Shaun Simpson makes a winning debut in Italy
By G2F on 8th Feb 09
26th Airoh Mantova Starcross 08/02/09. Red Bull KTM factory rider Shaun Simpson aced the MX2 division of the Starcross International meeting at Mantova in Italy earlier today. The reigning Maxxis ACU British Motocross Champion guided his new works four-stroke to eighth, seventh and ninth positions respectively and was the first-classified MX2 runner in what was his first competitive outing of the 2009 campaign.
The three motos mixed the MX2 (250cc machinery) and MX1 (450cc machinery) categories and saw a wide range of World championship regulars blow away cobwebs after the winter break. The sandy circuit north of Bologna had received a liberal coating of rain on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Simpson – arguably one of the UK's best bets for World championship success this season across a wide range of motorcycling disciplines - kept good company in the three races, circulating closely with 2007 and 2008 MX1 world champions Steve Ramon and David Philippaerts among a host of other Grand Prix winners on larger bikes.
"It might only be the first race of the year, but to win at any time is always good. This is positive for my confidence and shows that my preparation over the winter has been going in the right direction,” said the Scot, who was also the fastest MX2 qualifier on Saturday.
"I ripped mega starts in each heat and must have been in or around the top five each time. It was pretty exciting out there and fun to be racing again. I was always fighting with the MX1 guys and I was satisfied to be the first 250 among the leaders.” Simpson continued.
Simpson, who is 21 next month, will compete in International events in France and the UK in the coming weeks before opening the defence of his British Championship crown on March 8th in Kent and then embarking on his World title quest with the first of sixteen Grand Prix at the Faenza circuit in Italy on March 29th.
Full details of Shaun's 2009 schedule and all the latest news about the KTM teamster can be found on his official website at www.shaunsimpsom.com