The wet, blustery and cold conditions at the Hawkstone Park International could not have been worse for motocross as incessant rain turned the historic sand into a difficult and tiring prospect for Molson Kawasaki’s three rider line-up yesterday, but the 3rd position overall gained by Tom Church made the effort worthwhile. Church was joined by Gareth Swanepoel and teenage rider Ray Rowson in the team awning last weekend with Stephen Sword still needing time to recover from an infection in his lower leg but expecting to return to the saddle of the KX250-F in the next two weeks.
In Molson’s first appearance in front of British fans this year 25 year old Church defied the poor weather and effectively tackled the terrain to post strong results of two 4th positions for the lowest step of the final podium and one of is better outings after two seasons wrecked by injury.
Ray Rowson also had cause to feel pleased with his efforts. Two 7th places in the motos – after two tumbles and a lowly 25th spot in qualification - gave the ? year old 6th in the MX2 ranking and an encouraging comeback to racing in the wake of missing six months due to damaged knee ligaments.
South African Swanepoel was the team’s best qualifier with the 5th quickest lap-time but crashes in both heats meant that he could rise no higher than 15th and 14th.
The Superfinal was red-flagged and cancelled after a fall by MX2 British Champion Carl Nunn required medical assistance on the track and a forceful shower drew a premature curtain over proceedings.
‘It was a good day and I was very happy with third overall,’ said Church. ‘I still need to find a bit of speed but the bike was awesome and I am really pleased to be honest.’
‘It was great to be back on the bike after something like six months away from racing,’ commented Rowson. ‘It was a shame about qualifying because I had two big crashes and hurt my back a little bit but I had a physio here and she was able to help after each race. I am really happy with my results though and I’m keen to start the British Championship next week.’
All three active members of Molson Kawasaki will now look towards the opening race of the eight-round domestic series due to start next week at Canada Heights in Kent.
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