Press Release

Wins and Podiums for CAS Honda at Season Opener

GuyB
3/2/2010 10:43pm

28th February 2010 – British MX1 Championship Round 1

Riders
Gareth Swanepoel and Evgeny Bobryshev enjoyed a superb outing during
their CAS Honda debut today at Little Silver, Exeter, where they both
achieved race wins and rostrum honours at the opening round of the 2010
British MX1 Championship.

In
the new-for-2010 qualifying format, in which the top twelve from the
timed session enter a flying lap superpole stint, Bobryshev earned
himself second position with Swanepoel a few places back in sixth for
their gate pick at the muddy Exeter circuit.

In
race one Bobryshev, who also makes the step up to the MX1 class this
weekend, stormed out of the gate to take the holeshot for the 20-minute
plus two-lap moto, which forms part of the new three-race schedule. The
22-year-old from Kondrovo, Russia, stretched out a huge lead, despite a
fall in the third lap, to win the first race of the year with a
super-impressive eight second advantage. Teammate Swanepoel found the
going tough and struggled to settle into a rhythm, but managed to
achieve 10th place by the chequered flag.

In
race two both riders got good starts with Swanepoel clinching the
holeshot and Bobryshev in third by the end of the first lap. Swanepoel
lost a few positions, as he found his rhythm, while Bobryshev tussled
with Brad Anderson. Although the CAS Honda pilot managed to get close
enough to attack the reining champion on the final lap, a small mistake
in the closing stages meant that the Russian had to settle for second
place with his teammate in third place at the chequered flag.

In
the third moto Swanepoel demonstrated a superb performance after taking
the holeshot aboard his CRF 450R. The 25-year-old South African led the
race from start to finish to take the win and earn himself a superb
second position on the podium overall. Bobryshev gated well, but a
crash in the opening stages meant he was just 29th by the end of lap
one. The gritty Russian fought his way back to 13th place to earn
himself the final podium position for a double rostrum finish for CAS
Honda with an impressive third place overall.

Gareth Swanepoel #8: 2nd Overall
“Qualifying was a bit different, and the track was quite
slippery but I was fifth after the timed session. We did the Superpole
and I dropped to sixth, but it was something new and I really enjoyed
it. In the first race I unfortunately crashed in the second or third
corner, and got stuck a couple of times in the first lap. To be honest
the first race just didn’t go to plan. I didn’t find my rhythm and the
conditions weren’t good, so I definitely wanted to improve for race
two. In the second moto I got the holeshot and led for a long time. I
was riding a bit stiff and made a mistake, so I went down, but luckily
the leading trio had quite a big gap so managed to get back on and
finish third. In the last race I got the holeshot and led from start to
finish, but it wasn’t completely uneventful, as I stalled the bike and
had to bump start it at one of the top of the hills. I am definitely
happy with second overall as the plan was to come here to get as many
points as possible. The bike is awesome, and I know I need to ride
better to do it justice, which will come when I relax some more and I
get used to it. My confidence improved throughout today and I’m looking
forward to continuing my training over the next few weeks.”

Evgeny Bobryshev #777: 3rd Overall
“Qualifying was okay, but the Superpole was good for me because
I made a good lap to finish second on the gate. The first race was
good. I got a great start and the holeshot, so I just pushed as hard as
I could. I crashed on the second lap, but kept the bike going and
managed to stay in the lead. I felt so happy to win, so I was looking
forward to the second race. I didn’t get such a good start but managed
to come through and finish second, which I was also happy with. In the
middle of the race I struggled a little as I wasn’t quite finding my
lines and making some mistakes, but I pushed again to catch the leader.
I made some mistake on the last lap to finish second. The third race
was quite bad. I crashed with Anderson in the first lap and I also made
some mistake in the race, but still finished 13th. So really third
place for my first race at the British Championship is okay, and I am
happy with being on the podium. I’m really happy with the team and the
bike, I just can’t wait to get out racing some more.”

CAS Honda Team Manager: Neil Prince
“I am very happy with today’s outcome. To come here and finish
with two new riders on the podium is a credit to the team and the hard
work everyone has put in over the winter. Gareth struggled to get
himself going in the first heat, but demonstrated his ability well in
the following two races to finish second overall, which is a great
start for him this season. Evgeny was also very impressive. I must
point out he hasn’t really ridden since we went testing over three
weeks ago, and to come to a new track, with a new championship on a new
bike and win his first race is a real indication of his ability and
attitude. We have some things to work on but this is a strong start to
the year and we can only build from this very positive performance.”

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