Australian privateer rider Nick Sutherland has had his 2012 Indonesian Powercross season cut short due to a crash in the second race of the opening round last weekend in Banyuwangi, Indonesia.
Sutherland arrived at the venue for the opening round on Friday, the 30th of November and was greeted by small track, but quickly got himself acclimatised to his racing conditions, qualifying second fastest during Sunday Mornings qualifying session.
"We got to Banyuwangi Thursday night were round one was held." Sutherland explained. "Friday morning we went and checked the track out, which was pretty small although you got to expect that for Indonesia.
"Saturday afternoon was practice, the track was dry and dusty as they had all the juniors also practising through the day and we were last to go out." he continued.
"On Sunday morning we headed out for qualifying, we had 20 minutes to get our best time in, I ended up qualifying second."
With weather conditions proofing to be tough and with a back to back race format on the cards, Sutherland got off to an average start in the opening race, but was able to work his way forward quickly.
"The main events were two back to back 20 lappers, in the heat and humidity of Indo made it pretty tough." Sutherland explained.
"In the first Moto, I got an average start, I worked my way to the lead by about lap 15. Then with with two laps to go I hooked a tuff block and had to pull in to untangle it from my bike.
"That dropped me back two spots, so I finished third for the first Moto."
Moto 2 replicated the opening race, with Sutherland again working his way through the field to the lead of the race before things took a turn for the worst.
"In Moto 2, again I got an average start, I got through to the lead earlier and I started to pull away a little, as I was coming past some lappers one of them stopped in the whoops and I slammed into him and injuring my knee," Stated the New South Wales based rider.
"I got back going, an not long after got back into the lead, with about fives laps to go I twisted my knee and had to pull off, so I didn't do any further damage.
"I Can't complain though, had a good time doing the Australian Supercross without getting hurt, finishing sixth and top privateer which was pretty cool." he concluded.
Sutherland will now turn his attention to the 2013 Australian season, though he may have on more international event lined up early next year if all goes to plan.
Top Image: Sutherland in action before being taken out by injury
Credit Ardie Photography
