Harri Kullas Crowned Tampere Dominator After Dramatic Saturday Night Finale

15.11.2019

Alex Ray voitti Tampere Supercross avauspäivän. Cade Clason oli toinen ja Harri Kullas kolmas

Harri Kullas reclaimed the Tampere Dominator crown in spectacular fashion on Saturday night, capturing his sixth career title after an intense battle with American Alex Ray in the final round of Tampere Supercross.

The Estonian star and Ray traded the lead throughout the premier-class Main Event before Kullas made the decisive pass with just two laps remaining. Moments later, Ray crashed heavily in the rhythm section, allowing Kullas to cruise to victory in front of another sold-out crowd at the Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre.

Ray, who had won Friday night’s Main Event, was forced to retire from the race, while the fans gave Kullas a standing ovation as he celebrated not only the Saturday night win but also the overall Tampere Dominator title awarded to the rider with the best combined results over both days.

Kullas Turns the Tables

Friday had ended in disappointment for Kullas after finishing third behind Ray and Cade Clason, but the six-time champion returned determined to reverse the outcome.

Kullas grabbed the holeshot in Saturday’s Main Event before a small mistake allowed Ray to take control of the race. The American led for most of the 20-lap final while Kullas patiently stayed within striking distance.

With two laps remaining, Kullas finally found his opportunity and executed the winning pass. Seconds later, Ray lost control and crashed while trying to respond, ending his bid for the victory.

“I noticed on Friday that Alex started making mistakes during the second half of the race,” Kullas explained. “I knew if I stayed close, I’d have my chance near the end. He was incredibly fast early on, but after that the mistakes started coming.”

“I was able to stay relaxed, control my breathing and keep my pace all the way to the finish.”

Kullas also revealed that some last-minute mental preparation played an important role before the race.

“My girlfriend and I talked through a couple of important mental aspects before the final. It really helped me get into the right mindset.”

“I was already riding well before Alex crashed. The opportunity came at exactly the right moment on the second-to-last lap. I made the pass, and then he made a mistake and went down. Of course, it’s unfortunate whenever another rider crashes, but I’m very happy to come away with the win.”

Six Titles in Seven Starts

Saturday’s victory secured Kullas his sixth Tampere Dominator title in seven appearances at Tampere Supercross.

His remarkable record now stands at six overall victories and one runner-up finish.

“It feels great to win this title,” Kullas said.

“After finishing third on Friday, I thought that even if I won Saturday, Alex would probably have to finish third for me to take the overall. My only goal was to get a good start, ride my own race and stay on two wheels. If Alex passed me, then so be it—I would keep pushing until the end and try to get back around him. That’s exactly how it happened. He made a mistake, and I came away with the title.”

Basaula and Clason Complete the Podium

Portugal’s Hugo Basaula, who earlier in the day won the Head-to-Head Supercross Challenge, finished second in Saturday night’s Main Event.

American Cade Clason, runner-up on Friday, completed the podium in third.

In the overall Tampere Dominator standings, Clason finished second, while Basaula secured third overall.

Among the Finnish riders, Juuso Matikainen once again finished as the second-best home rider, crossing the line in eighth.

Vesterinen Wins Motonet Lites

Before the international Supercross Main Event, Finland’s top young riders battled in the Motonet Lites final.

Matias Vesterinen rebounded from his Friday crash to claim victory on Saturday, while Friday’s winner Joni Mäkeläfinished second, earning the overall Motonet Lites title with the best combined score over the two-day event.

Juho Kaitanen rounded out Saturday’s podium in third.

Electric Mini Bikes Return

Saturday’s program once again featured an exhibition race for young riders aboard the new KTM SX-E 5 and Husqvarna EE 5 electric mini motocross bikes, giving the enthusiastic youngsters another opportunity to experience a full-size Supercross track in front of a packed crowd.