East
Cumbria Motocross Club
4th July 04
Elliott attended
his first race meeting this weekend 04/07/04 at Brampton with the
East Cumbria Motocross Club, he started with a two or three lap
practice session then had three races spread throughout the day.
The riders were split into two groups, group ‘A’ eleven
experienced Auto riders and group ‘B’ fourteen new riders
for this season; Elliott was in group ‘B’. His first
race went really well and he finished 7th earning thirty-four points.
He got a good start in the second race and was in 6th place when
he fell off. I picked him up checked him over and asked if he wanted
to carry on? Still with tears in his eyes he jumped back on his
bike and set off from the back of the pack. It was like the red
mist had descended he went from last to 11th in about three laps
getting thirty points.
His third race he started 10th and fought his way past some slow
riders who sometimes held him up, couldn't quite catch 7th and finished
in 8th place earning thirty-three points. He finished 10th overall
with a total of ninety-seven and received a lovely silver plate
trophy, all the riders from 11th to 14th had received a wooden plaque
so when they called him up to receive his trophy he was really made
up.
Craig, Sam and Matt did a really good job keeping his confidence
up throughout all his races Sam pushing his bike to the start line,
and everybody cheering him on from the side lines, along with Lorraine,
Lewis and of course Mandy and Lucy
Northern
Youth Motocross Club
Fun
Day
31st
October 04
Elliott's
last race of 2004 was a fun event run at Great Salkeld near Penrith
after the last official race of the season and was to give new riders
and those moving up a class a go at the higher level.
Elliott
took part in the 50cc auto class on a shortened version of this
punishing sand track, the first major hurdle for all the riders
is the deep sand of the start straight. The auto class riders with
there 10 and 12" wheels really struggle to stay upright, many
parents running up the start straight after the riders picking them
up and sending them on there way. Elliott had a reasonable start
and was positioned mid pack, as he rounded the first corner heading
across the grass to rejoin the track cutting out the major hills
used by the other classes. Heading over the table top towards the
first hairpin bend, this was were the fun really started as they
enter the next hairpin they cut another section of the track out
and have to drop down a steep decline.Then turn sharp left back
onto the track, at this point of the track four or five marshals
were positioned solely to pick up fallen riders, every rider must
of fell of at least once at this point. Elliott struggled on trying
to stay on his bike picking up places then either falling himself
or being held up by other fallen riders, he kept going and crossed
the line in 16th place.
Race
two and more of the same as riders struggled to get to grips with
the now deeply rutted track after all the other classes had run
there first race of the meeting. Elliott again had a good start
carefully picking his way through the ruts and fallen riders, getting
more confident with each lap and only falling a couple of times
he took the chequered flag and a very hard earned 11th place.
He
was made up, he really wanted a top ten finish, one race left, sitting
on the start line waiting for the gate to drop, looking down the
line of riders. The five second board goes up the revs raise then
the gate drops and twenty riders aged between six and eight set
off one last time. Elliott starts well and rounds the first corner
in tenth position, they head for the table top and Elliott takes
the jump well and picks up another place. I don't think he fell
off once in that last race and just worked hard picking up positions
and took the chequered flag in a well earned and hard fought 6th
place, picking up 10th overall and receiving the trophy he so wanted.
Northern
Youth Motocross Club
Rnd 1
20th
February 05
Elliott's
first race of the season was with the Northern Youth Motocross Club,
taking place at Great Salkeld just outside Penrith.
Elliott set
off on his practice session struggling up the sandy start straight
and rounding the top corner he was in the middle of the pack. He
then picked his way through the deep ruts left by previous riders
and headed off towards the first table top, then disaster struck,
his throttle stuck and sent him full throttle up the face of the
jump. He virtually cleared the table top something some of the older
riders couldn't off achieved (not that they probably wanted to).
On landing he swerved one way then the other across the full width
of the track before eventually falling off and injuring his knee.
As usual the voluntary ambulance services were on hand to offer
advice and care for Elliott, as he could only just walk we decided
to pull him out of the days racing and concentrate on what went
wrong with his Husqvarna. A later x-ray confirmed he had not broken
anything and he would live to race another day.
East
Cumbria Motocross Club
Rnd 1
27th
February 05
Elliott
raced here in July 04 it was his first race and he came tenth overall
so this was going to be a gauge to see how he had come on. We entered
him into the Auto 'B' class same as the year before, riding the
same bike. We lined up on the start and going into the first corner
he was second chasing hard after the leader Brogan Caunt, we soon
realised that this was going to be a good day for Elliott. He caught
the leader and passed her only to fall off in the mud, he set off
in chase he rode really well but just couldn't quite catch Brogan
and finished an excellent 2nd.
