Team GRT Impact KTM were back at the races last weekend, this time at Cusses Gorse in Wiltshire with the Michelin MX Nationals for the final time, before the track comes to a close!
Images courtesy of Jay Turner Media
On what was a weather-wild weekend, the team put up a fantastic fight to bring home the results we strive for.
On Saturday, Blake Ward-Clarke in the 85cc class, and Finley Evans in the MXY2 class, took to the stage on what was a weather-dependant day.
With the rain coming down hard, Blake set a good time in qualifying, and started 6th position going into the races. In Moto 1, Blake got off to a good start in the deep muddy conditions, and rode well all race to bring it home in 4th position.
On his return ride back from injury was Finley Evans in the MXY2 class, who also set a good time in Qualifying, giving him 4th position going into the first race. Finley didn’t get the start he wanted in Moto 1, meaning he had to fight through the pack from outside the top 10, to finish 5th.
With the first Moto in the books, the rain did not hold off, causing a premature stoppage to the days events. The track was heavily waterlogged, but the track crew did a great job to get things going again for Sunday’s racing, including the Pro class.
On Sunday, Blake and Finley continued their Saturday form going into Moto 3 (after the Moto 2 cancellation), finishing 6th and 4th respectively. Both riders ended the weekend narrowly missing the top 3 overall, with Blake 5th and Finley 4th. Blake takes home a 5th place trophy with the 85cc class paying podium positions out to 5th place!
Finally, Joe Brookes lined up in the Pro MX2 class on Sunday, after the track conditions slightly eased up. Still technical however, this played in Brookes’s favour, as he set the 2nd fastest time in qualifying. Giving himself a good gate pick, Joe rocketed out the gate in both Motos, finding himself at the sharp end of the pack.
In Moto 1, he spent some time battling for the lead, but did drop back as the race went on. Still, Brookes managed a great 5th position at the line. In Moto 2, however, Brookes was determined to battle for a podium position, and that he did! Fighting well for the full race, Joe came home in 3rd place, which was good enough for 3rd overall, and his first Pro podium ever!
A first podium (top 3) of the year for the team too, which we have been working hard for together. We knew Brookes had the capability of putting it on the box in the Pro class, and that’s just what he did. Motivated more than ever, we will keep working hard together, to keep achieving our goals set at the beginning of the season, and pushing new heights.
A big thank you to all involved with helping the team make the races, especially on a difficult weekend with the weather like this was. Your support does not go unnoticed! A couple of weeks off now until we visit Hawkstone Park again, for the next round of the Michelin MX Nationals Championship.
