The first round of the MX Nationals took the Verde Silhoh KTM team back down to Oakhanger, and heavy rain overnight would make the track a tough test for all the riders competing on Sunday.
Report and Images courtesy of Verde Siloh KTM
Pro class – Jake Millward
Qualification
Jake struggled during qualifying to find a clear run, and also suffered a big crash in the rollers. Jake had to settle for seventh place at the finish but with the mixed gate of MX2 and MX1 riders this would give him 13th gate pick for race one.
Pro Race 1
Jake did not get the best of starts, exiting the first turn towards the back of the pack. A few turns in he then got stuck behind a bunch of riders that had crashed in front – putting Jake pretty much dead last. From there, he put his head down and started to pick his way through the pack. As the race went on, Jake showed great speed and consistency and finished the race in a fantastic third place.
Pro Race 2
Another difficult start for Jake saw him towards the back of the field exiting turn one. As in race one Jake put his head and started working his way towards the front of the pack – which would be a little more difficult as he had a stone wedged underneath his brake pedal. Still determined, Jake pushed all the way to the end and finished off the race in third place.
Overall
P3-P3 for third overall. Another solid first round for Jake. Two solid races and some good points for the Championship.
Jake Millward: “The weekend didn’t go my way and I know I’m capable of more. I made it hard work for myself but I’m happy to come away with another podium and some good point towards the championship.”
Pro Class – Bailey Johnston
Qualification
Finding his flow around the circuit, Bailey’s quickest time put him in ninth place. With the Mixed gate of MX2 and MX1 riders this would give him 17th gate pick for race one.
Pro Race 1
Bailey got a fantastic start finding himself in the top three in MX2, and with great speed and flow worked his way up to take the lead. As the race went on and the track got tougher and tougher, he showed great control and pushed all the way to the chequered flag. He would cross the line in first place.
Pro Race 2
Bailey got another fantastic start in race two and soon found himself in the lead again. Midway through the race he dropped down to second place but with some great riding and line choices, he managed to reclaim the lead, and this is where he end the race.
Overall
P1 – P1 for first Overall. A fantastic day for Bailey, taking his first ever Pro win and getting himself the Championship lead.
Bailey Johnston: “Unbelievable day today, First Pro mx2 win ticked off, going 1-1 in the races. Massive thanks to everyone involved wouldn’t be able to do it without you.”
Adam Kirk, Team Manager: “Fantastic day seeing both of our riders on the Podium. Great to see Bailey take his first Pro win. Hopefully the team can keep this great form going and continue to grow over the few rounds.”
