MX Nationals - Round 6 - Cusses Gorse 2018

ANDO MISSES OUT ON THE TITLE BY 8 POINTS

On this hot sunny weekend, the team headed south to Cusses Gorse to support Brad in his quest for the MX2 title which would be crowned this weekend. Just 8 points behind Josh Gilbert meant the title was within reach for Brad, but this track is fast and hard and difficult for the 2-stroke bike to get traction.

Todd Kellett also rode this round, giving him more bike time, since his European commitments had eased off.

QUALIFICATION:

MX2:

Brad got a good quick time in qualification putting him in 3rd place MX2 and 5th gate pick for the day. Todd's qualification didn't go quite as well putting him in 8th place MX2 with not such as good a gate pick.

RACE 1:

Brad got an excellent jump out the gate and hauled up the start straight along with those 450's. He came round in third and first MX2 and was out on his own for a good few laps. Gilbert wasn't for giving up on the fight though and pulled through the pack and was soon chasing Ando down and half way through the race he made his pass and took off pretty much.  Brad kept the gap even and left all the other MX2 riders behind but couldn't pull back the gap.  So Ando came home in 2nd place MX2 behind young Josh Gilbert.

Todd’s race didn't go as well. A terrible start saw him behind all the 450's and plenty of 250 bikes. Behind the top 3 MX2 was a pack of riders all around the same speed, so it was anyone's shout on this rough rutted track.  Todd was in this train but couldn't get through the pack and was starting to make headway when a mechanical hit and he was out of the race. So no points for Todd in Race 1.

RACE 2:

Race 2 was another relatively good start for Brad but this time Josh Spinks was the leading MX2. Brad was in 2nd with Gilbert chasing hard in 3rd. It was a fair battle for Brad to get past Spinks and he sure did put up a fight.  Once through he was away with Gilbert following suit to move into 2nd place. A few laps in and Gilbert tried to put in a pass but then thought better of it.  Brad was out to win and had mastered this now technical rough track.  So Gilbert settled for 2nd place and Brad came home 1st in Moto 2.

Todd also had a relatively good race.  His start wasn't quite as good and he was therefore mixed up with the 450's. He soon settle into the race and within a few laps sat comfortably in 6th place MX2. The track was more or less one line and therefore difficult to pass.  Todd sat tight, held his own and came home 6th place in MX2.

OVERALL:

Brad Anderson 2-1 for 1st overall in MX2, riding his Two-Smoker alongside the Four Stokes. Finished 2nd overall in the MX Nationals Championship, just 8 points behind young Josh Gilbert. 

Todd Kellett took a DNF in race one and 6th in race two to give him 14th overall on the day.  Todd only rode at 2/6 rounds and had one DNF. Out of the 3 races of a possible 12, Todd still managed to finish 19th overall in the championship.

QUOTE BY BRAD ANDERSON:

It was hard work out there today, especially in the 2nd race.  Shame about not winning the title but congratulations to Josh Gilbert. 

QUOTE BY TODD KELLETT:

It is some time since I have ridden this track and it was very technical and fast. Enjoyed today and it was a change to be racing with both the 250 and 450's together.

QUOTE BY ADRIAN KIRK:

Both our boys gave 100% today and couldn't really have asked for more. They both showed commitment and gave it their all.  Congratulations to Josh Gilbert for winning the title.