HERO TO ZERO FOR CLARKE AT CULHAM

.Maxxis Apico Suzuki rider, Steven Clarke, went quite literally from hero to zero  in the final round of the Red Bull Pro National series, held at Culham in Oxfordshire, after a great runner-up finish in the opening race of the day turned to disappointent in the second, after a mid-race clash with another rider forced retirement.With the track in perfect condition, Clarke started his day off positively, qualifying in third spot and looking every bit the experienced MX2 rider that he is. A textbook first race, saw the RM-Z250 rider surge through the field taking the runner-up spot behind eventual race winner Jake Nicholls without any real drama.Determined to maintain his pace in the second race, Clarke looked odds on for a another great result, with even an overall win possible, but a clash with another rider causing damage to the RM-Z250s fork leg guard, consequently causing a brake hose problem, forced Clarke in for running repairs. Sadly though, the repairs would not be enough, eventually forcing retirement just a few laps later. Despite retirement, Clarke still finished the series in sixth position.Steven Clarke: "That really was a frustrating day. The first race was great. My speed was there from qualifying and I felt comfortable all the way through race one. With the track in such great condition, I really believed that an overall win was on the cards at the start of the second race, but then I guess I made a bit of an optimistic move and that ended it all. I feel disappointed but also sorry for the team who've put so much hard work in. We've got Hawkstone next and I'm optimistic of ending the year on a high."Teammate Kayne Lamont had a day to forget after suffering two crashes in race one, causing an eventual retirement, going on to suffer a similar fate in race two with another DNF.Team manager, Rob Hooper: "A real tough day and a bit of a blow for Steven. He looked great in qualifying and rode extremely well in race one. With his form we all conservatively thought that maybe even an overall win was possible, and judging by his pace in the opening laps of race two even I started to believe this was possible. Sadly though a silly mistake ended it all, and despite the team working hard to repair the hose, it just wasn't to be. However, Steven has proven that he has the pace and so we're all looking forward to the final round of the Maxxis series at Hawkstone, where we hope Kane can end a difficult first season with a positive result or two as well."2011 Team Partners Include: Maxxis, Apico, Suzuki GB, Akrapovic, Doodson, Langcourt, MX Zone, Rip'n'Roll, The Heritage Company, Motorex, Venhill. DID, Burfield Creative, Alpinestars, C'n'C Doors, Pro Clean, Polisport, Factory Connection, Twin Air, Samco, Answer, Pro Taper, Pro Carbon, Generate, Donjoy, Petersen Racing, Spiral Graphics, Massiveracing.com, Raptor Titanium, Radtec, Revo Technik