The
second race was much the same with Elliott chasing Brogan again
into the first corner, they had another good battle for first place
Elliott passing her going into the top corner only for Brogan to
take the lead again exiting the corner. Elliott just couldn't quite
catch her as he crossed the line four bike lengths behind her and
getting 2nd overall.
Northern
Youth Motocross Club
Rnd 2
25th
March 05
This
was the first time Elliott was to race his KTM Pro Senior and after
a couple of false starts he got off the line quite well, struggling
up the start straight he made it round the first corner in about
13th place. The conditions were really difficult as the deep sand
pulls the the auto's all over the place and all but the most experienced
riders struggle to stay upright and on the power. Elliott fell off
a couple of times but he made up a few places in the last couple
of laps to finish 8th.
Race
two soon came round and it was clear from the start that Elliott's
KTM clutch was struggling with the sandy conditions and he was losing
drive. As the race progressed he lost a few places and when the
organisers finished the race early he was in twelfth position. It
was decided not to compete in race three and we started to fit an
new clutch ready for the next meeting on the 28th at Brampton.
East
Cumbria Motocross Club
Rnd 2
28th
March 05
We
arrived at the track which was in perfect condition apart from some
deep mud on the back straight which we new after last time here
was going to cause the riders some problems. After being shown how
to fit a new clutch (thanks Kirk) into Elliott's KTM, practice went
well and Elliott seamed to be getting to grips with his new bike
very quickly. Lining up at the start he knew Brogan Caunt was going
to be hard to beat after the great battle they had last time, his
start could of been better, he was fifth going into the first corner
as Brogan opened up quite a lead on the first few laps. Elliott
was starting to pick up the pace and was soon making up places and
was catching Brogan fast. He took the lead going into the bottom
corner and was soon opening up quite a lead, then he was caught
out by a back marker and fell off his bike, he picked himself up
but struggled starting it. Eventually someone helped him out and
after loosing the lead he was back in fourth place, the other riders
were also struggling in the mud and when the chequered flag dropped
Brogan finished second to Jordan Mather No 27 with Elliott finishing
fifth.
Race
two and yet again Brogan got the holeshot Elliott chasing hard in
third place his starts were now getting better, it took him a few
laps to catch Brogan and then a couple more to actually pass her.
Yet again he passed her going into the bottom corner, but Brogan
wasn't giving up without a fight and chased him hard for the next
few laps before Elliott crossed the line in first place to take
his first win and take the battle into the last race. Brogan was
on 84 with with two second places, Elliott was in second with 81,
he needed to win the last race to to get the overall but he knew
it wasn't going to be easy.
Race
three and true to form Brogan nailed the start yet again leaving
Elliott to chase her yet again, he rode really well catching and
passing her, he then went on comfortably passing back markers but
Brogan wasn't giving up. As the last lap flag went out Elliott was
well in front he only had to get across the mud one last time, it
wasn't to be and he slid sideways and fell to the floor, people
rushed to help him on his bike but as he got up Brogan came through
to take the lead. He set off after her but the overall win was hers
as she crossed the line 100m in front of him, Elliott yet again
would have to settle for second. He was really annoyed he had lost
it on his last lap but with all the races that are left the championship
is still there for the taking.
East
Cumbria Motocross Club
Rnd 3
17th
April 05
It
only seams like yesterday that we were here last, yet three weeks
have passed since Elliott recorded his first race win, he was now
keen to get that elusive overall result. Going to the start line
we were surprised by the amount of riders lined up for the start
of the practice, twenty young riders were there keen to get under
way, some of them were there for the first time. Elliott had a good
session, he was trying to take the mud section at speed building
his confidence, after falling in the mud on the last lap last time
out.
At
the start of race one, Elliott got away in fifth place Brogan getting
the holeshot she rounded the first corner and was soon opening up
a commanding lead. Elliott started to pick his way through the riders
in front of him, but Brogan was now a good half a lap in front of
the chasing riders. Elliott couldn't catch her and had to settle
for second place yet again with third place going to William Wall
(No 111).
