EMX2t - R4 - Orlyonok Russia - 2019

ANDO GETS THE RED PLACE BACK IN RUSSIA

Round 4 of the EMX2t was way out in Russia which stretches the terminology of European Championship.  Brad Anderson flew out to race with just his Mechanic and family but knew he had to get the job done.  Kras took the Red Plate off Brad in Portugal and left Brad trailing by just 1 point behind.  The task in hand was to gain that 1^st place spot back this weekend.

QUALIFICATION:

Brad took his time in free practice, getting to know the track.  In timed qualification it was very close between the top 3, Lusbo, Kovar and Anderson, less than a second between all 3.  Kellett was over a second slower with Kras 2 seconds behind Brad. 

RACE 1:

Brad got a reasonable start but it was Kellett, Kras and Lusbo that got the better of him.  Within the 2^nd lap, Kras made a mistake and both Lusbo and Brad found their way past.  The top 3 riders left Kras and the rest of the pack for dust and separately rode their own races.  Brad couldn’t close on the front 2 and finished in 3^rd place.

RACE 2:

Determined to get his red plate back, saw Brad put his head down determined to get the job in hand done.  He got an excellent start and basically led all the way.  Kellett chased hard behind, excited after winning the first moto.  But Kellett was sketchy and made a few mistakes.  At one point Brad was seen to be shaking his head as Kellett back wheel almost clipped Brad’s ear.  Kellett was going to get the overall whether he finished 1^st or 2^nd, so he should ideally have let off.  However, Brad, being the more experienced rider, kept calm and sailed through to take the 2^nd Moto.

OVERALL:

So 3-1 for 2^nd overall in Russia.  Brad gained the red plate back and will head off to Latvia leading the championship by 8 points ahead of Mike Kras.

QUOTE FROM BRAD ANDERSON:

Good weekend in Russia going 3-1 for second overall and so relieved to get the Championship Lead back.

Thank you to everybody who helped me make the journey.

QUOTE FROM TEAM MANAGER ADRIAN KIRK:

The last few rounds have been tough but it looks like Brad is back to his old self, determined not to be beaten.   No rest now though with Latvia the very next weekend.