KTM UK & Greg Evans crowned 2011 British Enduro Champions

KTM Off Road Racing team rider Greg Evans is the '11 Metzeler ACU British Enduro Champion, securing the top spot in the Championship class following two strong performances at the final round of the series – the REME organised Natterjack Enduro. Starting the event with a slender but important lead in the point standings Greg's objective was to secure the championship #1 plate and not worry too much about challenging for a possible win.

Making a committed start to the opening day Greg quickly asserted himself close to the top of the Championship class results, where he remained throughout the day. Remaining in contention for a possible third place finish Greg eased his pace a little as the day neared its end. Placing a strong fourth Greg started the final day of the series knowing that another similar performance would see him champion.

Again on the pace right from the start of the day, Greg cautiously made his way through the day without mistake to place fifth, one position behind KORR team-mate Jonny Walker. In doing so he put the finishing touches to a fantastic season, one in which he won both the European Enduro Championship Senior E2/E3 title and the overall British Enduro Championship crown.

The final round for the '11 BEC series was a fantastic one for KTM. David Knight claimed a double win aboard his 500cc factory-backed machine, finding the event challenging as he continues to work towards full fitness following double hip surgery. Despite being in discomfort during both days David showed that he is well on his way to being back at full speed, topping both days off comfortably as he did at the previous BEC event – the Dyfi Enduro.

Jonny Walker endured mixed fortunes at his first ever Natterjack Enduro. Looking forward to racing the sandy event, Jonny's first day result was curtailed by a wandering transponder, which moved during the opening motocross test restricting his steering. Losing 30 seconds right at the start of the day Jonny battled his way back to eighth in the Championship class. On day two Jonny placed a creditable fourth overall, again showing himself to be one of the UK's brightest young enduro prospects.

With the Enduro 1 two-stroke title secured at the Dyfi Enduro Ashley Wood enjoyed a pressure free weekend finishing inside the top 10 on both days. Ashley finished as the highest placed 125cc mounted rider on both days and despite his obvious power disadvantage claimed two impressive overall results to bring his season to a positive close.

Greg Evans: 'I'm really pleased to have won the British Enduro Championship and have to say a big thanks to everyone that's helped me and supported the team. I didn't feel under too much pressure coming into the weekend because I knew I had a bit of an advantage in the points standings. But I never seem to go as well as I'm capable of at the Natterjack, so I just wanted to make sure I didn't make any unnecessary mistakes. The first day went ok. I was fourth, which was ok, and with David winning it meant I didn't have to go all out on the second day. Like on the first day I was trying not to make any mistakes. It's hard when you're not able to push as hard as you normally would, but I got fifth and that was good enough to win the championship.'

David Knight: 'I got the win on both days, which was good, but I wasn't that pleased with the way things went. I didn't feel great during the week before the race but I knew that I needed to get more riding time in, and knew that the Natterjack would be a lot tougher than the previous round. I didn't feel that good during the first day – I wasn't doing anything wrong I was just a little hesitant in some of the corners. I was riding a new bike as well so it took a while to get fully used to things. Not knowing what the times were for each test wasn't good because you don't know how hard you've got to push. By the end of the day my hips were really sore and my back wasn't much better either. I didn't feel too bad before the start of the second day. I managed to win all of the tests but it was hard opening up a big lead. It was a tough 12 hours on a bike that wasn't that enjoyable because of my hips being sore, but in the long term it's been good for me.'

Jonny Walker: 'It's been a mixed weekend for me. I'm pleased with the way I rode, especially considering that this is the first time I've raced the Natterjack Enduro. But I'm also disappointed that I wasn't able to get a better result on day one. On the very first test my transponder moved and I couldn't turn the steering right, which meant I lost 30 seconds at the start of the day. That was the only problem I had all weekend, but it was costly. I really enjoyed the event though. I wasn't sure what to expect with it being my first time but it was a tough but enjoyable two days. The first day was really challenging as there was little time to rest, but it was good. I felt good on the second day and finished fourth overall, which I was pleased with. I've learned a lot during the year and compared to my performances at the start of the season I feel like I've really improved. It was a great end to the season.'

Ashley Wood: 'It's been a good weekend, but racing a 125cc bike in deep sand is always challenging. But I've really enjoyed it. The first day was hard because there was little time to rest. It was really hard on the body and I think all riders were feeling it on the second day. I wrapped up the Enduro 1 two-stroke title at the penultimate weekend so it was nice to race with no pressure.'

Results – Natterjack Enduro, day 1 (Overall, Championship class)
1. David Knight (KTM) 3088.34; 2. Tom Sagar (KTM) 3100.53; 3. Alex Rockwell (Husaberg) 3139.57; 4. Greg Evans (KTM) 3169.20; 5. Paul Edmondson (KTM) 3174.13; 6. Jamie Lewis (KTM) 3184.81; 7. Danny McCanney (Gas Gas) 3197.51; 8. Jonny Walker (KTM) 3206.37; 9. Ricky Mair (KTM) 3380.75; 10. Ashley Wood (KTM) 3414.65…

Results – Natterjack Enduro, day 2 (Overall, Championship class)
1.David Knight (KTM) 2374.91; 2. Tom Sagar (KTM) 2404.24; 3. Alex Rockwell (Husaberg) 2433.03; 4. Jonny Walker (KTM) 2442.72; 5. Greg Evans (KTM) 2468.75; 6. Jamie Lewis (KTM) 2482.63; 7. Paul Edmondson (KTM) 2484.50; 8. Danny McCanney (Gas Gas) 2512.99; 9. Ashley Wood (KTM) 2588.73; 10. Gavin Houson (Husaberg) 2593.72…

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