Race
two and yet again Brogan nailed the start heading the field into
the back straight but this time the chasing riders 77, 111 and Elliott
along with the others were not going to let her get away. They chased
after her and Elliott had to work hard to get into second place
and then to catch Brogan. The race between them for the chequered
flag was amazingly close both of them racing flat out for the win,
the lead swapped on numerous occasions as they picked different
lines round corners whilst negotiating riders having there own little
private battles. Elliott finally claiming the win with Brogan finishing
a very close second and William again grabbing third.
Level
on points Brogan and Elliott headed into the last race, William
sitting very close behind in the third place. Elliott's start was
excellent sitting right behind Brogan but it wasn't her that got
the holeshot that honor went to 77 who shot up the inside to take
the lead. Brogan and Elliott set about catching him followed closely
by the rest of the riders, Elliott and Brogan caught him and passed
him going onto the back straight. Brogan led for the next few laps
before Elliott was able to slip up the inside going into the top
corner, he then opened up a small lead but holding onto it wasn't
going to be easy. Brogan wouldn't give up and kept Elliott racing
hard for the line and the overall win.
A
special thank you must go to Julian at Triple-D Motosport Limited
Kendal, who opened his workshop on Saturday morning to repair Elliott's
bike at very short notice. Elliott would not of raced and got his
first overall win if it wasn't for Triple-D.
Phoenix
North West MXC
Trophy Meeting
30th
April 05
When
we found out that Phoenix had organised this meeting on Abram Moto
Park we knew it would give us the opportunity to let family and
friends see how much Elliott had improved over the season. The track
is situated behind our housing estate and is only a five minute
walk from our door, Phoenix had carried out a lot of improvements
to the track layout and apart from the rain the track would of been
in perfect condition. As it was the auto's practice and 1st race
was a very sticky and muddy affair, Elliott started fifth but soon
got on the pace and was soon picking off the riders in front of
him, but he couldn't do anything about catching Jake no 151 and
settled for second place.
At
the end of the first race the sun came out and soon the track was
drying out and by the time Elliott was lining up for his second
race the track had really improved. Elliott got his first holeshot
and hung onto the lead for a couple of laps before taking a tumble
which Jake capitalized on and before he took a tumble. Up came Swampy
to take the win with Elliott yet again in second place and Jake
in third.
Into
race three which turned out to be a real battle between the top
three riders Elliott started in second place, all three top riders
made mistakes and going into the last lap Jake led from Elliott
and Swampy. Elliott chased hard after Jake and opened up a bit of
a gap to Swampy, coming over the top of the hill with four corners
to go Jake led by about fifty yards. Elliott really pushed it going
into those corners and going into the last corner he got his front
wheel down the inside of Jake's rear wheel and set up a last gasp
dash for the line, Jake just hung on for the win by half a wheel
length.
Race
four came and so did the problems! Elliott got another great start
and grabbed the holeshot yet again, he jumped the first table top
only to find his bike had stopped. The wire going to the ignition
box had come off. Jake and Swampy went passed and had a good lead
before Elliott re-started, he completed a couple more laps before
yet again the wire came off. We repaired it again and he continued
crossing the line to take third overall with Jake finishing second
and Swampy taking the overall win.
Phoenix
North West MXC
Championship Rnd 3
1st
May 05
The
day started with the track again being very wet after a lot of overnight
rain, Elliott went well in practice with no reoccurrence of his
previous days problems. But more problems arose in the following
races, he was going well when his bike continuously stopped and
refused to restart. Eventually we found the problem to be either
fuel starvation or the fact that there was a rather large crack
in the exhaust pipe, he struggled on and finished all three races
getting eighth overall on the day.
Northern
Youth Motocross Club
Rnd 4
29th
May 05
We
arrived at Great Salkeld on a beautiful sunny day, the track was
perfect, there was fourteen auto riders eager to start racing. Practice
went well and Elliott was looking in confident mood, we were hoping
this would go better for him than the last couple of visits to this
track.
He
lined up for race one and waited for the gate to drop, when it did
Elliott went for it but he got a bad start and came around the first
corner last. He wasted no time catching the other riders and was
soon in amongst the main pack, this is such a hard track for the
auto riders to deal with and even the best fall as they cut across
parts adapted for the shortened track. Elliott only fell once and
crossed the line in 6th place, was this to be a sign of better times
to come.
Race
two and the same bad start this time the bike wheelied and when
he got it back under control he was last again, yet again he battled
through and finished the race. He was now sitting 7th overall with
on race left.
