GL12 Racing KTM’s Mike Kras dragged himself back into contention for the 2018 EMX300 title with a 2-1 card at round five of the series at the MXGP of the Czech Republic at Loket.

The Dutchman, who lost his championship lead last time out at Matterley Basin, regained second place in the title chase and with two rounds to go is 27 points off the series lead.

Mike was second in timed practice and holeshot the opening moto. After being pushed back to second on the first lap he bided his time and then made a pass for the lead just before half-distance.

Unfortunately, he then started to suffer from arm-pump and dropped back to second which he held until the flag.

In race two he took another holeshot but this time he didn’t relinquish the lead and claimed a 12-second win to secure the overall on the day.

Bob Buchanan – Team Principal

“Loket owed me one. The last time we raced here with Brad Anderson and Lewis Gregory we went 1-2 on the Saturday and had two DNFs on the Sunday.

“Mike was strong this weekend and Ton [van Grinsven] had the bike working well – the second race was outstanding and I haven’t heard the fat lady singing so this championship isn’t over yet.”

Mike Kras

“Loket has always been good to me. I am not a hard-pack rider but I seem to find a way that works for me. In timed practice I had to give 100 per cent to get a good lap time but with a second place I could get a good gate pick.

“The first race I took the holeshot but Dennis Ullrich took the lead at the second turn and I followed him for a handful of laps before I made the pass for the lead. Then I got arm-pump and had to drop my pace.

“In race two I took another holeshot and by lap three I was 20 seconds ahead so I just managed the gap for a comfortable win.”