Harran forces Motard Championship to go down the wire

Harran is only 22 points behind the championship leader and the rider in third place is only 29 points behind him.

Brent Harran leading the pack. Photo: Eugene Liebenberg.

Sunward Park biker Brent Harran pipped rival Greg Gildenhuys on overall points during the penultimate round of this year’s Michelin Super Motard Championship to set-up an intriguing decider in Vereeniging on November 3.

Out of the three races during the penultimate round held in Polokwane on September 29, the local rider finished first during the initial and third race, including a third-place finish during the second race.

This saw him close the gap on Gildenhuys from 23 to 22 points.

A total haul of 75 points is up for grabs at the finale.

Harran, who’s the defending champion, has been playing catch-up to Gildenhuys since a disastrous round five where he fell 32 points adrift of the leader.

“Obviously it will be tough to win it because if I had to win all three races and the guy leading (Gildenhuys) finishes second in all three final races, he would still win.

“But this is racing and anything can happen, so I have to win all three at the final round and just hope for the best when it comes to Greg’s results.

“Other than that, I’m happy with the results so far, obviously we had our hiccup at the round which really upset me and knocked me back but there were also too many times this year where I’ve thrown away good positions by making stupid mistakes.

“During round one, I threw a definite second finish away by pushing too hard following a bad start. Round two, I didn’t have the pace to run with Greg and instead of settling, I tried to stay with him and re-pass him and I ended up running off and finishing ninth.

“So yes, there’s been heats that have really cost me a lot in terms of the championship. I’ve won more races than everyone else this year but consistency has cost me quite a lot of points, so disappointed with that.

“We are still in with a shot and it’s not over until the fat lady sings: no use in crying over spilt milk. I just have to learn from my mistakes and give it everything at the last round and hope for the best.” – @SabeloBoksburg