MX Diary: Mel Keeps red plate
By Sean Lawless on 10th May 17
Mel Pocock raced to a strong second overall in the MX2 class at round two of the Michelin MX Nationals series held at Cadders Hill, Lyng, on Sunday.
Despite getting held up by 450cc machines in the two mixed-capacity Pro races, Mel's 2-2 card saw his extend his championship lead to 10 points.
"I've still got the red plate and a 10-point lead which I'm real happy about,” said Mel. "To be honest my day was just plagued by 450s holding me up and getting in between the racing and in my eyes costing me a win.
"But racing's racing and I'm happy with two seconds and to be fit and healthy for next weekend at Hawkstone Park. Overall it's a good result.”
With Jamie Carpenter out for the season after sustaining a knee injury, Mel was joined under the awning by new team-mate Jordan Divall who put in two solid rides and although his 15-11 finishes for 13th overall didn't demonstrate his full potential it was a still a positive start.
"It's not been the best day for me,” he said. "A really tough day in fact and I know I should be higher than that. The bike's not set up for me so well so I'm going to go home and ride a lot more because I feel I just need some more time. Hopefully after a good week we'll be ready for Hawkstone Park.”
Team boss Mark Yates was happy with his two riders' performances.
"Mel had a good solid day and I'm really pleased for him,” said Mark. "He's striving for perfection and I think he needs to relax a bit more and realise just how well he's doing considering the time he's had back on a bike.
"He's riding exceptionally well and doesn't need to put so much pressure on himself – we all know he's giving 100 per cent and that's all that matters.
"I'm pleased with Jordan. We know we've got some work to do with his bike suspension wise and we're going to get another bike built for him this week. Overall he was a little bit nervous with it being his team debut but I told him there was no pressure and he went a little bit better in the second moto so I'm feeling very positive.”
