QUAD - January 2010

After retaining my ACU British Youth Quadcross title in the 100cc geared class, I would like to thank the people who made this achievement possible.

Firstly, Joe Maessen for supplying me with one of his RM85 derived missiles. I rode this machine in standard trim all season and it never missed a beat, totally reliable, a championship winning machine. The only thing it needed was suspension set-up, which was easily sorted by Gav Lowes at G Force Suspension.                                                              

Brian Winrow impeccably prepared my bike, with the able assistance of his wife Kate. I dedicated this season’s win to Brian by fixing my #1 plate on to his motobility scooter. His experience and expertise in the sport has proved invaluable, especially after I broke my arm falling off Harry Johnston’s pedal bike in the summer holidays. Brian’s advice on which races to compete in and how to ride them was instrumental in helping me to lift the title.                                                                                                         

Richard Cole provided plenty of stick as well as constructive criticism. He also knows the sport inside out so, if he ever imparts any pearls of wisdom to you, it is worth your while to heed what he says.

I must also thank my Mam and Dad for transport and logistics, Alan at Off Road Only Newcastle for repairs, although he had an easy time this season.

A special mention should also go to all my fellow competitors and friends who gave me a good season’s racing, there’s too many to list but mainly Adam James, Murray Graham, Fraser McFadden, Brad Swinbank, A J Third and all the club organisers and helpers who put so much time and effort into making our sport possible.

Well done to Adam on winning the NORA-MX 100cc geared championship and Murray on taking the NETT 100cc geared title. Good luck to Zoe Neill who will be riding a Maessen 85 next season.                                                                                                     

I’m hoping to move up to the 250 open class for 2010 either on my own quad, if my dad gets around to building one, or a quad provided by a major supplier in the UK market. My first season in this class should prove to be a steep learning curve for me; however, I still hope to have some podium finishes for my sponsors (the pressures on). Until then I am going to be chilling out doing some solo events for fun.

Looking forward to a good season’s safe racing. See you all there.