Date: 28 August 2010

Gareth Swanepoel has recently headed out to the USA in order to contest the final 3 rounds of the AMA Nationals for Star Racing Yamaha, and it all started well as he posted an 8th overall in Southwick.

Leaving Belgium last Wednesday, ‘Swanie’ flew straight to New York and was able to test the 250f Yamaha for the first time ever on Thursday, before then preparing for the race on Saturday. Having raced a 450f for the last 2 years it took a little getting used to the lesser powered machine, however Swanepoel soon adapted and finished the race weekend as the highest placed Yamaha rider.

In the opening moto ‘Swanie’ suffered a poor start, but racing hard he ended the opening lap already in 11th place. Continuing with a solid pace Swanepoel held his own on the unfamiliar machine, ultimately crossing the finish line in 10th position.

Moto 2 was another tough start, but once again the South African was on the gas and soon inside the top 10. Having made a few changes to the bike between races ‘Swanie’ was feeling even better and was able to claw his way into 6th position by the end of the race.

Two solid results earned Swanepoel 8th overall for the day.

A smiling Gareth Swanepoel had this to say: “This has all happened so fast, but luckily it looks to be a good move. The guys are at Star Racing have really been supportive and it was great to have a good ride on my first time out on the bike. This week we now head to California to do some further testing and preparation before we head off to Steel City for next weekend’s racing.”

Results

250 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki (2-2)
2. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda (4-1)
3. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda (1-9)
4. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda (3-5)
5. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki (7-3)
6. Dean Wilson, Scotland, Kawasaki (5-4)
7. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (6-7)
8. Gareth Swanepoel, South Africa, Yamaha (10-6)
9. Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Yamaha (11-8)
10. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha (8-11)