British MX Round 1 - Canada Heights

Well my 'Year' started a little bit earlier than expected as I was given the chance to go and watch Round 1 of the British MX season at Canada Heights. This is a track I'd heard a lot about as one of my friends has ridden here a few times.

All the practices and races were on the Sunday, so it was pretty long day for both the riders and the spectators, but the weather couldn't have been better for it.

Arriving at about 10am, there were already timed-practices going on with the MX2 class on the track. Tommy Searle took #1 spot with a 2:20.488 which was only a little bit slower than the fastest lap in the MX1 class by Brad Anderson of 2:20.099.

MX2 - Race 1
Carl Nunn got the holeshot, but after a few laps leading, gradually got caught by Shaun Simpson. Simpson never looked back after that moment and went on to comfortably win. Nunn slipped down the pack, with his injury catching up with him. Tommy Searle recovered from an tangle to take 9th.

MX1 - Race 1
Gordon Crockward battled hard with Billy Mackenzie to take the win, with reigning champion Ken De Dycker working his way through the pack to finish 3rd. Two Brits, James Noble and Brad Anderson rounded out the top 5.

MX2 - Race 2
Tommy Searle made up for a disappointing first race to take a comfortable race 2 victory. American Mike Brown could never get near the young Brit and had to settle for second. Gareth Swanpoel from South Africa continued his good form by following up his 2nd in race 1 to finish 3rd in race 2.
MX2 - Overall
1. Gareth Swanpoel - 52pts
2. Shaun Simpson - 51pts
3. Tommy Searle - 43pts
4. Mike Brown - 42pts
5. Sean Hamblin - 42pts

MX1 - Race 1
Ken De Dycker got a good start and went on from there, taking an 8 second win over Brad Anderson. Crockard and Mackenzie resumed their battle but this time Mackenzie got the better of the N. Ireland rider to finish 3rd.
MX1 - Overall
1. Ken De Dycker - 55pts
2. Gordon Crockard - 53pts
3. Billy Mackenzie - 52pts
4. Brad Anderson - 48pts
5. Jussi Vehvelainen - 40pts
Both championships got off to flying starts, and it seems as though anyone from 5 or more riders has a chance to pick up the title. Hopefully the conditions will be as good for Round 2 at Landrake as the championship goes down to the West Country.