Maxxis Apico Suzuki rider Steven Clarke, had a turbulent start to his Red Bull Pro National Championship campaign at the weekend, after a fourth place qualification turned into a DNF in the first race, followed by a strong ride to fifth in the final race of the day.
Proving the speed of the Hooper-prepared Suzuki early-on, Clarke looked impressive in qualifying, finishing the session as the fourth fastest 250F, before gating well in the opening race, running third into the first corner, before the bigger 450 machines took control. Running second in class for the first three laps, arm-pump forced Clarke to slow, eventually pitting-in to make suspension changes which ultimately ending his race.
Determined not to end the second race in the same way, Clarke made another good start, but this time was hampered by a big crash shortly afterwards that saw him remount ninth in class. But another inspired ride from Clarke saw him ride back up the order to take a solid fifth in class at the flag.
Steven Clarke: "The track was really rough and in the first race I just couldn't hang onto the bike. I took the decision to pit and make some changes, to at least give me a chance in the second race. Although I forfeited the race it meant I could push on with an improved set-up in the last moto. Without that crash I think we could have had a really good result in the second, and so despite feeling disappointed, it's always nice to end the day with a reasonable result."
Team manager, Rob Hooper: "Not the greatest day at the office, but after Steven's crash he seemed a different and more relaxed rider. It's nice to end the weekend with a solid result and by the next major race meeting Kayne should be with us too and we can start our season as a full team."
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
Results
MX2 Overall: 1st Elliott Banks-Browne, 2nd Mel Pocock, 3rd Scott Elderfield, 4th Stuart Edmonds, 5th Jack Brunnel, 6th Bryan MacKenzie, 7th Lewis Tombs, 8th John Phillips, 9th Tom Kelly, 10th Jordan Booker, 11th Steven Clarke (SUZUKI)
MX2 Series Standings: 1st Banks-Browne (50), 2nd Pocock (44), 3rd Elderfield (38), 4th Edmonds (34), 5th Brunnel (32), 6th MacKenzie (24), 7th Tombs (23), 8th Phillips (19), 9th Kelly (17), 10th Booker (16), 11th Steven Clarke (SUZUKI).
