LACAPELLE MARIVAL – FRANCE
Courtney Duncan – WMX
Timed Practice – 8th
Race 1 – 12th
Race 2 – 4th
Overall – 8th
Kay Karssemakers – MX2
Qualifying – 11th
Race 1 – 30th (DNF)
Race 2 – DNS
Overall – 32nd
Steve Dixon – Team Owner / Manager
“After our short break, it was good to get back to GP racing again. This weekend also marked a welcome return for Courtney in WMX. After a year away dealing with health issues, it was great to help get her back on the gate and see where she is at competitively.
Kay rode really well throughout the weekend and had some strong battles, finishing 11th in qualifying on Saturday. In race one on Sunday, he made a good start and worked his way forward impressively. While running in 9th with just a few laps remaining, the bike unfortunately expired shortly after the triple jump.
For race two, the team fitted a fresh engine and completed the sighting lap without issue, but a freak technical problem on the line left both Kay and the team absolutely gutted before the race even began. This is a highly mechanical sport, and sometimes these situations happen, but we regroup, learn from it and come back stronger heading into Germany this weekend. Despite the disappointment and the extreme 35-degree temperatures, Kay handled the situation professionally and respectfully, which deserves recognition because moments like that can be incredibly frustrating.
Courtney showed a strong pace all weekend. In race one, she worked her way from 7th into 4th before a small crash after getting cross-rutted dropped her back. Another small mistake later in the race eventually left her 12th at the finish.
What was most impressive was her response in race two. Showing the grit and determination of a former world champion, Courtney bounced back brilliantly to finish 4th and secure 8th overall for the weekend. Considering the amount of time she has spent away from racing, there are a lot of positives to take forward, and she will continue building in Germany this weekend.”
Courtney Duncan – WMX
It was a tough weekend, no doubt. It was my first international race in 2 years, so we knew it was going to be challenging, the track was tough and the heat was brutal. I think it’s only going to get better from here on, the first one is out of the way now and I’m looking forward to Germany this weekend.”
Kay Karssemakers – MX2
“I was really happy with my riding this weekend and felt good on the bike all weekend long. We fell short of the points we could have scored, which is frustrating for the team and me, and not ideal for the championship.
These things can happen in racing, and sometimes it’s simply out of your control, but it doesn’t change my mindset. We will keep pushing, keep building and come back ready to fight again this weekend in Germany.”
