It was another outstanding performance from Kiwi ace Scotty Columb in the United Kingdom at the weekend.

The Relentless Suzuki MX team rider left round three of the ACU MMX British Open Championship, held at Frome, in Somerset, at the weekend, as the leading team rider, after improving throughout the day to finish in fourth overall in the MX1 class.

With all team riders out in action at the fast and dusty circuit, it would be Columb who would end the day strongest, after a sixth place finish in race one, was turned into a race lead and an eventual third place result in race two, after goggle issues dropped the New Zealander from the lead.

For Columb’s team-mate, Martin Barr, his fortunes would be reversed, after a good ride in the first race, saw the RM-Z450 mounted rider take to the podium with a well-earned third place finish. His second race would be less successful after a crash at the first turn, left the Irish rider to remount and fight back to seventh place at the flag.

With Jamie Law riding home to ninth in both races, disappointment would strike once again for Scott Probert, after his best ride of the season ended in disaster with a broken Tibia and dislocated ankle, after trapping his foot and ankle under his own footrest.

Team manager Rob Hooper was happy with his riders’ performances.

“Another day with highs and lows,” said Hooper. “To see all four riders inside the top-10 in race one was fantastic and even better to see Scott Columb lead the second race in such a determined fashion. With young Matt Burrows racing at the same venue in the under-21 class, and proving his ability with a strong ninth place finish in the first race, we have shown we have a very strong line-up across the board. The big low for us all is the injury sustained by Scott Probert. We really have no idea how long he will be off the bike, but wish him a speedy recovery.”

The next round of the series takes place at Wroxton in Oxfordshire on 21st June.

Open Overall Results:

1st Brad Anderson,

2nd Kristian Whatley,

3rd Carl Nunn,

4th Scott Columb,

5th Martin Barr,

6th Alex Snow,

7th Danny Smyth,

8th John May,

9th Jamie Law,

10th Elliott Banks-Browne

Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com