MX Diary: Bit of a toughie
By Sean Lawless on 4th May 16
Brit abroad Paul Coates had another tough night at round eight of the Monster Energy Supercross 250cc East championship in New Jersey on Saturday.
"MetLife Stadium was another new venue for me and I was excited to be racing in the big city,” said the 21-year-old from County Durham.
"I came out of the first practice with a 13th place and then in the first and second timed sessions I had some unfortunate things happen in front of me while on my fast laps, like yellow flags coming out or guys rolling around in the racing line.
"That was a little frustrating but wasn't a big problem for us. Times were extremely close and I was ready for the night to start.”
Transferring directly to the Main Event from his heat race, Paul's hopes of a top-10 finish went south as early as the first lap of the points-payer.
"I was confident and ready to fight but then in the mix of things on the first lap a rock got wedged in my front brake and bent the rotor to where I had no brake at all.
"It's just one of those uncontrollable things that happen sometimes. It's a disappointing one but I plan on adjusting a few things with myself and finishing off the supercross season strong in Las Vegas.”
After finishing the Main Event in 20th, with one round to go Paul sits 12th in the series standings just 10 points behind Matt Bisceglia in 10th.
