NEW ZEALANDER Shayne King scorched his experimental KTM into a 13 point lead in the World Open Motocross Championship when the eighth round of the series was held in torrential rain at Vernon Mount, Cork.
The opening 40 minute race saw Peter Johanson from Sweden setpace, chased by New Zealand Shayne King KTM and Gert Van Holland.
At half distance, Jackie Martens HVA forged ahead, managing to maintain a safe lead over a late charging Johanson, while King settled for a safe third.
Biggest surprise was the fine ninth place by Navan rider Mark Farrelly (Kawasaki), but he only managed to complete four laps in the second race.
With no improvement in the conditions, Darryll King kept his Honda ahead of brother, Shayne, in the second race, despite attacks from Van Doorn and Johanson who eventually dropped out. But championship leader, Joel Smets Husqaberg, paid dearly for his poor showing, ending up 13 points behind new leader, King.
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