Date: 11 March '07

Molson Kawasaki rider, Gareth Swanepoel, has clinched the first round of the Maxxis British championship at Canada Heights today. Swanepoel posted a consistent 3-2 to take overall honours in the MX2 class ahead of an international field.

‘Swanie’ struggled with the concrete start in both motos however the South African put his head down and fought his way from mid-pack into podium positions and the lead in the British championship.

“I qualified third fastest today which was OK. The track was quite rough with all the rain we have had over the past week but luckily the weather situation turned and we had perfect racing conditions. My starts were poor but I still managed to come through the pack. The team has worked hard through the Winter and I am really happy with the KX250F’s power and handling. We have a good start to the championship and this is also a bit of a confidence booster before the first GP in Valkenswaard in three weeks,” stated a confident Swanepoel.

Swanepoel will also contest the first round of the Jumbo Open Dutch championship next weekend in Gemert before the second round of the British champs returns to Landrake in Devon on the 25th March.

MX2 Race results:

Race1

1 Shaun Simpson

2 Gareth Swanepoel

3 Martin Barr

4 Tom Church

5 Lewis Gregory

6 Sean Hamblin

7 Jason Dougan

8 Mike Brown

9 Tommy Searle

10 Jake Nichols

Race 2

1 Tommy Searle

2 Mike Brown

3 Gareth Swanepoel

4 Sean Hamblin

5 Shaun Simpson

6 Jason Dougan

7 Wayne Smith

8 Martin Barr

9 Adam Chatfield

10 David Willett

MX2 Championship standings:

1 Gareth Swanepoel 52

2 Shaun Simpson 51

3 Tommy Searle 43

4 Mike Brown 42

5 Sean Hamblin 42

6 Martin Barr 40

7 Jason Dougan 36

8 Lewis Gregory 23

9 Tom Church 23

10 David Willett 20