After so very nearly winning the British MX2 championship in 2016, Steven Clarke has been US bound on a quest for Stateside glory.
Unfortunately a crash a week before the opening round put a delay on things as he badly broke his collarbone which needed to be plated.
Saturday’s St. Louis Supercross was his first ride back and the KTM man looked fast as he held fourth in his heat for the majority of the race until his lack of race fitness took its toll.
The Brit even said he was hoping for a good start as he had four laps of good speed due to the lack of bike time leading to St. Louis. He was right, too, showing amazing pace against the Supercross top men.
In the final, Clarke nearly pulled a holeshot from the outside and went from third to fourth for a while. Fitness eventually took its toll and he dropped back, finishing 21st.
Fellow Brit Paul Coates, who had a big crash at the Detroit round, was back in action. Although he says he’s far from 100 per cent fit, he took 16th in the final.
MX2 rider Gradie Featherstone didn’t qualify due to a stomach bug which left him with no energy.
“Disappointed with tonight. Better day in qualifying, but couldn’t keep any food down all day due to eating something dodgy Friday resulting in no energy all day and night and getting light headed in the heat race and LCQ,” he said.