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"'MOTOCROSS.:>.·:· ·~:·\::" .: : :World Champioilsh' 500cc Motocross series Round 7: Dutch GP els By Alex Hodgkinson MILL, HOLLAND, JUNE 19 n what was unquestionably the toughest track th us far this season, fo ur-stroke ride rs Jacky Martens and Joel Smets turned in consistent 1-2 performances at the Dutch GP. Martens, aboard a works Husqvarna, and Smets, atop a Vertemati, finished first and second in both motos, gaining big ground on series points leader Marcus Hansson on a Honda CRSOO. Hansson went 4-5 on the day, thus handing over the series points lead to defending champ Martens, and is now tied for second place with Smets. With five rounds still left to be run, Martens holds a slim two-point cushion over Smets and Hansson, 174-172. By winning the Dutch GP, Martens became the first rider to win more than one 500cc GP this season. In the US. camp, Honda's Billy Liles had a day he'd just a soon forget, scoring zero points and dropping to sixth in the series point standings. His championship hopes for this year are now all but gone. Hansson got the [umpin race one, but Dutchman Carlo Hulsen edged him out through the first few turns to lead for 10 minutes. The Swede stayed on the gas, however; and was back through like a flash when HuIsen missed a berm. Martens, meanwhile, had climbed from a fifth-place start and soon took over second. Two laps later, Martens made his move for the lead and quickly built up a 10-second cushion. After being demoted to second, Hansson began to struggle on the rough track. "I went too hard to get the lead in those first few laps," admitted Hansson afterwards. O 30 Before the race was 25 minutes old, the Swede was down to four th a nd Smets was second. ' Mar tens maintained his advantage for the rest of the race to score the win over Smets, Hulsen and Hansson. "It was tough out there," said second-placed Smets. "I don't know if 1 could've caught Jacky. It was safer to settle for 17 points." Liles failed to finish the moto. "I gated about 10th, but someone swiped me out on the first lap:' said Liles, who withdrew after being lapped 20 minutes into the race, still well out of the points. Martens and Smets again ruled the second moto, with only Hansson offering any kind of resistance. The Swede got the holeshot again but wa s passed through the finish area at the end of lap one. Exhausted by the track and heat, Hansson would eventually drop back to finish fifth. Smets led for half the race, then Martens reeled him in. The expected fight to the flag between these two giants never materialized after Smets flew over the handlebars when his front wheel hit a rock. He quickly remounted, but was a distant second . Hulsen was again a front-runner but was caught by Peter Dirkx late in the race, making the final finishing order: Martens, Smets, Dirkx, Hulsen and Hansson. Liles had another dismal outing. "Danny Theybers came under me on lap two," said Liles. "He was faster, and 1 wasn't going to cut him up, but he hit a hole and went straight. He was already on the ground when 1hit him." Another crash while trying to recover from the back of the pack eliminated the ~ American. (Above lett ) By winning the Dutch GP, Belg ian Jacky Marten s (1), here leadi ng Joel Smets , became the first ride r to win more than one round In the seven-race-old 500cc GP serie s. Martens topped both motos. (Above) Joel Smets (3) gave winner Jacky Marten s a run for his money , finishing second In both motos. (Below) American Billy Liles fallecl to score any points In the Dutch sand , wh ich all but ruined any chance he had of winning his first championship .