Round 1 – Maxxis British Motocross Championship –
Donington Park

Team KTM UK riders James Noble, Shaun Simpson and Alex Snow kicked off their campaign for domestic titles at round one of the Maxxis British motocross championships at Donington Park on a cold but mostly sunny Sunday afternoon. The Donington circuit – that’s scheduled to host the 2008 Motocross des Nations – proved to be the perfect choice for the season opener as big crowds enjoyed an excellent day’s racing at the famous road racing venue situated just a few miles from the M1 motorway on the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border.

Most successful team rider at Donington is Yorkshireman James Noble who steers his 450 SX-F to a pair of 4th place finishes in the MX1 division’s two 30-minute plus two lap motos. Dependable as ever James put in an outstanding display of consistency to take 4th overall and perfectly place himself within easy reach of the series’ points leaders with seven rounds remaining.

In MX2 KTM’s wildcard entry and welcome guest inside the Team KTM UK awning – Tommy Searle – takes a pair of moto wins at the circuit that’s situated just five miles from his home in the city of Derby. Already a winner at Donington – Searle took his maiden GP win at the venue last August – Tommy battled his way to first overall on the factory 250 SX-F. Meanwhile team riders Shaun Simpson and Alex Snow have a mixed day…

Simpson actually lead both motos but bad luck struck in moto one when a flying rock damaged his KTM 250 SX-F’s fuel line and put an end to his chances of victory. The young Scotsman bounced back for a fine third in moto two to secure 9th overall. Frighteningly fast from the gate in both races, Simpson promises to be an MX2 title contender if current form is anything to go by.

Just a couple of weeks after his dominant double win at the under-21 round on home soil in Devon Alex Snow continued to improve and impress in his rookie season with KTM to finish the day 11th overall – one place ahead of reigning British MX2 champion Mike Brown – with a 10-13 scorecard. Good from the gate in both races and fit enough to run strong to the very end of both motos Alex surprised many with his ability to run amongst the GP regulars.

Team KTM UK will next be in action at round two of the Maxxis British motocross championship on Easter Sunday – March 23 – at the spectacular Canada Heights venue situated near Swanley in Kent.

Rider Quotes

James Noble – MX1 4-4

“Qualifying went well and I was pretty happy with my time even though the tyre choice I made was not so good.

“We changed the tyre for the first race and I got a pretty good start but slipped off on the first lap. I got a pretty good rhythm going and I was starting to close on Kenneth Gunderson and Tom Church.

“I got another good start in the second race but I was struggling to hold on because a rock had hit my thumb in the first race and it was a little weak. There were a couple of times when it rained where my hand slipped from the handlebars. Brad Anderson passed me for second but then I got going better again until I tangled with backmarkers and crashed. I set off again in fourth and that’s where I finished.

“I’m a little disappointed with my results but my bike’s performing well and I’m very happy that my speed is so good so early in the season.”

Shaun Simpson – MX2 DNF- 3

“It’s been a bit of an up and down day really. Qualifying went okay – there were a lot of riders out on the track and it was hard to get a clear lap in but I got third which is good. The start’s pretty fair here so it’s pretty much the same for everyone.

“In the first race I got great drive out of the gate and started second, I moved into the lead and stayed out front until Tommy Searle came past me. I was sitting pretty safe in second but a rock must have bounced up and split my fuel line so I lost all my fuel at around the halfway point of the race. I’m obviously disappointed not to finish the race and score some good points for the championship but it was just one of those things and I knew I had to pick myself up for moto two.

“I got another good start in the second race, moved through to the lead again and stayed there for a few laps. But then Tommy and Swordy caught me up and fair play to them they were on it today so I ended up back in third. I’d like to have stayed with Swordy for longer but there was nothing I could do so I had to settle for third.”

Alex Snow – MX2 10-13

“I had a very reasonable day really. I qualified 13th – I’d have preferred top-10 – but it offered me a reasonable gate position.

“ In race one I was running in the top 10 until I nearly jumped onto the back of Elliot Banks-Browne And hit the bank and went down. I got going again and ended up finishing 10th, which wasn’t too bad considering I didn’t feel like I was riding so well.

“In race two I was riding much better and felt loads better. I was running 10th and then with a few laps to go I lost the front end before the rhythm section and lost a few places so I ended up 13th in that one.

“Overall a good day – I got two good starts and I feel like I improved throughout the day and battled much harder in the second race. The bike’s going awesome too and it’s really helping out at the starts – it’s much easier being up front early than having to battle your way there through the slower riders. “

Return to results