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FIM World Championship Motocross Series Round 7: Gorna Rositza Circuit tions would have made it difficult to come through the field. , pushed so hard in those early laps. 'n the first lap, I was even thinking I should let Bailey go. , was lucky' had a French championship race last weekend and it was really hot. I thought about that race, and' figured I had to pass him and then push really hard." Further back in the pack, Coppins was fighting his way through the field; on lap six, he held sixth place behind Pichon, Bailey, Beirer, McFarlane and Chiodi. Bailey continued to pursue Pichon, although the former champ knew he could not match the current king. Somewhat assuaging the disappointment of an off season, Joel Smeb (2) pulled off a win In the 500cc class. Also shown in this shot are Brian Jorgensen (57), Stefan Everts (1), Mamlcq Bervoeb (3) and Roman Jelen (33). so much energy; by the time I got into third place, I was finished. For the championship, I have taken points from Beirer, so third place is a little safer. Catching Pichon is going to be difficult. I'm a fighter, though, and' won't give up." Pichon knew that his main rival was not going to bother him on the Bulgarian hillside. "( slowed down near the end," "' gave it everything," Bailey said. "In the first few laps, I just pushed as hard as I could. ( could see he was working hard, and that gave me some confidence. I have to push him early otherwise the race is over. He is so strong at the moment." Coppins, who has been the most consistent rider this year (other than Pichon), started pushing his way through, finally moving into third place on lap 13. 't was the Kiwi's fifth podium finish in the last five races. "I had to work hard," Coppins said. Pichon said. "' saw Coppins coming back after a bad start. Once he got into third, though, he was a long way back. Coppins is the rider I have to worry about. He couldn't catch me today, He's been good. 't was rough out there, and' was surprised by his speed. I don't want anyone to win a Grand Prix this year; I want to win them all now." "' knew , was not going to catch the top two guys. I had a big fight with McFarlane and Beirer, and that took Spaniard Garcia made the most of the conditions as he pulled a brilliant holeshot ahead of Smets and Brian 14 JULY 3, 2002' cue I • 500cc GP neVIl's BRIEFLY••• Representatives from Califomia's Competition Park. set to host this years Motocross des Nations. have again been invited to visit another Grand Prix. so track boss Malcom McCassy is set to attend the Swedish GP in two weeks. Rinaldi Yamaha's Mamicq Bervoets was asked by the FIM to do a drug test after his 500cc race. but the Belgian rider had dehydrated in the plus-1 OO-degree heat. Bervoets required hours to work up a urine sample for the FIM. Joel Smets is not too impressed with the number of strong riders currently. in either the GP series or the American Nationals. 'If you look at the fields at the moment, there is not that much depth.' Smets said.• Names like [Ricky) Carmichael. ITiml Ferry and [Jamesl Stewart are doing great. and I think they are maybe above our level. As far as the others. it does not seem that deep. [Sebastienl Tortelli is struggling. and when you see Kyle Lewis. John Dowd and those names on the top 10. then you have to think America is like Europe. We also have a problem with depth· maybe all the young men are going to other sports.• Smets would like to go to Unadilla for the U.S. National. but doubts that he will. •After my results in USA last year. I don't think it will happen.' Smets said. 'We have a break in the series. and I would have liked to have gone. but I don't think it will happen.' In taking his 23rd Grand Prix victory. Alex Puzar moved into 14th piace in the all-time GP-winner list. He is now equal with Harry Everts. and just ahead of names like Dave Thorpe. Jeff Smith. Rolf nbblin and Sten Lundin. who are all on 22. Ahead of puzar are Stefan Everts (53). Joel Robert (50l. Joel Smets (44). Eric Geboers (39). Torsten Hallman (37). Roger DeCoster (36). Heikki Mikkola (32). Gaston Rahier (30). Paul Friedrichs (28). Georges Jobe (28). Andre Malherbe (28). Dave Strijbos (27) and Alessio Chiodi (26). Smets" victory moves him a little closer to Everts and Robert. KTM. Yamaha and Husqvama have both indicated they will run four-strokes In the 250cc class in 2003. With new rules comin9 in for next season. these teams want to run 450cc machines against the two-strokes of Kawasaki and Suzuki. and Yamaha can run its YZ250F fourstroke against the 125cc-class two-strokes. KTM boss Kurt Nicoll mentioned he will have another good 125cc rider Joining the Red Bull KTM team In America. although he could not say who that rider will be. Grant langston and Joaquim Rodrigues will ride the 250cc class. and Brett Metcalfe will join several of the present KTM 125cc riders in the USA. Ben Townley will stay in Europe for 2003. despite rumors saying he will go to America.