Webmaster posted on September 20, 2010 23:14
Yamaha’s Rodney Faggotter finished a tough and dusty day one of the 2010 Australian Safari in second place, around four minutes behind leader Ben Grabham.
After Saturday’s prologue, Rodney started the opening day in sixth place but kept a cool head and used his years of experience to pick his way forward and move into the top three after the opening day.
Rod on the gas in the WA wilderness
“Starting sixth meant I was chewing on a bit of dust early in the day, so I made a few passes to get some clean air and then just used my head to get through the day safely. I had no crashes and tried to look after the bike as much as possible as we have a long we to go and anything can happen,” Faggotter said.
“I finished third on the road, but I believe one of the riders ahead of me got a time penalty and that moves me to second, so I feel we are well placed and look forward to day two.”
The Day one route saw the field leave Southern Cross in WA and head north east. Total race distance for the day was over 550Kms and a number of motorcycles were unable to complete the day.
Day two will again see the field charge through the beautiful and remote WA outback with Faggotter hoping for some more open trails and the speed to be on.
“Because I am now second, that means I will take off second tomorrow and dust won’t be an issue. I can have clear track from the get go and just continue to ride myself into contention. As they say, you can’t win it in the first couple of days, but you can lose it from making silly mistakes,” said the experienced campaigner.
Rodney is mounted on a 2010 Yamaha WR450F and feels the bike was perfect for the opening day.
“Some of the sections were pretty tight today and throwing around a big heavy endure bike can be hard work. The WR loves conditions like that, but is just as capable in the open stuff as well. We have just given it a quick service and once over and it’s ready to go for day two,” he offers.
2010 Australian Safari - Day 1 Results
Bikes
1st Ben Grabham - KTM
2nd Rodney Faggotter - Yamaha
3rd Shane Diener - KTM
4th Todd Smith - KTM
5th Jacob Smith- Honda
For a full list of results and all information on the 2010 Australian Safari : www.australiansafari.com.au