Date: 23 August 2009

Gareth Swanepoel headed to Scotland this past weekend, for the penultimate round of the 8 round British Motocross Championship. Having competed in scorching sunshine of the USA last weekend, ‘Swanie’ was in for a total change in conditions as the relentless Scottish rain lashed down, forcing the event to be cancelled after the opening moto.

Trudging through the mud for morning qualification, the Factory Kawasaki rider showed he can adapt to any condition as he posted the 2nd fastest time behind fellow GP regular, Billy McKenzie.

As the gate dropped for the opening moto the field of MX1 riders all roosted their way to the first corner. As a few riders went down ‘Swanie’ managed to avoid the fallers, however the obstacle put him in 12th place exiting the corner. Having to come through the pack in the extreme wet conditions was not easy, however the South African made steady and consistent progress lap after lap, ultimately getting through to 5th position at the chequered flag.

With no let up in the rain, the organizers had no choice but to cancel the 2nd moto.

‘ Swanie’ gave his comments on the day:”The track was really nice this weekend, a shame it rained so much, otherwise it could have been a great days racing. In the race today I came out the first corner in around 12th or so and just had to try fight through the field. It was just hard going getting through, and I did not make the progress I wanted. I felt better than I expected out there, I really expected to just be slipping about but I felt in control, so it is all just adding to my experience on the 450 machine.”

Gareth Swanepoel now prepares for Round 14 of the MX1 World Championship, taking place at his favourite circuit, Lierop, in Holland this coming weekend.

Image: Stefan Paetow

Results:

1 60 Brad Anderson
2 26 Ray Rowson
3 211 Billy MacKenzie
4 24 Tom Church
5 17 Gareth Swanepoel
6 104 Gordon Crockard
7 227 Kristian Whatley
8 11 Jamie Lewis
9 46 Jason Dougan
10 40 Jordan Rose

Championship Standings
1 60 Brad Anderson 289
2 17 Gareth Swanepoel 231
3 23 Carl Nunn 203
4 16 James Noble 201
5 24 Tom Church 178
6 28 Scott Columb 152
7 46 Jason Dougan 150
8 211 Billy MacKenzie 147
9 121 Bryan MacKenzie 113
10 31 Alex Snow 97