener for his new Rob Hooper Racing Yamaha UK team and it was great to see him on the pace.
After qualifying in eighth, Kristian led the first MX1 moto before his time off the bike began to show and he slipped back to fifth. In race two he held seventh for most of the moto to end the day a fighting fifth overall.
In the first race I managed to get a good start and I was third round the first turn [and] within a quarter-of-a-lap I jumped into the lead. I was loving life to be fair and back to where I want to be. It was nice leading but it I was trying to keep calm and not get hot-headed as I knew I wasnt going to win the race so I concentrated on keeping my rhythm.
The second race I made an okay jump but I got hit and pushed but I made a few good turns on the first lap. I had problems with the bike cutting out which was a bit scary I kept it going for the first three laps and it cleared but that cost me a bit of time.
All-in-all I wanted two top sixes but fifth overall is good result for my first round and a good start to my championship.
Kristians team-mate Ryan Houghton also had a solid opening round with 6-8 scores good enough for sixth overall.
I am very pleased with the boys, said team boss Rob. They both showed good speed and stamina and they have both set themselves up points wise for the rest of the season.
The great thing is we know there is a lot more to come from the both of them. Kristian amazed me really with such a chequered past 12 months to come away with fifth is remarkable. The lad is pure talent.
This weekend has shown me how much potential Ryan has too and he has such a positive and determined outlook, it really is refreshing.
A fall in qualifying left Robbie Dowson with 39th gate pick in MX2 and crashes in both races dropped him out of the points.
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