The tension is tangible as the final races of the 2013 ADAC MX Masters approach. The championship titles in all three classes will be decided on Sunday. In Saturday's qualifying heats at the host circuit in Holzgerlingen (Baden-Württemberg), Dennis Ullrich (KTM Sarholz Racing Team) prevailed over strong competition. The 20-year-old secured the right to pick his spot at the starting gate in the two ADAC MX Masters races on Sunday. Second and third fastest were Max Nagl (KMP Honda Racing Team) and Grégory Aranda (Sturm Racing Team, Kawasaki). Former world championship contestant Sébastien Pourcel (FRA, KTM Sarholz Racing Team), who currently heads the standings, qualified in a relatively modest sixth place. The Schützenbühlring, 20 kilometres south-west of Stuttgart, could see either Ullrich or Pourcel crowned ADAC MX Masters champion tomorrow, as they are separated by only ten points. "My strategy is to finish ahead of Pourcel in both races, which is certainly doable," said Ullrich, sounding upbeat after qualifying.
A race win for either contender would be enough to secure a career-first title in the Internationale Deutsche Motocross Meisterschaft (official name for the ADAC MX Masters). Also at stake tomorrow will be the share that each rider takes from the €230,000 prize pot. "This challenging circuit is perfect for me," added Ullrich. "I'm feeling good and looking forward to the races." Ullrich's affinity for the venue is also shared by his team-mate in the national squad, Max Nagl: "When I enter for a competition, it's always with the intention of winning."
ADAC MX Youngster Cup
Meanwhile, in the ADAC MX Youngster Cup for the 14 to 21 age bracket, French rider Boris Maillard (Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil) was in scintillating form; his fastest lap of 02:12.090 minutes consigned Sulivan Jaulin (FRA, Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil) and Jorge Zaragoza (ESP, Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe) to positions two and three in the starting line-up. "I'm delighted to have taken pole position," said Maillard. "I really love this track. The surface provides such excellent grip that I have the feeling I can do anything I want with my bike." The stage is set for the 20-year old to wrap up the title on Sunday: "I came into the season with the clear target of winning the championship. I'm still feeling fresh enough to finish at the front." But along the way, he will have to hold off the challenge from team-mate Dominique Thury. The Monster Energy rider from Saxony is 39 points adrift of Maillard and starts from fourth.
ADAC MX Junior Cup
The ADAC MX Junior Cup for riders born in the years 1998 to 2003 has come down to a three-way battle between Glen Meier (DEN, Kosak Racing Team, KTM) on 204 points, Jakub Teresak (CZE, Mefo Sport Racing Team, KTM) on 189 and Kim Savaste (FIN, KTM Motorsport Finland) on 179. Finnish youngster Kim Savaste emerged from Saturday's heats with the best hand. Jakub Teresak qualified in second position ahead of Tamur Talviku (EST, KTM). 13-year-old Savaste really fancies his chances: "This track is perfect. I'm fast and I'm fired up for the races." Current championship leader Meier starts from P5.
Varied support programme
The KFV Kalteneck motorcycling club is laying on a varied and attractive support programme for fans attending the final race weekend in Europe's most popular motocross series. The ADAC Young Generation Suzuki quad track, the ADAC bouncy castle and the fan zone will keep the whole family happily occupied. The autograph signing session with the top riders takes place at 12.15pm on Sunday. And the 2013 campaign will be brought to a rousing close in the marquee, with live bands to keep the party atmosphere going until well into the early hours. Admission for adults on Sunday is 14 euros; children under the age of twelve get in free.