Alex Cudlin adds another Qatar Title to his resume
Taree’s Alex Cudlin has claimed the 2012 Qatar International Road Racing championship for the 2nd year in a row.
Racing for QMMF racing team, Alex entered the round 20 points behind Qatari rider Mashel Al Niami and knew it would be a big task to claw back enough points to win the 2012 Qatar Championship.
Alex started his weekend in perfect form by topping the time sheets in practice, then proceeding to claim pole position for the following days 2 races.
As everyone arrived at the circuit on race day, the pressure was mounting for all the riders and teams, all wondering who would be the winner. Spectators, TV, and Newspaper journalists all come to see who would be the champion of 2012 and the racing didn’t disappoint.
Race 1 got underway, and Alex showed his fine riding form by storming to the lead in the first corner. The race was a glide for Alex as he wasn’t past the entire 15 laps finishing a massive 8 seconds ahead of 2nd place, Nina Prinz and 1 minute ahead of Championship leader Mashel Al Niami in 3rd, clawing back 9 crucial points on the leader.
It was then down to race 2. Alex had to win and if Mashel finished 4th or lower, Alex would be the 2012 champion.
Alex again showed that pressure didn’t bother him and stormed to the lead on lap 1.
Mashel Al Niami and Nina Prinz then past Alex down the straight on the start of lap 2, which was the setting for a intense battle.
Alex quickly passed Niami into turn 1 under brakes and held the 2nd position.
Then in turn 2, the race changed completely. As Both Mashel Al Niami and Alex were jostling for position, Niami hit the rear wheel of Alex and crashing out of the race.
Luckily for Alex, he was able to stay on his bike and continue on.
Alex then knew his chances of becoming champion were more possible if he finished in the top 4 spots. Alex proceeded to ride with more caution when just two corners later 1st place rider Nina Prinz engine broke handing Alex the lead.
Alex then proceeded to clear off from the rest of the field, eventually crossing the line 15 seconds ahead of nearest rival Sultan Al Kuwari and becoming the 2012 Qatar International Road Racing Champion.
“That was a finish you only see in movies. I came here 20 points behind Mashel but managed to put on a flawless performance to win the title. I’m extremely happy to win for the 2nd year in a row. This year has been harder then ever. I missed the first 4 races of the season which gave my competitors a huge head start. Mid way through the year I dislocated my elbow and had to ride through the pain to keep my championship alive, then just 2 weeks ago, I had a big crash and badly damaged my right foot. It seemed like everything was against me, but I had to believe I could still do it. The races were intense and that showed in race 2 when my biggest threat to the title crashed out. We come together in turn 2 and he went down. I’m happy to hear that he wasn’t hurt in the crash. He has been a great rival this season and also a good friend of mine. It was a pleasure to slog it out on track and I’m happy to have come out the victor.” Said Cudlin
The 14 race series started in November 2011 and Alex only joined the series in January 2012 losing valuable points. In the 10 races Alex participated in, he won a staggering 8 of them, finishing 2nd once and one DNF.
Alex will now stay in Qatar for 2 more weeks, where he will contest round 2 of the World Endurance Championship at the Qatar 8 hour. Alex Currently sits in 4th position in the World Cup after one round, riding for team DG Sport.