Red Hot!
Published: 14th May 2007
Author: Stevie Mills Photo by Jamie Huddleson
Make a date with Travis and the gang as Red Bull X-Fighters rocks up in Ireland
Global warming? Don't know what you're talking about! My guess is that the current heatwave we are experiencing is down to the fact that the hottest event ever to grace these shores is only a couple of weeks away!
Oh yes, Red Bull X-Fighters on May 26 at Slane Castle promises to be the event of the decade for extreme sports fans in Ireland. An evening of celebrated Irish rock bands in medieval Slane Castle will provide a unique setting for X-Fighters. This is simply a one-off event with Travis and crew on a world tour - Mexico City, Slane Castle, Moscow and Madrid. If you're lucky enough to have a ticket I will see you there!
The Ulster series is in full swing and as anticipated the main protagonists Tommy Merton and Wayne Garrett are having a right old ding dong. Tommy made the running during the first few outings but came unstuck at Ballykelly over the Easter two-day meeting as he tried to get on terms with Martin Barr who dished out a lesson in how to ride a MX2 bike in the Open class. Tommy's DNF has (at the time of writing) passed the lead of the Ulster Open series to Wayne Garrett with Tommy second and Mike Sinton moving into third after a strong performance at Ballykelly.
On the British championship front Gordy is keeping his eye on the ball with consistent results and is trailing big Ken by a mere six points - here's hoping the Newtownards man can collect title number four in 2007. Only 48 points separate the top seven riders in the MX2 class where Dixon Yamaha's Martin Barr has proved that if he gets a good gate he can run top five - so there's the plan Marty, nail those starts! The only other Irish points scoring riders are Wayne Garrett and Robert Hamilton who are in 25th and 26th places after three rounds.
No conformation yet but we hear Robert will undergo knee surgery. Robert - who's known for his lightning starts and rock-solid determination - was showing good form with Embo's Yamaha squad. Let's hope he can make it back before the end of the season in time to do a deal for 2008.
Stuart Edmonds opened his account in the DEP Challenge series with a superb third overall. Riding his CCM Motorcycles/TM 125cc smoker, the Dublin lad has confirmed his credentials as a possible title contender.
Moto-One Racing's Graeme Irwin quickly made a name for himself during the early Grade B events, taking the chequered flag in flamboyant style and clocking up laps some four seconds faster than his nearest rival. And round one of the Irish national championship at Desertmartin showed the potential of the Moto-One Team's latest signing - his second place to team-mate Wayne Garrett set the tongues wagging.
One week later Graeme - who has just turned 15 - won a round of the Scottish championship. I'm now wondering if team boss Phil McCullough will upgrade Graeme for a wildcard ride at the upcoming British round at Desertmartin. Speaking of which - if any of you Grade A racers are interested in trying your hand get in touch with the Cookstown club ASAP.
Irish championship MX2 racing is providing some very intense and interesting battles. Wayne Garrett's KTM heads the leaderboard from Merton while Irwin, Luke Wilde and Jason Garrett are in hot pursuit. Ride of the Day must go to Luke - after coming around outside the top 20 on lap one the Suzuki star blitzed through the pack to take third at the flag.
If Gary Gibson was disappointed with a mechanical failure that kept him from qualifying for the MX2 class he more than made up for it in MX1. Sixth in qualification, Gary went 3-4 in his first ever race aboard his Holeshot Motocross-supported Honda - good enough to put the young Ballygowan-based rider third in the series.
Karl Prestwood - the ex-GP racer and technician to the stars - has been involved in importing the now in great demand Leatt neck brace. "Rider safety is of paramount importance," reckons KP who's coming to Ireland for a try-before-you-buy Leatt testing event. The date is yet to be confirmed although it will be in May - check on www.ulstermotocross.com /www.motocross.ie or call me on 07733128500 for details in the near future.
Finally this month a big congratulations must go to young Andrew Reid on taking the overall in the Small Wheel 85 class at Desertmartin. Good on ya mate!