Mel Pocock signed off his most successful season in motocross yesterday, with a trio of strong rides netting the Relentless Suzuki by TAS rider an impressive third place finish in the Maxxis British Motocross Championship standings.
Riding at the legendary Hawkstone Park venue in Shropshire, Pocock had to ride consistently and safe to take the final podium position and started his day with promise, qualifying fourth quickest.
With the track in good condition and enjoying the unusually warm temperatures, race one started well for the RM-Z250 rider, gating third and holding the position all the way the to flag despite pressure from Neville Bradshaw, finishing behind Tonus and MacKenzie only.
With a good ride and points in the bag in the first race, Pocock’s attention turned to consistency in the final two motos of the day. Gating third in race two and riding home to a solid fifth place, before a dominant holeshot in race two, saw another mature ride to fifth at the flag once again, finshing the day overall in the same spot, but crucially taking third in the series standings.
Mel Pocock: “Well, that will do! I was determined to sign the year off on the podium and we’ve achieved that in both major championships now. After race one, I knew I had to play it safe, and as tempting as it was to push harder in the second and third races, I wanted the championship podium more, so settled down to bring it home to the flag. A huge thanks must go to the Relentless Suzuki team and Suzuki. These guys gave me a missile of a bike this year and all the support I could have asked for. In my first year as a lead team rider I couldn’t have asked for much more. A big thanks once again to everyone that’s supported me.”
Team manager, Adam Lyons: “Mission accomplished! Mel and the team have truly delivered this year. With our first season back in the sport we couldn’t have asked for much more and today just signs it all off nicely for everyone. Mel’s ridden a mature and consistent season. On the good days he’s really shone and on the bad days he’s demonstrated real maturity for someone so young. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mel and the entire team for their hard work and commitment, it’s been a great first year back.”
The team will announce its plans for 2012 in the near future.