At
the start of race three Elliott asked if the promise of £10
for the holeshot was still on, feeling quite confident after the
two previous disasters of keeping the £10 in my pocket I said
it was. The gate dropped and Elliott was off up the start straight,
I ran to the other side of the hill to watch the leaders exit the
first corner, I couldn't believe my eyes when round the corner comes
Elliott leading the way. Jay Lamb was close behind in second and
catching Elliott fast, Elliott struggled to keep Jay behind him
and had to concede first place half way round the first lap. He
was determined to stay as close to Jay as possible and the pair
of them soon opened up gap on the chasing pack, Jay soon started
to leave Elliott behind, but Elliott carried on and was starting
to look good for his best result yet. Then he hit the first corner
after the finish straight to fast and rode over the top of the berm
and hit a wooden post, this pushed the brake lever up the bars and
smashed the throttle casing ending any hope of finishing the race.
He finished last on the day but was pleased to receive his £10
for the holeshot as well as he put it "Dad; I was leading Jay
Lamb!!"
East
Cumbria Motocross Club
Rnd 4
30th
May 05
Back
at Brampton and again it was another beautiful summers day, the
mud on the back straight that had caused the riders so much trouble
in the previous races had gone. Elliott was on the line for race
one with Brogan who is leading the championship sitting next to
him, Elliott started well but the bike wheelied on him and he had
to shut off. Brogan was of to a flier and soon built up a lead over
the chasing pack, Elliott lay in fifth for a couple of laps before
he could get past the other riders. By which time Brogan was leading
by half a lap, she was flying past back markers so confidently Elliott
wasn't even close when she took the chequered flag for her first
win of the day.
Race
two and yet again Brogan went round the first corner first, Elliott
got a slightly better start and was sitting in fourth place. Brogan
was on fire yet again and just tore round the track again opening
up a comfortable lead within the first few laps, Elliott was having
his own battle trying to get second place from No 55. After a few
laps he got it but he had to work really hard to get it. Brogan
was soon taking the win and enjoying her second lap of honor.
Lining
up for race three and for once Brogan didn't start well but the
race was red flagged due to some riders getting caught up in the
starting tape. They lined up again and this time normal service
resumed with Brogan out in front, but this time Elliott was soon
passed the second and third place riders and off after her, I love
watching these two kids race each other they are so evenly matched
and so competitive. Elliott was soon closing the gap Brogan had
worked hard to open up and when they closed on two other riders
having there own battle at the end of the home straight, Brogan
chose the outside and went round the two riders but was forced wide.
Elliott grabbed the opportunity and dived down the inside coming
out of the corner first, Brogan was held up slightly and I don't
think she saw Elliott sneak through on the inside and taking the
last race of the day. Brogan took the overall win with Elliott yet
again settling for second.
Northern
Youth Motocross Club
Rnd 5
25th
June 05
Gt
Salkeld once again, the track were Elliott has never yet finished
all three races, the bike had let him down on a few occasions and
he had made a couple of mistakes and paid dearly for them in others.
Yet again the weather was great as all the auto riders lined up
on the start gate, the gate dropped and they all set off racing
to be first into the first corner. Elliott was riding well but struggled
getting the power on smoothly in the deep sand, he had a great battle
with Joe Suttclife for a couple of laps before he made a mistake
and Joe went through. He finished in 11th place in the first race
then improved slightly to finish 10th in the next. He started well
in the third but fell a couple of times were the track switches
from one part of the main track to the other, he was restarted and
set on his way but we had another bit of a scare as he came through
the next to last corner and banged bars with Jay Lamb as he came
round to take the win. With Elliott holding on for 10th place once
more. For the first time he had finished all three races and taken
11th overall for his efforts.
East
Cumbria Motocross Club
Rnd 5
26th
June 05
Half
way through the championship and Brogan was leading the Auto juniors
with 480 points followed by Elliott with 468, the pair of them had
opened up a sizable lead over the rest of the riders. Elliott knew
he had to try and close the gap to keep him in with a chance of
the championship, the track had been marked out with a new chicane
on the home straight. Race 1 and as ever Brogan took the holeshot
and set off up the back straight Elliott was in fifth place, as
they all chased after Brogan her bike stopped. Marshals rushed over
to start her bike, it took a couple of laps to get her going by
which time Elliott had taken the lead and was heading for the chequered
flag.
Race
two and yet again Brogan got the holeshot Elliott was in second
and trying to catch her, Brogan was flying through the back markers
with Elliott close behind. Elliott was getting closer as they both
went flying up the back straight, he went for the inside line as
they got to the top corner but he didn't make it and his bike got
tangled in the back of Brogan's KTM. The marshals pulled them apart
and Brogan continued and took the win a few laps later, putting
a smile back on her face after the disappointment of the first race.
