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Suzuki Press Release
Photo: Scott Columb
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SOLID START FOR ALPINESTAR SUZUKI TEAM
The “Alpinestar” Suzuki team kicked of this years four round national MX series with a solid performance on the very demanding Taupo circuit. The rough conditions made bike setup very important and rider fitness was tested well and truly by soft pumice track.
National 125
Fresh from riding several of the English four stroke national rounds, Queenstown based “Alpinestar” Suzuki rider Scott Columb had less than 10 days to prepare for this years nationals. “Its taken more time than I thought to get used to the RM-Z250 four stroke after spending so much time on the 450 in England, the pace out here today is unreal” said Scott. Finishing back in fourth after the first moto, Scott was less than happy with the result, “I got the jump out of the start and then the bike hooked up so much I had to back off and get the front wheel back on the ground, this cost me several places by the time we reached the first turn”. Fired up by a disappointing result, Columb finished second in both other heat races to end up second overall for the day to Cody Cooper.
National 250
Masterton’s Luke Burkhart cemented a solid and consistent performance by finishing third in all three heats to claim third overall for the day behind the Honda riders Cody Cooper and Shayne King. “I struggled today with bike set up, but my goal here was top three, so I can’t be too unhappy with the outcome”, said Burkhart. Long time Suzuki RM250 two stroke campaigner Mark Penny showed a good return to form, finishing a very credible seventh overall for the day.
National 500
Star international rider Team “Alpinestar” Suzuki pilot Daryl Hurley had a difficult start to this year’s series. After showing a blistering speed by convincingly winning the Australian MR MX series, Daryl was the hot favourite for a class win on the RM-Z450. Finishing an uncharacteristic third in the first moto, Daryl was struggling for answers as to what the problem was. “The tracks rougher than I expected and I had trouble hanging on, in fact I dropped the bike over the back and lost touch with the leaders” said Hurley. Ready to prove a point, Daryl quickly stamped his authority on heat two and three by moving past Shayne King for the lead in both races ending the day on top of the podium. “Although I won, I’m not really happy with my riding here today, we have some work to do before the next round in Timaru”.
RESULTS
Standings after round one:
