Getting better and better as the season progresses Kawasaki Racing Team’s Manuel Priem takes an impressive third place on the podium at the third round of the Belgian National Championship.
With a handful of serious MX1 GP contenders in attendance the third round of the United Telecom Trophy held at Nismes was always going to be an exciting race and the fans who attended the Belgian championship race weren’t disappointed by the exciting on track action.
Already proving that his speed and levels of aggression are improving week by week on the factory KX450F-SR, KRT’s Manuel Priem once more stepped it up a notch during qualification where he set an outstanding third fastest time behind countrymen Ken De Dycker and Kevin Strijbos.
But while his qualifying session time was good it was Manuel’s first moto that was perhaps his most impressive ride of the day. Starting outside the top 10 Priem powered his factory KX450F-SR through the pack to hold second place by lap seven passing reigning MX1 world champion Steve Ramon, GP winner Jon Barragan and De Dycker along the way.
Race two was another good outing for Priem as he fought from eighth to fourth in the short 20 minute plus one lap moto to finish on the tail of Ramon. Moto three also netted a fourth place finish – this time from a sixth place start. Third overall on the day, Manuel now sits a safe third in the series with De Dycker and Ramon just ahead on points.
“This is my first podium in the United Telecom Trophy this season and overall it’s been a really good day,” said Manuel. “I was consistent, I was riding well and I get the feeling that I’m gaining momentum. The next race for me is Lommel next weekend and that should be a good race for me as it will be very heavy. I’m feeling better and better as the season progresses and the bike is working very well for me now after we made some more changes. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season and more top 10 rides in the GPs.”