Elliott had got on his bike and rode hard to make up the time he
had lost and finished fourth, he was still leading but now only
by a single point from Bradley Mann.
The
final race of the day and she did it again Brogan Caunt was there
at the front of the pack with Elliott in second place, yet again
these two led the way Brogan slicing through the back markers with
Elliott following close behind. Every time he got close to her she
just seamed to find that extra speed to open up another gap, neither
of them wanted to settle for second place but Elliott had too as
Brogan took her second win of the day. Showing a real determination,
she had from coming last in the first race gone on to take two race
wins and finish third overall, Elliott after making the mistake
that cost him second place in race two took the overall win by riding
sensibly and doing what he needed to do, finishing in front of Bradley
to take his second overall win. With three rounds left and one point
between them I hope that it comes down to them fighting it out on
the track right up until the last race of the season.
Newton-le-Willows
M.C.C.
24th
July 05
This
was the first time Elliott had been to Bleak Hall Farm and his first
time out on his KTM since Brampton nearly a month ago. The track
had been watered that morning as we arrived and looked a bit slippery
in places, Elliott went out on his practice laps trying to learn
the circuit. By the time his first race was due to start the track
conditions were perfect, he got off the start in about 10th place
and set about catching some of the riders, he worked his way into
7th place and was trying to catch one of the Cobra riders in front
of him as he took the last lap flag. He struggled to catch him on
that last lap and took the chequered flag in 7th place.
Race
two and Elliott yet again was around tenth place as he went down
the start and finish straight for the first time he passed one rider
on the first lap then struggled to pass the rider in ninth place,
he just seamed to run out of ideas and repeatedly followed the same
lines as the rider in front of him. He finished in ninth place and
came off the track really annoyed with his performance. Elliott
went over the race with me and told me what he thought he needed
do to improve in the last race.
To
his credit in race three he put a lot off things right, entering
the first corner he was in his highest starting place of 5th, he
dropped two places during the race when he went slightly wide at
one of the slower corners and struggled for grip in the softer mud.
He tried really hard to catch the riders that past him but only
managed to keep them in close range and finished the race closely
behind the 6th place rider. He took 8th position overall and finished
the day with a smile on his face and another well earned trophy
East
Cumbria Motocross Club
Rnd 6
31st
July 05
The
first race started with a bit of a shock for us all, Brogan didn't
get the holeshot!! That honor went to Dee Jay Walker who had shot
off from the line like a bullet from a gun and was off round the
first corner with the whole pack giving chase. Brogan was second
with Elliott after another poor start in fifth or sixth, Brogan
eventually caught Dee Jay and then the pair of them were soon catching
the back markers. Elliott was picking his way through the pack and
working his way through to third place, he was trying really hard
to catch D. J. and Brogan. Brogan took the chequered flag with D.
J. finishing in a well earned 2nd place with Elliott having to settle
for third.
Race
two and Elliott was the one to lead them away from the line with
his best start ever, Brogan had other ideas and dived down the inside
of the first corner to take the holeshot. Elliott was in the chasing
pack following her down the back straight and round the top corner,
on lap three Brogan lost the front end going through the chicane
and fell to the floor with the bike rolling on top of her. Elliott
took the lead with D. J. chasing him hard, Elliott struggled to
pass some of the back markers as he tried to open up a lead but
D. J. wasn't letting him go easily. Then Brogan who had been flying
round the track caught and passed D. J. and set off to catch Elliott.
On the last lap with only one back marker and about five bike lengths
between them Brogan went for the inside line as they entered the
chicane but the rider closed the door and the chance of catching
Elliott was gone. Elliott took the chequered flag, Brogan remounted
to take second with D. J. finishing a close third.
With
Brogan leading on 87 points, Elliott on 85 and Dee Jay on 82 the
final race was again the decider, Elliott again shot off the line
heading up to the first corner but he carried to much speed and
overshot the first bend, Brogan again taking the lead. Elliott fought
his way through to second place and with D. J. right on his tail
the pair of them made sure that Brogan couldn't relax too much.
Dee Jay was pushing Elliott really hard for the whole of the race
but wasn't quite able to to get close enough to pass him, Brogan
was not making any mistakes this time and took the win and the overall.
