Adam Sterry: “I can honestly say it was the hardest two motos I’ve ever raced!”
Qualifying Race
After posting 22nd in timed qualifying, Sterry went to the line hoping to punch above his weight off the start and he didn’t disappoint.
As he flew out of the gate he crossed the holeshot line in eighth but just as he went into the second turn, he was suddenly hit by Ben Townley who in turn knocked him into Wilson both hitting the deck.
After picking himself up Sterry followed Wilson and the two started to catch and pass riders until Sterry cross-rutted as he went for a pass on Ferris and crashed over the finish-line jump. With his bike twisted, he tried to carry on but after making one too many mistakes he decided to call it a day, saving himself and his engine undue wear and tear.
Race 1
From 34th gate pick Sterry made a good start in 15th and held position for the first lap until making a small mistake and going down. He picked it up in 19th and started to build a good race, moving up to 18th and then 17th whilst fending off the advances of Ferris and Waters. As the race entered the last five minutes he suddenly hit a wall as the near forty degree heat took its toll and his lap times dropped significantly as he struggled to get to the finish. He eventually crossed the line in 21st position, completely exhausted and barely able to stand.
Race 2
Sterry made another good start in 16th but lost a few places on the first lap dropping him just outside the top 20. As he found his rhythm he started to reel off the laps at a reasonable pace and as other riders started to suffer, he was able to progress through to 17th. Later with 10 minutes still left on the clock, he started to feel the effects of the heat again but this time out he was able to manage it better – only losing one place to eventually cross the line in a credible 18th position. His 18th place finish gave the 19-year-old three points and an overall classification of 22nd.
“After a tough weekend dealing with altitude in Mexico I was looking forward to getting on some softer ground and making some more progress on the 350,” said Adam Sterry. “I can honestly say it was the hardest two motos I’ve ever raced!
“I have never ridden in that heat before and in both motos I was riding well until the heat hit me, especially during the first one. I felt dizzy and couldn’t focus while riding around which was very difficult. Both races I was able to mix it with the factory guys and gained a lot of experience ready for next year.”
Commenting on the weekend Team Manager, Steve Turner said: “I was happy with how Adam acquitted himself in what were extreme conditions. He made three good starts and ran a good pace in all the races before suffering from the excessive heat. It’s been good for him to experience riding at altitude in Mexico and then the heat of California. He now knows what he needs to do to prepare for next season and it won’t be such a shock when he comes to these venues again.”
