Shaun Simpson best MX2 at Kester
Belgian Motocross Championship
Kester - Belgium - 13/06/10

Factory Red Bull KTM rider Shaun Simpson lined up against mainly MX1 opposition at the Belgian championship meeting held at the ex Grand Prix circuit of Kester. Simpson used the opportunity to help make up for the time he lost during the early part of the season due to injury, by squeezing in this highly competitive national race in between his demanding GP schedule.

With most of the top MX1 Grand Prix runners in attendance Shaun knew that he was in for a tough day up against such a class field especially as they had the advantage of being on bigger capacity bikes. The track at Kester that sits amongst the trees and once was a famous GP venue during the Everts era remains a top class circuit, even if a little old school compared with the more modern offerings.

The grass covered surface soon gave way to soil as the initial twenty-five minute timed training session got underway. The twenty-two year old Scot quickly felt at home despite this being his first visit to this historic venue and actually enjoyed the challenge that this more traditional track provided. Gate position for the two main races was decided via a fifteen minute plus two lap encounter, which gave Shaun fifth pick for his afternoon outings.

Although the KTM teamster thought he would be out sprinted on the slight ascent into the first turn, he actually surprised himself by rounding the initial corner in the top three. The sheer power and speed of the MX1 bikes meant Shaun could do little to prevent both Leok and Van Horebeek (riding a 450 on this occasion) eventually overhauling him as he crossed the line in a highly respectable fifth place and ahead of Pourcel as the first moto came to a close.

Simpson was unable to repeat his lightning start in the second race, but still placed inside the top ten as the field filtered its way through the opening few turns. From here Shaun set about chasing down the guys in front of him with good effect and after a series of strong laps moved into fourth position. The MX2 GP contender momentarily surrendered this place as Pourcel powered passed him, but Shaun was soon back in the top four as the French rider crashed almost immediately. Even with the track now in its roughest state Simpson maintained his speed and his position to the end of the race.

A 5 - 4 showing was enough to give Simpson fifth overall, which was a pleasing result for the young Scot as he confirmed in his post race comments. "I have really enjoyed today, the track has been fantastic and has been a real change from what we are used to these days. I thought I was going to be at a major disadvantage on the MX2 bike, but as it has turned out I have managed to be in the mix all day."

"Although I didn't get such a good start in the second race, fourth was perhaps the best I could have hoped for today after being up against such a strong field. It's been a good work out and just what I needed ahead of next weekend's GP in Germany. Gradually I am now getting back some of the bike time I lost at the start of the season, as there is simply no substitute for actual racing, especially against these guys." Shaun ended.

Belgian Championship - Kester
MX1/MX2 Moto One: 1: Guarneri 2: Ramon 3: Leok 4: Van Horebeek 5: Simpson
MX1/MX2 Moto Two: 1:Ramon 2: Strijbos 3:Guarneri 4: Simpson 5: Leok
MX1/MX2 Moto Three: 1: Ramon 47 2: Guarneri 45 3: Strijbos 36 4: Leok 36 5: Simpson 34


Keep up to date with Shaun's season on his official website at www.shaunsimpson.com