Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team’s Janis Reisulis has claimed his second consecutive overall podium result with third at round 11 in South Africa. Riding high on confidence as the series enters its second half, the Latvian fought hard for his fourth and third-place results across the two Grand Prix races. Teammate and brother Karlis also performed well, claiming seventh overall on the day.
Following his maiden podium result last weekend in Portugal, J. Reisulis headed to the high-altitude Terra Topia circuit to the north-west of Johannesburg excited to deliver a repeat performance. Acclimating quickly to the hardpack racetrack, the Yamaha YZ250FM racer finished fourth in the qualifying race to set the tone for another strong Grand Prix result.
As the gate dropped for Race One, J. Reisulis started strongly and slotted into fourth on the opening lap. From there, the reigning EMX250 Champion rode a faultless race to break away from the chasing pack and secure a comfortable fourth-place finish.
Knowing another overall podium was within reach following the opening race, J. Reisulis executed another strong start in Race Two. Running third until the closing stages, the 18-year-old was pushed back to fourth by Camden McLellan before regrouping a few laps later and moving back into third. That crucial pass ultimately secured third in the race and third overall on the day, marking his second consecutive podium appearance. Leaving round 11, the talented youngster remains sixth in the series standings.
At the same time, K. Reisulis maintained his strong and consistent mid-season form with seventh in both races. Securing seventh overall, the 20-year-old fought hard for his results and continues to lie eighth in the championship standings.
With a trio of positive Grands Prix complete, the team will now take a weekend off before the MX2 World Championship resumes with round 12 at the Monster Energy MXGP of Great Britain on July 18-19.
Click here for all the results from the MXGP of Rep. of South Africa.
Janis Reisulis
3rd MXGP of Rep. of South Africa, 38-points
6th MX2 Championship Standings, 400-points
“It was a good day. I felt really comfortable on the bike in warm-up, and although I was maybe a little hesitant in a few places during the first race, it was quite a calm moto. I was mostly riding on my own and just focused on riding the track. I went into the second moto with the same mentality as always. When Camden McLellan passed me near the end, I suddenly had that fire in me and just went for it. I managed to make the pass back, and that’s what got me onto the podium. I’m really happy with the result and hopefully I can keep going like this. A big thank you to the whole team and it’s amazing to score two podiums in a row.”
Karlis Reisulis
7th MXGP of Rep. of South Africa, 28-points
8th MX2 Championship Standings, 307-points
“Today was okay. I got decent starts but after that I found it difficult to make passes. I finished seventh in both motos, which obviously isn’t where I want to be. I didn’t feel too bad on the bike, but my pace just wasn’t there today. That’s something I need to work on and improve for the next round. Thanks to the team as always for all their hard work.”
Photocredits – Full Spectrum Media