Elliott held on to second place with D. J. again finishing third
to pick up third overall. His highest place finish at Brampton so
far. With only one meeting left on October the 16th Brogan now leads
the Championship by five points from Elliott in second place, the
fight between them will go down to the very last race.
Cumbria Youth Motocross Club
Rnd 6 & 7
6th
& 7th August 05
The
two day event at Haverigg was an ideal opportunity for Elliott to
get some really good practice in and to see if he would like to
compete here next season. Most of the people he races with at Brampton
and Gt Salkeld would be there competing in the CYMX club championship.
The conditions were perfect for racing and the track had been well
prepared, we walked the track on the Saturday morning to give Elliott
some idea of were he was going and what lines he should be taking.
In the three races Elliott was always mid way down the pack, he
was making up places and then falling on the corners and losing
them again. A few times he was flying over jumps and landing totally
out of control and yet staying on the bike, in two or three cases
he would have the bike vertical whilst looking like he was performing
star jumps behind it. In the first two races he finished in 11th
and then he got his best result of the day and finished 9th taking
11th overall.
On
Sunday he tried to step up his performances, he now knew what the
track was like and after walking the track in the morning with Jay
Lamb and his Dad he felt a lot more confident. After practice which
he seamed to take very casually he told me he would be going a lot
faster in the races. Race one and Elliott got a cracking start and
was sitting in third place behind Steven Webb and Curtis Ferguson
he held onto the third for must of the race with Jay Lamb and Joe
Sutcliffe putting him under a lot of pressure. On the next to last
lap Elliott made a mistake and dropped the bike in one of the corners,
Jay and Joe passed him leaving him to finish 5th a massive improvement
on the day before.
Race
two and Elliott again started well, he was jumping a lot cleaner
and taking the corners a lot faster now. He was comfortably in the
top ten still making the odd little mistake but working hard to
make up places, eventually he finished 7th. The best start of the
day came in his last race, he was beaten to the holeshot by Joe
Sutcliffe who having bike trouble in the previous two races was
now riding Callum Bircher's spare bike. We don't know what happened
during that first lap Elliott had entered the first corner a close
second to Joe and yet finished the first lap in 8th place, he said
he didn't fall off but got held up in a pile up on one of the corners.
He finished the race in 11th and took we think 10th overall. He
made a lot of progress this weekend in his riding and was starting
to ride well and with a lot more confidence in his own ability.
He now heads once more to Gt Salkeld with the hope of finishing
in the top ten for the first time this season.
Northern
Youth Motocross Club
Rnd 8
14th
August 05
The
track at Gt Salkeld was in the best condition I have ever seen it,
the heavy overnight rain and the preparation carried out had made
the track perfect. Practice had gone well and Elliott was ready
for race one, he got off to a good start but struggled across the
first short cut from the main track to the shortened auto track.
He was settling into the race quite well but after two laps his
exhaust snapped, he carried on and held on to take ninth place.
We borrowed a LC pipe off Paul Lamb (thanks Paul & Huggie for
the parts) and got him ready for race two.
Again
he got a good start and was sitting in fifth or sixth place as he
came down to the table top, the bike was running well and Elliott
was really improving getting faster and faster with each lap. He
had got to grips with the third of the shortcuts and was now flying
through the last couple of corners and down the home straight, he
was then having trouble dealing with the first corner back to the
table top. He then made up time as he went over the table top round
the hairpin bend and down to the second of the shortcuts, were they
all had to deal with a quite steep drop before turning right over
another jump. He was gaining places and then losing them and eventually
finished ninth again.
Race
three and he was in fourth place with Brogan very close behind as
he approached the big jump at the bottom of the track, as he took
off his bike kicked sideways and he ended up slipping down the hill
before falling off the bike. Brogan just missed him and as he picked
himself up (with the help of Paul) he must of been very close to
the back of the pack. He set of and was soon making up places, till
he was behind Spider, he overtook him going up the start finish
straight but was behind him again by the table top. This happened
three times during the last race, they must of been sick of the
sight of each other, then Jay Lamb joined in as he was coming round
to lap them on a borrowed Husky. Elliot finished ninth overall and
picked up his first trophy since coming here on his Husky on the
fun day last year.
Cumbria
Youth Motocross Club
Rnd 8
11th
September 05
The
track was in good condition for the days racing there was only one
part of the track that was a bit deep and muddy, the first straight
after the start / finish jumps. All the auto riders were told to
try and keep to the inside of the right hander were the track was
quite dry. Elliott lined up on the gate and when the gate dropped
he got away really well and was in the top five as they went round
the first bend, he must of dropped it as he exited the corner and
emerged over the jump in fifteenth and last place. By the end of
the first lap he was in twelfth place and riding well, he got caught
a couple of times at the start of the shortcut for the auto track,
but he was still catching the riders in front of him. He finished
in sixth place after a bad start he was very pleased.
