Victory for MacKenzie and Swanepoel at Langrish
By G2F on 4th Jun 07
Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship 2007Review Rnd 4 Langrish Sunday 3rd June
Just under six thousand race fans packed the famous hillside at the Langrish circuit to welcome the Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship for the very first time, and judging by the sound of the air horns that filled the valley they were enthralled by the action out on the track. Fresh from his Japanese Grand Prix win Billy MacKenzie – De Groot Kawasaki took the overall honours in the MX1 class thanks to a 3 – 1 showing on the day, to extend his lead at the top of the championship.
Having placed fourth in morning timed qualifying session, Gareth Swanepoel – Molson Kawasaki could only manage the same result in the first MX2 race, however this result along with a runners' up spot in race two, was enough for him to take the overall win by a single point from Tommy Searle – KTM UK. Swanepoel moves one point closer to Searle in the overall standings, with just eight points separating these two youngsters at the mid point in the series.
The newly introduced and highly acclaimed MXY2 once again joined the main championship classes, the depth of quality in this field produced some fantastic racing, with fierce battles taking place through to tenth position. Graeme Irwin was the dominant force on the day, with back to back to wins, however it was Alex Rockwell who just missed out on an overall podium place, but still went away as the championship leader plate.
Gordon Crockard – PAR Honda was cruelly robbed of a third place in race one when his chain broke with just one lap to go, after he had caught and demoted Mackenzie to fourth spot, as the young Scott was still adjusting to the more traditional style circuit. Crockard's demise would not only hinder his own championship chances, but would also prevent Brad Anderson – Pioneer Yamaha from taking his second successive overall win, as Mackenzie gained the vital extra point due to the Irishman's late DNF, Ken De Dycker – CAS Honda took the victory from Anderson. Mackenzie made no mistake in the second moto, to record a start to finish win, and was followed home by Anderson and De Dycker on this occasion.
After a strong race one win, Mike Brown – CAS Honda put himself out of contention for the MX2 overall honours as he crashed early in race two. Although Brown remounted and once again proved to be the fastest rider out on the track, the damage had been done, and he could finish no higher than eleventh on this occasion as he suffered at the pace of this ultra competitive class. Swanepoel was the second race victor to grab the overall win, from Searle who also finished as runner up in his final outing of the day. Sean Hamblin – Swift Suzuki took the last overall rostrum place, thanks to a consistent 2- 4 performance.
Enjoying all the day's action Stephen Sword confirmed he will be back riding in the series later in the year. The next round of the series takes place at Desertmartin, Northern Ireland on Saturday 23rd June 2007, please visit the official championship website - www.mxgb.co.uk - for further details.
MX1 Moto One: 1: De Dycker 2: Anderson 3: Mackenzie 4: Noble 5: Eastwood
MX1 Moto Two: 1: Mackenzie 2: Anderson 3: Noble 4: De Dycker 5: Crockard
MX1 Overall: 1: MacKenzie 55 2: Anderson 54 3: De Dycker 53
Championship to date: 1: Mackenzie 214 2: De Dycker 187 3: Noble 182
MX2 Moto One: 1: Brown 2: Hamblin 3: Searle 4: Swanepoel 5: Banks-Browne
MX2 Moto Two: 1: Swanepoel 2: Searle 3: Church 4: Hamblin 5: Church
MX2 Overall: 1: Swanepoel 53 2: Searle 52 3: Hamblin 50
Championship to date: 1: Searle 200 2: Swanepoel 192 3: Brown 176