Ulster fly!
Published: 10th April 2008
Author: Stvie Mills
It’s all going down in the Emerald Isle as the domestic championship gets off to a flyer at Donemana
Blazing Saddles! That's how to sum up round one of the Ulster championships at the Errigal MC’s event at Donemana. The young guns threw down the gauntlet to the established front runners in qualification leaving a general heightened sense of tension in the Premier class paddock.
Gary Gibson headed the table by some two seconds with a rejuvenated Drew Goudy in second place taking the spotlight away from the bookies’ favourites. But there’s more to winning than putting in one fast lap as both Gibson and Goudy had their fair share of crashes during the MX1 races which hampered their overall placings.
Chambers Sand Pit provided extremely tight racing in every class as many fell foul of on-track incidents due to both the extremely rough nature of the soft, sandy track conditions and the over-confidence and talent-fade of a few riders.
While many Grade C riders did not qualify for the day’s racing, it must be said that all the signs are positive for at least the first part of what this new format is trying to achieve. Each and every Grade C rider who qualified has earned his place to ride on Ulster championship day and for the first time ever the 2008 Grade C championship will have real credibility. The Grade C races did not result in the usual mass rush back to the paddock by spectators as in previous seasons and this says it all – it’s a championship to be proud of and three separate moto winners is testament to the competitiveness throughout the ranks.
The Semi Experts are a mix of the guys who dominated the Grade C last season, Youth Premier class top runners and the Grade B men who are staying put for another year. As usual this class is awash with upcoming talent and Scott, Fetherston and McCammond came out on top at the end of the day’s proceedings.
Not since the days of old has there been such a buzz of anticipation around the Premier class. Coming out of round one it's TM-mounted Stuart Edmunds who heads the points table - Nick Craigie's sponsored rider made a statement by winning the final moto of the day in commanding style.
No longer the Tommy and Wayne MX1 show of last year, having three different race winners in the Premier class has rekindled interest. The formbook went clean out the window as the top three MX1 boys all experienced a turbulent first day back at the office. Wayne Garrett, still not 100 per cent after a big off at the first British championship, carded 1-2-8 for second overall while Tommy Merton, in obvious pain from a broken bone in his hand, toughed it out after a fall first time out to claim a solitary 10th. With the Watt/Rainey Brothers KTM's front wheel disintegrating beneath him in race two Tommy pulled in and for reasons yet to be established did not go to the line for the final race of the day. Blarney has since been informed by Tommy that he will ride for the remainder of the season under the Watt KTM banner, providing his own transport.
GOMX/JRM racer Mike Sinton's luck also ran out. Having placed a strong fourth in race one, Mike was involved in a racing accident with a fellow rider with the Tandragee man coming off worse for wear. A dislocated shoulder has been diagnosed which puts him on the sidelines for the forthcoming Ulster championship meeting at his home track in mid April.
Edward Allingham had both the speed and fitness to challenge the MX1 boys in the soft going on his PAR Homes CRF250, proving that if he gates well he can run at the pace for the entire race distance as he confirmed by winning the second moto in fine style. When challenged by fellow race winners Edmunds and Garrett, Allingham dug deep and never gave up.
On the British championship front, Martin has again ‘lifted the Barr’ (no Stevie, bad Stevie, in your basket Stevie – SL). Early it is and the game is still only a pup - the acid test for Marty will come after the first few GPs sort out the players from the one-lap wonders, guys who simply make the start gate because they are prepared to hang it out for that one qualification lap! Martin is a racer, he can generally start well, his fitness is at an all-time high and he is on the crest of a wave of confidence at the moment. The deep sand of Holland is a test for anyone - will our new GP hope fill the boots of GC?
Team Wulfsport /KTM UK have been stealing global headlines throughout the pre-season internationals and Shaun Simpson looks ready to take on the world. Currently third in the standings behind Barty and Stephen Sword, blitzing to two moto wins at Canada Heights gives notice that Shaun is a contender – well done all at Team Wulfsport.
Other Irish interest at the British series is somewhat thin on the ground at the moment. As already mentioned, Wayne Garrett crashed hard at round one and is awaiting round three while team-mate Graeme Irwin, although still in his rookie season at this level, gave a great account of himself at Canada Heights and posted 18th fastest time in qualification. Mechanical issues sadly postponed the teenager’s first championship points in both races.
Our normally fast-starting Robert Hamilton has yet to make a mark aboard his Pioneer Emberson Yamaha. Having been out for all of 2007 due to a knee rebuild, it will take a while for Hammy's confidence to get back to where it was.
As confirmed in last month’s Blarney, the GP of Ireland is at Fairyhouse on the last weekend of August – not Ferry House as I spelled it last month! Sorry if I unintentionally insulted any of you Ferries or Fairies out there!
From all involved in Irish motocross, we were sorry to hear that David Wilde suffered a stroke recently. David, Luke's grandfather, has been around MX since when it was scrambling and riders were not afraid of getting their kit dirty. David is a much loved and larger-than-life character around the local paddocks. We all hope to see you back at the races before long my friend…