Darian Sanayei consolidated second place in the FIM European EMX250 Motocross Championship for Bud Racing Monster Energy Kawasaki after finishing joint top points scorer at Matterley Basin in England.

The American teenager twice outpaced the series leader as he swept to a five second victory in the opening moto before finishing a close second to former EMX250 champion, Steven Clarke, in race two – their duel had taken them nearly half a minute clear of the remaining riders in the race.

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Having contested the British round of the series last year Darian already knew the track and finished top of his qualification group before two close battles with Clarkey – they finished the weekend level on points. With three rounds remaining Darian remains 56 points behind the series leader, but he has increased his advantage over the third-placed rider to 69 points. “In the first moto I had a pretty good start and passed Clarke and then Prado to get the lead,” said Sanayei. “I made a small gap and won this race – it was cool to win again. Then in the second moto I got a good jump of the gate but started wheeling – Prado was at my inside and I just came wide open in the first corners to get the lead again. That was pretty cool and my speed was good but Clarke, who was just doing this race, hit me a couple of times. We had a really nice battle for a couple of laps and I just missed out on this win, but I won the qualifying and the first moto.

“Second overall is not so bad for the championship. The track was awesome – I enjoyed it last year and again this time.”