With not a cloud in sight, and gorgeous sunshine draping itself over the Czech countryside, the scenery in Kramolin is certainly tough to beat, however, the competitors for round two of the World Quadcross championship would have no time to take it all in as they prepared themselves for the day’s action.
Pre-Qualifying
Mike van Grinsven was absent from the first round a fortnight ago in the south of France, but he had made the trip from the Netherlands to contest this weekend’s action and, despite missing the opening round, he would certainly be a man to be wary of as he posted a laptime quick enough for third gate-pick. Championship leader and red-plate holder, Kevin Saar, did the most laps of anybody in free practise, and that would prove beneficial as he set the quickest lap of the session by half-distance. Patrick Turrini, who holds second in the world championship after the opening round, would retaliate and go even quicker than Saar to claim first-gate pick for the Czech round of the championship.
Results
1. Patrick Turrini
2. Kevin Saar
3. Mike van Grinsven
4. Manfred Zienecker
5. Harry Walker
Qualifying Race
Turrini opted for the inner-most gate on the right-hand side of the circuit, but a poor start would leave him playing catch-up as it was Zienecker who claimed the holeshot from Saar. Only three corners in, and Saar made a daring move around the outside to take the lead of the race away from the German. It would not be long before this duo stretched their advantage over the chasing pack, whilst Turrini, Karlis Neija, Manfred Zienecker, Karlis Straubergs and Mark Mclernon fought hard over third position.
Turrini carved his way to the front of the group and found his groove to try and reduce the deficit between himself and Zienecker, who was still keeping tabs on Saar. Walker and van Grinsven would soon break away from the pack, too, but van Grinsven could not find his way through on the British rider. Whilst this was happening, Karlis Neija managed to squeeze his way through Mark Mclernon, but a slight mistake saw him lose track position once more, and Mclernon did not need a second invitation.
Into the latter half of the race and Saar was managing the gap at around three seconds – enough to not be challenged, without adding unnecessary risk. Turrini at this point, was on a charge. He was consistently lapping a couple of seconds quicker than Zienecker, with every passing lap and, as the final lap board went out, the gap was down to 1.9 seconds. Zienecker knew he needed one clean, fast lap, and that is exactly what he did to fend off the challenge posed by Turrini, to claim nine world championship points.
There was no answer to Saar’s pace, as continues his 100% qualifying victory streak in the world championship.
Results
1. Kevin Saar
2. Manfred Zienecker
3. Patrick Turrini
4. Mike van Grinsven
5. Harry Walker
If today’s qualifying race is anything to go by, then you can be sure that the world championship races tomorrow will be an action-packed affair!
By Bradley Hix
