New Zealand’s Darryll King has struck first blood in this year’s Veterans’ Motocross World Championships.

The Hamilton man, the reigning New Zealand MX2 class champion, romped to victory in the weekend’s first VMX race at the British Motocross Grand Prix at Matterley Basin, near Winchester.

King (Yamaha YZ450F) finished ahead of Spaniard Xevi Colomer Genis (Suzuki) and Sweden’s Mats Nilsson (Yamaha).

Belgium’s Pascal Bal (Yamaha) is the defending world champion in this grade and he finished this opening race down in 11th position.

They race again overnight (New Zealand time).

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com