Opinion - Columns - Blarney

Barr Bangin'!

Published: 18th October 2007

Author: Stevie Mills

Marty locks horns with the GOAT at the MXdN as Team Ireland uphold the honour of the Emerald Isle

Against the odds it must be said Team Ireland earned the respect they deserve with 13th overall in the MX des Nations at Budds Creek. And this craicing (see what I did there?) result was in no small part down to the blossoming talent of a certain Martin Barr. That and the amount of ‘on the pipe’ green leprechauns that follow Team Ireland around the international race events.

Who was that little guy on the Suzuki that ran into the back of Marty anyway? Probably some wannabe Yank who was obviously running substandard brake pads, that's for sure. To be honest, it's starting to become scary - every time Blarney predicts the possibility of a ‘showcase result’ Barty Marr takes it on board and performs accordingly.

Seriously though, fair play to Martin, Wayne and Tommy - they all rode out of their skins to make the A Final. Come race day the boy did the business with seventh overall in the MX2 class – the next few years are looking exciting for Irish MX2 content. At the time of writing Martin’s 2008 deal is not official, although it would not be a shock to see a Wulfsport orange coat in his cloakroom if the drums ring true.

Speaking of international team events, the Irish Under 21 squad of Graeme Irwin, Jason Garrett and two-stroke ace Stuart Edmonds are off to Holland – good luck boys.

At the moment there’s so much happening and so little space (note to Ed - double page in 2008?) (note to Millsy – no bloody chance). Graeme Irwin scooped the MXY2 British series against some class opposition. It was looking distinctly unlikely that the KTM-mounted Moto-One/Intouch supported rider would even make the start gate. A major get off in practice left the G-Man with a busted thumb but in typical motocross fashion he got the job done!

I’m sure many of the established UK teams will have been watching the youngster and perhaps have ideas that may include him in the future. But for 2008 I can see the Graeme and McC partnership developing which is not good news for his rivals. I don't know if it's a season in British MX2 or the European championships that will best mould his talent – that's for McC to work out.

Yet another Irish person to bring British championship silverware across the pond is Natalie Kane. Winning a British woman's adult title, Natalie also claimed second overall at the final Woman's World Cup race at Lierop - the Loughbrickland lass scoring enough points for ninth overall in the series. Is girl power returning to rule the roost in motocross?

Back at home GC is well on the mend and looking forward to some off-season European SX outings. Recently returned from his first ever non-MX-related European trip, the Crock Star enjoyed his holiday which also gave him some much needed recuperation and reflection time. So what's on the cards in ’08 for Gordy? It’s no secret that yellow machines have been mentioned regarding a GP campaign and there’s also been some talk of going enduro racing. For my penny's worth, if the GP gig pays the bills with the possibility of a bonus on results it's worth considering.

Gordon Crockard is the biggest talent in MX ever to have come out of this ever-green, never-stops-raining country called Ireland . And as stated in Blarneys of old, I still think he has the desire to win at GP level. It is frustrating to read Gordon's lap times are as fast as the leaders’ mid-race - at GP level it’s all about the starts. Roll on March.

Talking of the future, the next generation of the Beattie motocross dynasty took to racing like a duck to water. Jake Beattie, aged 5, enjoyed his first grasstrack with the MCCNI club and finished fourth in his very first race – well done Jake. I can see a KTM Pro Senior on the Santa list Granddad Brian.

On a safety issue, congratulations must go to the Cookstown club who when running a recent charity event employed the services of a paramedic for the day. Our St Johns personnel do a wonderful job but I’m sure having a qualified paramedic on hand takes a little pressure off their shoulders. A BIG thank you comes from Paul Kennedy who had the need of some personal attention from the paramedic in question.

Just one Ulster MX1 and one round of the Irish championship still to run and that's it for another season – see you at the races…

Barr Bangin'!

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