Jeffrey Herlings gets off to a good start at Hawkstone Park
Jeffrey Herlings of the Red Bull KTM Factory team has made a good start to the 2024 season. Herlings rode his first race at Hawkstone Park last Sunday and managed to finish second in the MX1 class and won the super final.
With the exception of two beach races, Herlings hadn’t raced for about six months and this was noticeable at the beginning of the day. In training he had some trouble getting into the rhythm and setting a very sharp time. Herlings stranded on a sixth fastest time but remained calm and started the first moto with confidence.
The rider from Oploo rode a consistent race and was in fourth place throughout the race. There was no more than this in this moto but he did get into his rhythm better and better during the moto. A holeshot in the second moto ensured that he immediately set a high pace. Despite several attacks from the second place rider, Herlings kept his cool and managed to hold on to first place until the finish.
At the end of the day, there was a super final on the program in which the best MX1 riders competed against the best MX2 riders. Herlings again got off to a good start and managed to take the lead of the MX1 class. It was a race that was almost the same as the second moto. Herlings had to keep the pace tight but this worked out well and he also managed to win the super final.
Commentary Jeffrey Herlings: “We have made a good start to the new season. I was able to get a lot of rhythm, on a treacherous track that I haven’t seen all winter. We’ve done a lot of work this winter and it feels good. Our weakest point was always the start and today I took the lead twice. It all looks good and from here I will continue to build towards the first Grand Prix.’’
With a 4-1 in the motos, Herlings finished second in the MX1 class overall standings. This Sunday, Herlings will race in the Dutch MX Season Opener in Lierop.
Overall international race Hawkstone Park:
1 Glenn Coldenhoff 44 Pnt
2 Jeffrey Herlings 43 Pnt
3 Pauls Jonass 40 Pnt
4 Jeremy Seewer 32 Pnt
5 Isak Gifting 32 Pnt
