The ADAC MX Masters in Gaildorf, Baden-Württemberg, produced thrills galore during qualifying on Saturday with 245 riders from 27 countries competing for forty places per class at the starting gate on Race Sunday. It was very evident from the word go in qualifying, even among the Big Boys of the series, that tension is mounting as the end of the season approaches. The favourites, in particular, Harri Kullas (24, FIN, KTM Sarholz Racing Team), Dennis Ullrich (23, KTM Sarholz Racing Team) and Thomas Kjer Olsen (19, DEN, Bodo Schmidt Motorsports, Husqvarna) went all-out to secure good starting places for the races on Sunday. However, the clear winner ultimately in qualifying was none of these three ADAC MX Masters riders. Instead, world championship rider Max Nagl (29, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team) came out on top as the fastest around the 1.65-km clay track set in the surrounding terrain. "The field of riders in the ADAC MX Masters is always strong, so I like to come along and race as a guest starter. There are many world championship riders in the line-up, but things in the Masters are so much more relaxed when compared to the world championship. I can give lots of time to fans and be at my ease as I chat and sign autographs. It's great fun," said the Bavarian, who is currently third in the championship standings.
Second-fastest time in qualifying went to Dennis Ullrich, who is second in the standings. Pole-sitter Nagl was full of praise for the KTM rider: "Dennis has definitely earned his third title in the ADAC MX Masters. He's had a good season, so winning the Masters trophy is a fine testament to his performance," said the Husqvarna rider, who has twice won the ADAC MX Masters. Danish rider Thomas Kjer Olsen set the third-fastest time on Saturday.
ADAC MX Youngster Cup
You could easily get the impression on quali-Saturday in the ADAC MX Youngster Cup that the two title favourites, Miro Sihvonen from Finland (17, Diga Junior Racing Team, KTM) and Bas Vaessen from the Netherlands (18, Team Suzuki World MX2), were saving themselves for Race Sunday. While Sihvonen placed ninth and Vaessen took P8 at the starting gate for tomorrow's races, Austrian Michael Sandner (17, Cofain Racing Team, KTM) casued a stir by taking best time of 1:48.045 minutes. "What a perfect day! I quickly got into my stride and felt great on the bike. Sure, you can now feel the pressure a little towards the end of the season, but I try not to think so much about it when I'm out on track and focus solely on my performance," said the 17-year-old who aims to finish in the Top Five this year in the ADAC MX Youngster Cup. New Zealander Josiah Natzke (17, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was second in qualifying. Czech rider Martin Krc (20, Sturm Racing Team, KTM) was impressive as third-fastest.
ADAC MX Junior Cup
It soon became clear in qualifying for the ADAC MX Junior Cup who would get to choose the best starting position on Race Sunday. Currently second in the championship, Rene Hofer (14, AUT, MSC Imbach by MEFO Sport/Kini KTM Junior Pro Team) quite literally roared away from his rivals to finish with a convincing lead of four seconds in the end. "I definitely intend to become ADAC MX Junior Cup champion, so I'm doing everything I can here. The track is technically very demanding, and there are lots of high jumps to be taken, which suits me down to the ground and makes me want to open the throttle even wider here," said the Austrian, who has just been crowned European and world champion in the 85cc class. Estonian Meico Vettik (13, Mefo Sport Racing Team, KTM) was delighted with second-best time while third place went to Australian Jett Lawrence (13, Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil).