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Just seconds separated the first three finishers on day one of the Suzuki National Enduro Champs held in Nelson over the weekend. Tokoroa rider Sean Clarke capitalised on his recent Aussie form to clinch day one just 4 seconds ahead of impressive Expert Class 200 rider Chris Birch. Birch finishing second overall on day one. Chasing hard and keeping Birch on his toes came Mark Pollard Expert 200 class rival looking to keep his days hopes alive. An impressive performance saw both Birch and Pollard on the job throughout the day keeping Clarke in their sights.
300cc Class winner and favoured placegetter Elliott Kent the current NZ Champion faded to 4th overall aboard his XR 250, meanwhile Suzuki DR 250 rider Dene Humphrey had sneaked up on unsuspecting Kent Elliott finishing just 5 seconds behind on the line. With just one second between second, third and fourth placed riders day two would test the metal of rider and machine on the tough Golden Downs course.
Not content with being bridesmaid, surprise performer Dene Humphrey pulled off an early win in the first special stage on day two, again beating Eliott, this time by a slim 2 seconds, but he bit off more than he could chew having an-off on the second stage and loosing 30 seconds, but still having enough points in hand to take third line honours.
Top gun Sean Clarke cleaned up the Nelson round of the Suzuki National Enduro Champs, taking the overall rounds title with a twelve second lead over Paul Whibley, and big finisher on the day Christchurch rider Grenville Button beat Steven Bird home by just one second for third overall and third in class.
From here the riders prepare for the final two rouds in Te Kuiti and Rotorua respectively. With split second finishes, the stage is set for a sensational finish to the Suzuki National Enduro Champs.
Issued by: Wayne Green MNZ Media (07)8472806
Contact: Shaun Stanbridge 09-4791490 A/H 09-4791494
