Simpson takes first silverware of 2009
By TMX Archives on 26th Apr 09
Red Bull KTM factory rider Shaun Simpson claimed his first trophy with a fine runner-up position through the dark, shifting and rough sand of the Eurocircuit in Valkenswaard, Holland for the Grand Prix of Benelux and the fourth round of fifteen in the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship. The podium result was also complemented by the Scot's first career chequered flag as the British Champion dominated the first moto in a confident run.
The twenty-one year old started the weekend well to secure second position in Saturday's qualification heat, having now recovered from the strained shoulder ligaments he suffered before the Grand Prix of Turkey two weeks ago. The speed he showed around the technical and jumpy course was re-enacted in fine style for the first sprint of thirty-five minutes and two laps as he broke free from the pursuing hoards and coasted to an emphatic win; leading from start to finish.
The second race looked as though Simpson would unleash more of the same treatment, but after having fronted the pack for eleven of the nineteen laps his lack of bike-time in the last two weeks showed as Rui Goncalves and Nico Aubin bumped him back to third. The result was still good enough for Simpson to equal a career-best and gain his first top three finish for the factory squad.
"I had some good lines in the first moto and could pull away with a comfortable gap,” he said. "I really enjoyed the track and I think it sorted out the men from the boys this weekend. In the second moto I just felt drained. There was no way I could match Rui's pace. It was a little disappointing not to be going for the win, especially after the taste in the first race but this is a good step for us.”
Shaun has moved up to fifth in the World championship standings and is forty-three points away from first place. Simpson is in action next week for the third round of the Maxxis ACU British Championship at Brampton. Seven days later he will be competing at Agueda for the Grand Prix of Portugal before travelling east to Bellpuig for the Catalan GP in Spain.
FIM Motocross World Championship – Round 4 – Valkenswaard, Holland
MX2 Moto One: 1: Simpson, 2: Goncalves, 3: Guarneri
MX2 Moto Two: 1: Goncalves 2: Aubin 3: Simpson
MX2 Overall: 1: Goncalves 47 2: Simpson 45 3: Aubin 38
Championship to-date: 1: Paulin 140, 2: Musquin 125, 3: Guarneri 111,
4: Osborne 100, 5: Shaun Simpson 97
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