Race
two and with a bit of coaching from Scott he was ready to make a
good start, this time he came out of the corner about fourth or
fifth. He had another good race, falling a couple of times but working
hard to make up places. The biggest improvements over the last time
he came here was the control he showed going over jumps, as well
as the amount of time he was stood up on the straights. Crossing
the line in fifth place, another cracking performance.
At
the start of race three and Elliott yet again was near the front
of the pack, this time he was fighting through out the race with
Curtis (54). Elliott would catch him up, pass him then make a mistake
and Curtis would do the same to him. This happened three times and
on the third on Curtis had opened up enough of a lead to secure
fourth spot with Elliott finishing in fifth place and claiming sixth
overall to receive his first club trophy.
Northern
Youth Motocross Club
Rnd 7
2nd
October 05
Twelve
riders lined up for the start of the first race and Elliott started
well, but then struggled across the first of the shortcuts to the
auto track. He was in fifth place at the end of the first lap and
chasing hard after Callum Bircher and Tayla Smith, after a few laps
Elliott picked his way passed Callum and Tayla. With two laps to
go Elliott was still in third place and had a bit of a gap between
him Callum and Tayla, then he dropped it going into the hairpin
turn and allowed Callum and Tayla to pass him. He took the last
lap flag in fifth place chasing hard after Callum who was now in
fourth place, he caught him just as Callum made a mistake, he took
the fourth place with only three turns to go he was closing in on
Tayla. The chequered flag dropped and Tayla took a well deserved
third place with Elliott claiming fourth and Callum coming home
in fifth.
Race
two and Elliott was in eighth and once again had to make up some
places, he was riding really well and was once again battling with
Callum as both of them tried to catch Tayla in fourth place. With
a couple of laps to go the three of them were really close but once
again Elliott and Callum made mistakes and dropped there bikes.
Tayla was away to claim fourth place and as Elliott entered the
finish straight with Callum close behind, it was a race for fifth
place, Elliott not realizing how close Callum was he slowed before
the chequered flag and allowed Callum to pass him and take fifth.
Luckily for Elliott he still claimed fifth place overall with Callum
one point behind in Sixth place.
The
final race was not run as a couple of accidents had delayed the
race program.
East
Cumbria Motocross Club
Rnd 7
16th
October 05
The
final race of the championship had come and with Brogan and Elliott
level on points with nobody else able to catch them in the championship
it had come down to the final three races of the championship. As
the eighteen riders started the practice laps Elliott who usually
takes his time and just eases his way in to the couple of laps,
this time he was flying round the track, at times to fast. He finished
the three or four laps and was looking forward to the race.
Elliott
got a good start but Dee Jay was quicker and it was Dee Jay that
claimed the holeshot and lead the field up the back straight closely
followed by Brogan and the rest of the riders. Elliott had put the
power on to early as he came out of the first corner and ended up
laying the bike on its side whist the rest of the riders went passed.
He got back on his bike to find himself in last place, he chased
hard after the pack knowing he had to get close to Brogan to stand
a chance of taking the title. Dee Jay was still leading the way
but Brogan was pushing him hard, meanwhile Elliott was getting more
and more frustrated, three times in as many laps he found himself
picking himself and his bike up off the floor. Brogan had just passed
Dee Jay as they headed up to the top corner and as she turned at
the top she couldn't avoid hitting Elliott as once again he was
getting back on his bike. Luckily Brogan was able to carry on with
Dee Jay close behind, Elliott on the other hand was injured in the
collision and was out of the race lying on the in field with a dead
leg. Brogan went onto claim the win with Dee Jay not far behind
in second place and Bradley Mann finishing third. Elliott was gutted
knowing the championship was all but gone baring Brogan suffering
the same sort of misfortune in the next couple of races.
Race
two and Elliott was determined to do better but once again he was
last after a very poor start, Dee Jay once again claimed the holeshot
and as with race one he led the field once again for the first three
or four laps, then Brogan finally passed him as they started to
pass the back markers. Elliott was working his way from the back
of the field he was flying and soon moved into third place, he started
to gain on Dee Jay and Brogan as they got held up in the pack of
riders. He was now less than half a lap behind Brogan, then as he
turned the top corner his front wheel seamed to lock up and the
bike just flew from under him and he fell to the floor once more.
