Riders Gareth Swanepoel and Evgeny Bobryshev enjoyed a superb outing during their CAS Honda debut today at Little Silver, Exeter, where they both achieved race wins and rostrum honours at the opening round of the 2010 British MX1 Championship. In the new-for-2010 qualifying format, in which the top twelve from the timed session enter a flying lap superpole stint, Bobryshev earned himself second position with Swanepoel a few places back in sixth for their gate pick at the muddy Exeter circuit.

Gareth Swanepoel #8: 2nd Overall “Qualifying was a bit different, and the track was quite slippery but I was fifth after the timed session. We did the Superpole and I dropped to sixth, but it was something new and I really enjoyed it. In the first race I unfortunately crashed in the second or third corner, and got stuck a couple of times in the first lap. To be honest the first race just didn’t go to plan. I didn’t find my rhythm and the conditions weren’t good, so I definitely wanted to improve for race two. In the second moto I got the holeshot and led for a long time. I was riding a bit stiff and made a mistake, so I went down, but luckily the leading trio had quite a big gap so managed to get back on and finish third. In the last race I got the holeshot and led from start to finish, but it wasn’t completely uneventful, as I stalled the bike and had to bump start it at one of the top of the hills. I am definitely happy with second overall as the plan was to come here to get as many points as possible. The bike is awesome, and I know I need to ride better to do it justice, which will come when I relax some more and I get used to it. My confidence improved throughout today and I’m looking forward to continuing my training over the next few weeks.”

Evgeny Bobryshev #777: 3rd Overall “Qualifying was okay, but the Superpole was good for me because I made a good lap to finish second on the gate. The first race was good. I got a great start and the holeshot, so I just pushed as hard as I could. I crashed on the second lap, but kept the bike going and managed to stay in the lead. I felt so happy to win, so I was looking forward to the second race. I didn’t get such a good start but managed to come through and finish second, which I was also happy with. In the middle of the race I struggled a little as I wasn’t quite finding my lines and making some mistakes, but I pushed again to catch the leader. I made some mistake on the last lap to finish second. The third race was quite bad. I crashed with Anderson in the first lap and I also made some mistake in the race, but still finished 13th. So really third place for my first race at the British Championship is okay, and I am happy with being on the podium. I’m really happy with the team and the bike, I just can’t wait to get out racing some more.”

CAS Honda Team Manager: Neil Prince “I am very happy with today’s outcome. To come here and finish with two new riders on the podium is a credit to the team and the hard work everyone has put in over the winter. Gareth struggled to get himself going in the first heat, but demonstrated his ability well in the following two races to finish second overall, which is a great start for him this season. Evgeny was also very impressive. I must point out he hasn’t really ridden since we went testing over three weeks ago, and to come to a new track, with a new championship on a new bike and win his first race is a real indication of his ability and attitude. We have some things to work on but this is a strong start to the year and we can only build from this very positive performance.”