The Smith family takes early safari running
Ben Grabham in fourth despite massive crashThe 2009 Australian Safari is now in full swing, with Todd Smith (KTM) leading Jacob Smith (Honda) by 11 seconds after two days of competition.
After dominating the 15.84km prologue on Saturday, the siblings carried that momentum into the first proper stage, which saw the competitors travel from Perth to Geraldton over two special stages totalling 101.41km.
Todd won stage two by 12 seconds from Jacob, with Mathew Fish (KTM) in third from safari favourite Ben Grabham (KTM), Damien Grabham (KTM) and AJ Roberts (Honda).
“It was a day where consistency and map reading was very important,” Todd Smith said.
“There was a fair bit of track that was unmade and hard to see, but it all went well for me. The bike also performed well.”
Jacob Smith agreed that it was a difficult day.
“The course is pretty tough, so I took it easy and didn’t take any risks,” he said.
“Overall though it’s been a good day.”
Ben Grabham, had a “massive crash” yesterday, but was still polished enough to finish fourth.
“I was trying to make up time and hit something on the flat and went over the handlebars,” Grabham said.
“There’s no real damage and there’s still plenty of days left to make up any time lost today.”
The finishing positions on day two also mirror the overall standings, with Fish 59 seconds behind Jacob Smith. Fish then holds a comfortable margin over the two Grabhams and Roberts, who are only nine seconds apart.
Paul Smith (Can-Am) leads the quad class, and click the following link for an update on what’s happening in the auto division.
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