A full 19 years after American ‘Bullet’ Billy Liles captured the Open Belgian Motocross title LS Honda Racing’s Shaun ‘Woody’ Simpson became the second ever non-Belgian rider to win the highly regarded series!
The Scot ended his day in Mont-Saint Guibert – situated 40 kilometres south east of Brussels – fifth overall while team-mate Ken De Dycker made a stunning comeback to racing. De Dycker posted a near perfect scorecard with two wins and a third. The spectacular Belgian ultimately grabbed the runner-up position in the final standings as well and he was joined on the day’s podium by Rui Goncalves (Honda World Motocross) and Anthony Boissière (Monster Energy Yamaha).
After his British MX2 title in 2008, it’s a second major championship title on the Scot’s career tally.
“In the first moto I was a bit tense and suffered arm pump,” says Woody. “That was fine in the second and the third moto but I didn’t have a great feeling with the bike today. So I just rode carefully and tried to do what I could. Starting from the worst position on the gate after I had some problems in qualifying was not helping either!
“Anyway, I’m happy for my team, my fans and the sponsors to take the Belgian title. I was consistent but unfortunately I didn’t win any races. It was not an easy season but I capped it off in a positive way and I would like to thank everyone who supported me. This was probably my last race of the season so I’m really looking forward to some rest and I’m very excited about 2012!”
