Campbell on top - AMCA MX1 Review
By TMX Archives on 2nd Jan 09
DAVID Campbell utilised past experience gained in both Grand Prix and ACU British championship rounds to maximum advantage, and proved he still has a lot to offer by claiming the 2008 AMCA MX1 title.In another thrilling, roller-coaster of an MX1 championship season, once again the title went right down to the wire and a last round decider. Remarkably just like 2007, Ben Saunders was to be the unfortunate loser on this occasion suffering a heartbreaking triple DNF due to mechanical gremlins.
In the mud of Little Bowden, Saunders not only lost his chance of claiming the crown but also dropped back to fourth place in the final points table behind former triple MX2 champ Brad O'Leary, enjoying a superb rookie season in the big bike class and Charlie Hollis. Whilst Saunders suffered unbelievable misfortune, his rival Campbell was simply superb in the title showdown, sliding to three immaculate moto wins on the day.
Round 1
DUE to heavy persistent rain, the opening round of the 2008 title chase was abandoned after two motos.
In the racing that was completed though, the legendary 11-times AMCA champion Gary Davies, making a surprise comeback, not only posted the fastest qualifying time but then went onto earn a superb second overall in MX1 behind David Campbell. Making his intentions perfectly clear and sending a message to his rivals that he wanted to be considered as a serious title contender, Brad O'Leary, making his MX1 Championship, debut earned the final step on the podium.
Round 2
IN stark contrast to the awful mud at Cleobury, conditions for round two at Condover were dry, slick and dusty.
Indeed, eventual MX1 champion David Campbell endured his worst score of the season, honestly stating "I have a real problem with dusty tracks and when I cannot see, despite riders still passing me, not knowing what is in front of them it really freaks me out, as my results on the day confirmed. ”
So, riding on his home club circuit, Gary Davies took the overall win ahead of Ben Saunders and Charlie Hollis, thanks to a 1-3-2 scorecard.
After falling in the first clash of the day resulting in a 10th place finish, Saunders fired back in style to take victories in races two and three.
Round 3
IN the MX1 class, Ben Saunders became the new series leader as early pace-setter Gary Davies finished the day sixth overall behind David Campbell, Brad O'Leary, Charlie Hollis and Clinton Barrs.
Proving that he was rapidly adapting to his MX1 machine, O'Leary led moto one before being passed by first Campbell then Saunders.
However, a determined Brad was not to wait long for his maiden MX1 win by being first past the post in moto two.
In the final race, Saunders was back in control although significantly Barrs finished third and was now displaying the form which was to fire him into becoming a serious 2008 title contender.
FOR FULL STORY SEE T+MX NEW, FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2009