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Simpson takes second at FatCat On a rough and demanding track Shaun
Simpson fought his LS Racing Honda CRF450 to second spot overall at the
opening round of the 2011 Red Bull Pro Nationals held at FatCat Motoparc
near Doncaster, after he placed 3-2 over the two motos. The sand circuit
proved to be a tough challenge for the twenty-three year old, who was
making his last competitive outing ahead of starting his 2011 MX1 World
championship campaign in Bulgaria next weekend. Whilst Simpson put in a
strong performance in both races he had no answer to the hard charging
Anderson on the day. Although conditions were soft in the majority of places, the LS Racing Honda rider was concerned about some of the firmer corners and made a tyre change ahead of the first twenty-five minute plus two lap moto. This did not prove to be the best of decisions as Shaun failed to find the drive away from the start gate, and then found his progress further hampered as a rider crashed immediately in front of him. Almost at a halt, Simpson was forced to ride over the stricken bike and found himself many seconds behind the pack as the leaders disappeared off into the distance. Some hard charging saw Britain's leading MXGP contender cut through the field and close in on the two front runners just as the race was coming to a close. Despite Shaun's initial set back he crossed the line in a well earned third place and just five seconds down on the eventual race winner Anderson. A better choice of tyre for the second and final moto of the day afforded the LS Racing Honda rider good drive away from the gate this time out and allowed the young Scot to round the first turn just behind early race leader and compatriot Sword. Simpson tucked in behind the CCM teamster for a couple of laps before making his move to take over the race lead. Although comfortable with the pace, Shaun's dominance was short lived as Anderson quickly demoted him back into second place. Simpson monitored Anderson as the race progressed and kept in touch with the PAR Honda rider throughout, but ultimately could not find the speed to regain the lead, without having to take unwanted risks just a week before the GP season gets underway. On his Red Bul Pro Nationals debut Simpson could be satisfied with his runners up spot, having never seen sight of the new sand track at FatCat Motoparc until a few hours before his first outing on it earlier today. "Brad (Anderson) was really strong today and deserved the win." Explained Simpson. "Overall I am pretty happy with how the day has gone. A better start and tyre choice in the opening moto would have made things easier, but that's how things go sometimes. The second race was better, however the track was real rough in places, so I just tried to ride safe as Brad was really pushing hard." "It's been another day of good practice on the 450, as I am still relatively new to the MX1 class, especially in such tough conditions." Shaun continued. "In fact I think this is one of the toughest tracks I have ridden for a long time and should serve me well for the first sand GP. Right now I am heading straight back to Belgium, so we can get the bike back to the team before they head off to Bulgaria ready for the first GP next weekend." Red Bull Pro Nationals - Round 1 -
FatCat Motoparc |
