Although the insanely-talented Scott has dabbled in other motorcycling codes – including a brief stint last year racing the World Enduro Championships in Europe – he is more at home on the motocross track , but such is the versatility of the Honda rider , he made the transition look ridiculously easy at Marton . “ It was good to get into the lead early because I knew it was going to get dusty . My plan was just to keep it steady at the start of the race and then maybe pick up the pace at the end ,” he said . “ I could see Tommy [ Watts ] reeling me in at one stage , so I lifted the pace to respond to that . We were only five seconds apart at one point , but I finished the race a minute in front . “ This bike has a bigger tank than my motocross bike , but I could still only do two laps today before I needed to refuel . Thankfully , it was the same for my rivals too ,” Scott explained . “ The bike is stock standard , with no modifications , so I was pretty pleased with how it all worked out really . I might just stiffen up the suspension settings before the next round though . It was a bit too soft today .
“ With no national motocross events on the horizon , this might be the title I chase this season ,” he laughed . Watts was philosophical in defeat . “ It ’ s okay losing to my best mate ,” Watts shrugged , “ I really enjoyed the track today . It had some open stuff and some tight stuff and a few challenging bits in between . Big ups to James for winning it today .”
JUNIORS In the 90-minute junior race staged earlier in the day , Cambridge ’ s Jared Hannon led a Kawasaki 1-2 to the top of the podium , edging out Pukekawa ’ s national junior 250cc motocross champion Tyler Brown , with New Plymouth ’ s Josh Houghton ( Husqvarna ) completing the podium . Both senior winner Scott and junior winner Hannon are only rarely observed on the crosscountry scene , these riders more at home on a motocross track , but such is their versatility , the transition was virtually seamless . “ I don ’ t know what the winning secret was for me today ,” said teenager Hannon . “ I just think
The juniors set off
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