Back in 1993 Dutchman Pedro Tragter won Holland its last FIM World Motocross Championship when he finished 49 points ahead of Frenchman Yves Demaria. Third place in that Championship went to another Dutchman, Dave Strijbos.

It was in the golden era of Dutch Motocross, as Tragter had followed Championship victories by both Strijbos and John Van Den Berk.

For Herlings the next few weeks should see him clinch the FIM World MX2 Championship and only a major drama can see British rider Tommy Searle claw back the 51 point lead Herlings owns.

"It's going to be nearly impossible," Searle said. "I will do my best to win as many races and GP's as possible in the next few weeks, but I need something to happen to Jeffrey to win the title. He never gives up and is always there, so good luck to him. I had my share of bad luck this year and I am happy how I have ridden. If I don't get a Championship before I move to the MX1 class it will be a pity, but that's the way it goes."

It will be the four time in his career that Searle has finished just off being World Champion, finishing in the top three in 2007, 2008 and 2011. Having just signed another two years deal with Kawasaki Searle will move to the MX1 class and leave Herlings to fight new competition.

"With Tommy going to MX1 and also others like Osborne, Tonus, Van Horebeek and Roelants moving to MX1 or out of the series all together it means I will have different guys to race in 2013, but there will always be somebody who will come along and challenge. It's never going to be easy in this sport and I don't expect 2013 to be."

Herlings heads to Lierop in Holland in a little over a week's time and there he expects to have an easier challenge than at Matterley Basin last weekend.

"I have ridden Lierop enough time and of course its sand, so that is enough to give me confidence. It is also close to my home, so I can sleep in my own bed, and I love the crowd at Lierop. The Championship is a long way from being over and I need to get as many points as possible. Even if I win the Championship in Italy I think I will still race the MX2 class in Germany, nothing changes there."

So with the Grand Prix of The Netherlands just around the corner expect a large group of Dutch fans to arrive at Lierop and support their home rider. Just like Tommy Searle in Matterley Basin two weeks ago, Herlings will be driven on to do something really special. Let's wait and see what he has in store for us.

Photo: Ray Archer image

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