Red Bull KTM factory rider Jeffrey Herlings has dominated the opposition to win the opening MX1 moto at the Hawkstone Park circuit in England. The Dutchman also extended his points lead in the British motocross championship over Conrad Mewse, who finished second after a horrible start. Third was Tristan Purdon.

Jeffrey Herlings: Only one in front (at the start), but that is one too much. The gate drop took too long and I wasn’t ready. Led from first lap to last and finished ahead of Conrad, I think he got a bad start. Hopefully he can get a better start in the second one and we can race. It is hard normally I race here in February, and I am not familiar with this track in dry conditions and I am glad I came over.

MX1 Moto One

Bobby Bruce led from Herlings in the opening MX1 moto, but Herlings quickly into the lead and using his Lommel form to get away. Mewse was 11th, and some big names in the top ten were Gilbert fourth, Martin Barr in seventh.

Herlings quickly well away after a lap with 3.4 seconds over Bruce in second. Lap two it was five seconds between first and second and Mewse was up to seventh place. Gilbert was eight seconds back and fourth placed man Purden 15 seconds off the Dutchman.

Herlings clocking lap times three seconds quicker than anyone else as he moved well away from the field. Three laps the lead was nearly 10 seconds. Herlings looking beautiful around another of the toughest sand tracks in the World.

Gilbert closing up in Bruce in second and Mewse into fourth place and you just know he will go after Bruce and Gilbert. Herlings on another planet and 15 seconds ahead. Former British champion Billy Mackenzie in 16th place. Mewse into third and chasing down Bruce. Lap eight Herlings led Mewse by 28 seconds, then came, Bruce, Gilbert and Purden. Herlings wins from Mewse.

MX2 Moto One

In the opening MX2 moto, Rizzi led from Searle and Askew, then came Brookes, Valk, Banks Browne in seventh, Jake Nicholls in ninth and Chambers well back. Rizzi looking very nice in front, although Searle not letting him get too far ahead.

Searle continued to hang with Rizzi and Askew also not allowed the two front guys to get ahead. Chambers coming back from his Loket crash is really struggling and losing major points on the front riders.

Valk passed Askew and then went after Searle, with the young Dutchman really showing good speed, and no surprise as he is a Dutchman in sand. With Chambers poor showing, Valk should take the championship lead and Rizzi also making big points on the American. Chambers up to 17th place. The race was red flagged after a crash and the win went to Rizzi, from Searle and Valk.

Ray Archer image