News 15 Nov 2011

Bopping reflects on maiden Pro Open victory at Maitland Super X

Lawson Bopping used consistency to win overall in the Hunter Valley last weekend. Image: Rice Photography.

Team Raceline Pirelli Suzuki’s Lawson Bopping has spoken out about his first career victory in the Monster Energy Super X series’ premier class, stoked to get the job done just four races into his Pro Open career.

At 21, Pro Open rookie Bopping took a popular victory riding the Suzuki RM-Z450 to 2-2-2 results for the overall win in the Hunter Valley during the Triple Header main event.

The result boosted Bopping up to fourth in the standings with one round remaining, 15 points off the series lead despite a non-finish in the mud at Melbourne’s season opener last month.

“I’m so pumped for the team to win both of our classes between Errol [Willis] and me,” said Bopping, who also won his heat race in Maitland.

“My starts were pretty good all night and I stayed in second. I was riding a bit tight in that last one, but I knew what I had to do to get the overall and it feels great.”

Bopping admits that it’s frustrating when he reflects on his DNF in the mud at round one, saying he feels comfortable in supercross on the 450 already.

“Supercross is more up my alley, compared to motocross, and every round is getting better and better,” he added.

“I’m disappointed that I couldn’t finish round one, but I look forward to next weekend – I just wish the series went for longer!”

Team manager Chris Woods has been impressed with the composure of Bopping considering his limited experience against the country’s top 450 riders.

“Lawson showed an extreme amount of patience tonight and didn’t rush anything,” Woods said. “He put down consistently fast lap times to take out his first, and the team’s first, Open overall.

“This is our first year competing in the premier class and we’ve learnt a lot. Hopefully the team can get back on the podium at the final round in Ipswich.”

The season finale will take place in Queensland this weekend at Ipswich Showground.

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