Date: 22 March 2009

Round 2 of the British Motocross Championship took place in sunny Langrish this past weekend. On one of his favorite circuits, Gareth Swanepoel headed into the weekend looking for a good result, especially as this would be his last preparation race before the World Championship kicks off next weekend in Italy.

Sunday started well for ‘Swanie’ as he posted a series of fast and steady laps on the rock hard circuit during qualifying. With his KX450F-SR now dialed into his liking Gareth was able to easily post a top 5 time as he finished off the session 4th fastest, only a fraction of a second off pole sitter MacKenzie.

With the crowds lining the sun soaked circuit for Heat 1, Gareth rocketed his powerful Kawasaki out the start gate and headed into the first corner bumping elbows with the top 3.
In the heat of battle MacKenzie went down, unfortunately taking Swanepoel down with him. After being battered by the trailing pack, both Gareth Swanepoel and Billy MacKenzie picked up their bent machines and set off after the pack as they trailed in last position. Not to be put off by a few bent parts the determined South African put on a brilliant ride, and over the remaining 35 minutes managed to claw his way all the way up to 11th position by the end of the race.

Heat 2 once again saw Gareth super fast out the gate as he drifted his ‘green machine’ through the first corner in 5th position. Determined to get the result this time ‘Swanie’ was on the gas lap after lap as he hounded down the riders out front. Midway through, with his fitness showing, Gareth kept on with his relentless pace managing to pick off the competition. Swanepoel crossed the finish line in a fantastic 2nd position, giving him some of the vital points he wanted.

A delighted Gareth Swanepoel had this to say after the race: “That 2nd heat really came together for me, we have made some vital adjustments on the bike which has allowed me to get the power down on the 450, and that really helped me with my starts today. I felt good on the hard pack, which is good news for Faenza next weekend and the bike was great all day – I’m pumped for next weekend’s Grand Prix.”

Image: Stefan Paetow

Results

Heat 1
1. Max Nagl
2. Cedric Melotte
3. Zach Osbourne
4. Brad Anderson
5. James Noble
6. Carl Nunn
7. Lewis Gregory
8. Tom Church
9. Scott Columb
10. Jordan Rose
11. Gareth Swanepoel
12. Billy MacKenzie

Heat 2

1. Max Nagl
2. Gareth Swanepoel
3. Zach Osbourne
4. Brad Anderson
5. Billy MacKenzie
6. Carl Nunn
7. James Noble
8. Kristian Whatley
9. Scott Columb
10. Tom Church

Overall
1. Max Nagl
2. Zach Osbourne
3. Brad Anderson
4. Gareth Swanepoel
5. Carl Nunn
6. James Noble
7. Billy MacKenzie
8. Scott Columb
9. Tom Church
10. Cedric Melotte

Championship Standings after Round 2
1. Brad Anderson, 81 points
2. Carl Nunn, 70 points
3. James Noble, 64 points
4. Tom Church, 62 points
5. Billy MacKenzie, 58 points
6. Cedric Melotte, 51 points
7. Max Nagl, 50 points
8. Gareth Swanepoel, 44 points
9. Scott Columb, 43 points
10. Jordan Rose, 42 points