Karro's Maxx factor
By TMX Archives on 17th Sep 14
The MX1 title may be done and dusted but the Maxxis ACU British MX2 Championship is still up for grabs as the series heads to the spectacular Foxhill Moto Parc this Sunday (September 21) for the final round.
Shaun Simpson (Hitachi KTM UK) sewed up the MX1 crown at the previous round at Cusses Gorse so interest will be focused on the duel between Matiss Karro (Wilvo Forkrent KTM) and Mel Pocock (Hitachi KTM UK) for the MX2 title.
Pocock was the early pace-setter before the loco Latvian got his groove on and strung together a run of seven moto wins to open up a 39-point gap.
There's still a possible 75 points up for grabs but the smart money's got to be on Karro who underlined his pedigree with a top-10 MXGP finish in Mexico last weekend.
If it's dry – and the long-range forecast reckons it will be – then Foxhill is all about who can hang it out the most which should play right into Karro's hands.
Pocock's only real hope – other than his rival suffering a mechanical – is if Karro repeats his mistakes of the opening few rounds which saw him struggle to put three good races together but on current form the title's the Latvian's to lose.
There's also a fascinating battle brewing for third in the championship between young gun Adam Sterry (Wilvo Forkrent KTM) and seasoned campaigners Neville Bradshaw (Putoline Apico Honda) and Bryan MacKenzie (Pendrich Kawasaki).
Sterry currently sits third, 16 points ahead of South African Bradshaw with Bry Mac a further 11 points adrift.
It's shaping up to go down to the wire and with Ben Watson (Hitachi KTM UK), Steven Lenoir (Dantec Husqvarna) and Steven Clarke (Dyer & Butler KTM) all capable of mixing it at the front Sterry's advantage could be quickly cancelled out.
With Simpson already crowned and former champ Kristian Whatley (MBO Sport ASA Yamaha) a safe bet for second you could be forgiven for thinking MX1 will be an anti-climax.
But there's a four-way fight for third lined-up between Brad Anderson (Buildbase Honda), Graeme Irwin (Heads & All Threads Suzuki), Gert Krestinov (Apico LPE Kawasaki) and Nathan Watson (Dantec Husqvarna) to consider which will ensure an adrenaline-charged three motos.
Ando has a four-point advantage over Irwin with Krestinov 13 points off the Irishman's pace and Watson just a further four points behind.
And watch out for Frenchman Loic Rombaut (Apico LPE Kawasaki) who's making another guest appearance following his podium finish at Whitby in June.
Foxhill also marks the final round of the MXY2 championship which sees seven riders in with a mathematical chance of claiming the crown – although realistically the battle will come down to just four teenage talents.
Only four points separate leader Josh Gilbert (St Blazey MX Amped Honda) and Ollie Osmaston (MX World Honda) with Liam Knight (Dyer & Butler KTM) seven points back and round one winner Jason Meara a further seven behind.
The final title up for grabs at Foxhill is the Veterans crown with reigning champ Phil Mercer just a single point clear of Brian Wheeler.
There's free public camping and gates open at 8am on Saturday. Foxhill is just five minutes from the M4 at junction 15. Postcode is SN4 0DR.
Admission is £20 for adults and £5 for under 15s with no charge for under fives. Family Tickets are available at £45. More information at www.mxgb.co.uk
