Bill Van Eerde's international campaign got off to a flying start with a narrow but a classy victory in race two of the Asia Talent Cup at the Qatar Grand Prix.
The Townsville teenager’s first win in the series came after the setback of a heavy high-side crash in free practice.
While Van Eerde, 15, was unhurt he was knocked-out in the final corner spill before recovering to finish seventh in race one.
In race two Van Eerde led the final seven laps of the 14-lapper to hold-off Japanese rider by Haruki Noguchi by just 0.013s.
“I’m stoked to get this first win, there were a couple of scary moments, it was a hectic race,” Van Eerde said.
“I wasn’t sure I could fight at the front because I missed most of free practice because I was knocked-out when I high-sided at the final corner and had to go straight into qualifying.”
The win is timely boost for Van Eerde’s busy 2018 campaign which combines the Asia Talent Cup and the Red Bull Rookies.
