Highs and lows!
Published: 08th May 2008
Author: Words by Stevie Mills Photo by Toby Fuller
On home turf the action’s already awesome but things are not looking so hot for the boys on the mainland in the Maxxis…
A new level of anticipation and intensity is now evident in the Irish motocross paddock this season, the teams and riders have worked hard during the winter months so let the games begin!
The home of Irish MX - Desertmartin - hosted round one of the championship under the backdrop of a perfectly (as always) prepared circuit, sunshine in abundance and possibly the best domestic race for many a year!
Another new generation of racers are ready to take the challenge to the ‘old guard’. Why, it seems only yesterday that the fresh faces of Merton, Garrett and Sinton first appeared on the local circuit, playing a supporting role to the Lyons/McCullough battles that were to become synonymous with Ulster motocross until a few seasons ago. His dominance during the 2006 season pretty much retired McCullough - having won all four titles he found himself lacking motivation as his arch rival Lyons had hung up his boots to embrace family business commitments.
Wayne Garrett, quadruple champion in 2007, will have his work cut out if he is to repeat his success in both classes this year. In retrospect, the ’07 season was the Wayne and Tommy show with Sinton, Bird and McCamley scrapping it out for the last possible podium slot. The new 'elder statesman' is in no mood to tolerate these whipper-snappers and although overshadowed in the MX2 class, Wayne has stamped his authority all over the MX1 Irish/Ulster series so far. Wayne never looked in trouble throughout his double victory ride around Desertmartin - to be honest, after running a few 'sprint' laps he settled into cruise mode.
Gary Gibson is enjoying racing the MX1 bike and it showed with 4-2 results good enough for second overall. RS Freight runner Richard Bird rode well for third on the day and recovered from a slow start. Fourth in the standings is Ross Brown aboard his GOMX/Russell's 450 Suzuki. Not a sand specialist, Ross is eagerly awaiting racing on the hardpack tracks. Rounding out the top five is Garrett’s team-mate Dave McCamley who capitalised on a good gate second time out to finish a fine third on his Moto-One By TAS Suzuki.
Posting 1- 4 finishes, Gary Gibson heads the MX2 table coming out of Desertmartin with Robert Hamilton taking time out from mainland UK commitments to find form currently in the runner-up spot. Ex-youth champ Philip Loughlin fills the third place slot and looked both fast and fit aboard his Kawasaki. Was this a flash in the pan result or the start of a title challenge?
The second MX2 race was simply the best race we have seen in a long time after a poor showing from Graeme Irwin and a DNF from Tommy Merton had discounted them from the opener. Neither Gibson, Loughlin or Stuart Edmonds - top three first time out - had an answer to Irwin or Merton, such was the pace at the front. Lap after lap they raced, swapping positions throughout with no quarter asked or given - it was a street fight with rules! Tommy gave the youngster room to race while Graeme was both cautious and courteous to the vastly-experienced Merton.
Tommy may have crossed the line first but it was the sport of motocross that was the winner - the crowds in attendance were entertained and left baying for more of the same. Roll on round two!
On the British championship front things could be better – a lot better! Our single points scorer in MX1, Richard McKeown, suffered a horrible injury during his first ride at a Scottish championship round for his new Moto-One team. After following Bryan MacKenzie home in the first race it all went belly-up.
“My bike quit in the first corner in the second moto, someone hit me hard from behind which threw me over the handlebars and when I was on the ground I think my arm was hit by the footrest of a passing bike resulting in a broken wrist.” This has put Richard’s season back by at least two months – get well soon.
U-TAG Yamaha’s Martin Barr is two points off second place in the British championship. A contender? You bet! But the Spanish GP dealt Martin a poor hand when a crash resulted in a busted collarbone which has thrown a spanner into the works. It's all part of the game I know - let's hope Martin can get back into the saddle real soon.
Other Irish interest in Brit MX2 sees Stuart Edmonds in 30th with two points-scoring rides last time out giving credibility to the progress of the new TM 250F. Watch this space as the season progresses. Robert Hamilton, 33rd in the standings, is not where he needs to be on the Team Pioneer/Emberson Yamaha although he is showing signs of returning form and could serve up a surprise or two in the near future. We all know he has the talent and speed, he just needs to get his head back into the zone.
In the British MXY2 series Edward Allingham is flying the flag for PAR Homes Honda with third in the points table. Steven Smyth is 18th at present - we have witnessed Steve's speed recently at local races, this youngster is a winner when he slows down!