He jumped back on but the front wheel was still stuck and he fell
again, he was so distraught by now and as the chequered flag went
out and Brogan claimed her second win to put the championship well
out of Elliott's reach, it was kind of ironic that Elliott was very
kindly being helped to push his bike over the line by Brogan's dad
Trevor. At least this time he would claim some points for his effort.
Dee Jay once again took second place with Bradley also repeating
his third place finish. We checked the bike over and found the front
brake lever was stuck on and this had caused Elliott to crash out
in race two after such a good ride to get himself from last to third
place before the incident occurred.
The
third and final race and Elliott got his best start of the day but
didn't quite make the holeshot as Jack Crass dived down the inside
to take the holeshot honors, Elliott then got stuck behind Jack
as Brogan shot up the inside and took the lead. Dee Jay was close
behind Elliott as they set of chasing after Brogan, three laps in
and Elliott made his move and as they went up the back straight
he closed the gap on Brogan and he rode right round the outside
of her at the top corner. We were all now watching them race as
they had done all season, we had hoped the championship would of
been settled with the two of them racing together as they had done
all season long but with Elliott's hard charging in race one and
his misfortune in race two it wasn't to be. Elliott continued to
ride hard for the win but Brogan realizing that the Championship
and the overall win was now hers as long as she kept the second
place she quite sensibly let Elliott go as he once again flew through
some back markers just before the chicane to take the last lap flag.
We thought it was all done and dusted but Elliott once again tangled
with a back marker and fell to the floor on the back straight, he
still had enough time to rejoin the race and still win by a few
hundred yards from Brogan in second and Dee Jay in third after another
brilliant ride. Elliott was made up with taking the final win and
his second place in the Auto juniors Championship and is now looking
forward to his final race against Brogan which will take place at
Brampton on the 6th November when they will meet in the Auto A's
for the first and last time before Brogan moves up to the 65cc juniors
next season.
Twelve
auto racers attended the Fun Day event, on a bright but chilly November
morning the emphasis was to make the day as much fun as possible
for the kids and parents. Seven of the riders were regulars to the
events run throughout the year, they were joined by a handful of
new kids coming to try the auto track for the first time. With only
half of the regular riders turning up all the parents along with
Jackie, Ann and Jeff really had to pull together to make sure everything
was in place before the racing could start. Marshals and runners
were appointed and everything was now set for the days racing, the
new riders were allowed a couple of laps on there own to get a feel
for the track before being joined by the more experienced riders.
Race one Dee Jay and Callum were leading the way with the rest close
behind, the field soon spread out with the faster riders soon passing
the newcomers. Some of the kids were struggling to get there bikes
through the mud in an upright position, falling to the ground before
being picked up re-started and pushed back into the race.
The
second race was due to start when Jackie and Ann came up with there
first bit of entertainment for the day, with all the riders in position
on the start the Dads, friends or brothers were told they were going
for a run. Ann had positioned herself thirty metres behind the start,
we were to run to her and back to the kids taping them before they
could set off on race two. If anybody wasn't able to run a volunteer
soon offered there services and the race was on, not sure weather
Ann realised what she had let herself in for with twelve unfit runners
hurtling towards her. Huggie won the running race and sent Dee Jay
on his way with everybody else giving chase. Another race was then
run soon after, it was good to see the new riders were now getting
to grips with the track, even with the faster boys at times flying
past them on both sides they weren't phased at all and just kept
going.
Race
four and the kids were in for a shock, Ann had once again positioned
herself at the back of the start gate. Jackie explained to the riders
that they must run round Ann smacking her bottom on the way (don't
think Ann new about that one either) before jumping on there bikes
and setting off once more. With the kids running in all there protective
gear to stay on there feet would be an achievement especially for
the smaller ones, not all of them did stay on there feet but they
all made it back to there bikes in one piece some with a bit of
help. The final race was once again going to be a treat for the
adults as five press ups were to be the order of the day. Steve
Bircher waiting till the very last moment before tapping Callum
to signal he could start by then from very back of the field, he
soon caught up!
There
was no losers and lots and lots of winners at the end of the day.
With all the kids enjoying the racing and laughing at there parents
behaving like kids, the whole days events had gone without a hitch.
Jackie, Ann and Jeff had got everybody involved in the days proceedings
and in doing so had ensured a really enjoyable fun day |
