Motocross: Tommy Searle claims first MX1 title at Foxhills

MONSTER Energy DRT Kawasaki’s Tommy Searle claimed his first ever Maxxis British MX1 title at Foxhills over the weekend and went into the series final with only a five-point lead over Shaun Simpson - meaning he had to finish on the podium.

Searle knew he had to get a good start, which he did with a sizzling holeshot before having water thrown on his fire by his number one rival, Simpson, as he put the squeeze on him heading into turn two.

With no time to waste Simpson was in full animal mode and put in a series of hot laps in an effort to distance himself from Searle, although that proved difficult. Searle’s team boss Steve Dixon had made it plain that he needed to finish inside the top three, but if relaxing back in second was on his mind, MVR-D Fuel 10K Husqvarna’s Tanel Leok had other ideas.

There were a lot of nervous faces and sweaty palms over in the pit boxes as Simpson led with Searle sitting second and Leok keeping them on their toes. It wasn’t till the checkered flag went out that everyone could actually take a breath, and when it did it went to Simpson over Searle and Leok.

“It’s really nice. Two second places, Shaun obviously won both the motos. Shaun just did his thing, so good on him. But I had to push really hard, because Tanel was riding really fast, faster than he has all year. I don’t know why he was so fast all of a sudden, he pushed me all the way to the end. I am really, really happy,” said Searle.