Alex Gault settles for second at 2011 Harley Davidson XR1200 Championships

Jun 8 2011 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

Alex Gault

RACING ace Alex Gault had to settle for second place in the first round of the 2011 Harley Davidson XR1200 Championships last week after a dramatic conclusion to the race.

The Carluke youngster had quickly worked his way to the front in the rain-affected nine-lap race at the Thruxton circuit in Hampshire and was ahead of Blade Group’s James Webb going into the final corner.

However, having led by just four-tenths of a second in the final lap, Webb was right on his heels and took his chance to overtake the Stratstone rider to claim victory on the final straight.

Nevertheless, this was a highly impressive start for Gault, who endured mixed fortunes last season.

He said: “I am disappointed not to get the win but with the visibility problems on the last few laps I was pretty lucky to stay on the bike.

“We haven’t tested in the wet but the pace was very fast and it was nice to get on the podium after last year’s ups and downs.

“It gets us off to a good start to the championship and hopefully I can get stronger throughout the season.”

He added: “I would like to thank my mechanic Richard for all his hard work over the weekend, Stratstone and all my sponsors.

“It was a great weekend and I am really looking forward to the next race at my home round.”

Gault only had one afternoon testing his bike at Mallory Park before the opening race which made his efforts at securing second place after qualifying all the more impressive.

The rain which had been forecast duly arrived in time for the race and as Alex took his place on the grid the conditions were horrendous.

The 10-lap race was reduced to nine following a 15-minute delay due to the wet conditions and 15 riders lined up on the grid.

The Scot got off to a flyer and was leading at the first corner.

He maintained that lead for virtually the whole race, with former Moto GP star Jeremy McWilliams just behind.

However, with three laps to go, the Carluke driver’s visor steamed up and at the fast sections round the back of the circuit he could not see the edge of the track.

By lap seven, Webb had caught the 2010 XR1200 Trophy Champion, McWilliams, and took the opportunity to pass him, leaving little time to battle for the lead position.

It all came down to the final corner when Webb took a chance to pass Gault and made it stick, despite the Carluke rider’s bid to regain the advantage on the finishing straight.

Round Two of the Championship will take place at Knockhill in Fife on June 17-19.