 | From Chris Knox Racing
Round 1 this year for the AFXC was the first time back on the bike after a long 4 mths of recovery after last years injuries.
Friday practice started pretty slowly. With getting back into riding again and coming to terms with the new Dunlop Slick control tyres.
Getting a good set up proved very hard and we went through a few rear tyres before getting to a setting that I was fairly happy with, to take into qualifying for Saturday.
I was really looking forward to Saturday’s racing, and the new format of progressive grids. When qualifying came around, my time was not where I wanted it to be. I only managed 5th on the grid.
Racing on Saturday felt great to get back into it. Getting a great start was essential, as I knew that everyone was going to be putting heads down to start the year well.
All three races on Saturday ended in the same way with three 3rd places for the day. I was fairly happy with the way the day unfolded and with my times improving a huge amount from Friday’s practice and also from Qualifying.
 Sunday qualifying was slightly better than Saturday, and I found myself on the front row in 3rd position.
Race 1. I got a great start and led the race for the first few laps until Ryan came past under brakes. I managed to hold onto 2nd Position and was much happier with the way I raced.
Race 2. I knew I had to make use of the starting 2nd on the grid with the progressive grid. I got a flyer of a start and put my head down to gap the field. Every lap I managed to gap the field a bit further to take the win by over 8 seconds. I did however manage to do an extra lap as I missed seeing the flag at the end of the race as I passed a lapped rider at the same time. Oops.
Race 3. Knowing that this race was going to be the decider for the round, I knew I had to again get a great start and try and gap the field again. I did manage a good start, and leading for the first few laps, however, making a few silly mistakes meant that Ryan was able to hang on the back of me and get by. Behind Ryan, and chasing hard, I made a few silly mistakes, and Ryan managed to increase the gap on me. I ran out of laps to pull him back. I did manage to hold onto 2nd place at the line to take 2nd for the round.
The weekend finished very well and I went home happy. Being on the podium in all 6 races was just the start I needed for the year.
Many Thanks have to go to Dave from King of The Mountain Cyclery and Michael from Carbon Imports and Accessories for all their help and support already this year. Also to Cage security, Singwave-Penrith, APW paint, Sidi boots, Shark helmets and Berik Leathers.
 Chris Knox Racing Report () 04/07 05:42 PM 
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