Tommy Searle, the 18-year-old Briton for the KTM Red Bull MX2 Racing Team made his dream come true on Sunday just a few kilometres from his home town when he clinched his maiden GP victory at Donington Park.
On a day when clear blue skies heralded a fine day for competition at the famous British racing circuit, Searle, who was second in the first moto, made sure of victory in the second for overall top podium place. He went through the checkered flag almost eight seconds ahead of second placed Jeremy Tarroux and clocked his fastest lap in lap 15 of the 18-lap race.
The victory vaults Tommy into second place in the season's standings behind Antonio Cairoli who already took the title last weekend in Moneyglass, Northern Ireland. With just one Grand Prix to go in the Netherlands and several of Searle's toughest rivals, including his teammate Tyla Rattray, out with injuries, he now looks certain to finish in second place at the close of the season.
"It was a perfect day for me. I was not so worried after coming second in the first moto because I put all my efforts into the second heat. "I was struggling today with the lines but I tried to do my best," Searle said. "It was great to win here in Donington in front of my family and friends and it gave me an opportunity to give something back to my fans and all the people who have supported me."
Team boss Stefan Everts was also delighted with the win of his youngest charge. "I am very happy for Tommy," he said. "I know the feeling of winning before your home crowd. This has been a very important win today and it will give Tommy a lot of confidence, but it is also good for the whole team who all worked hard to make it possible."
KTM supported rider Jeremy Tarroux was second on the day, adding some more pleasure to the team of the Austrian manufacturer. It was the first career podium for the French rider who was third in the first moto and second in the second heat. "I tried to stick with Tommy in the second heat and at one point I even thought I might be able to pass him, but them he pulled away from me," Tarroux said, also thanking his team and KTM for their support.
In what was the best day of his career so far, Searle was also named as the MX2 rider for the British team to compete in the Motocross of Nations.
It was the first time MX Grand Prix races had been held at Donington Park, at the very heartland of British motor sports. When asked what he planned for Donington next year, Tommy replied: "I want to win both motos - and the championship!"
Results - Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM
- Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM
- Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha
- Matteo Bonini, Italy, Yamaha
- Dennis Verbriggen, Belgium, Yamaha
Images - Archer R.
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