With some unfortunate and some serious rider injuries piling up, stretching the Paramedic crew to their limits, round one of the Judd Racing British Premier Cup somewhat stuttered into life at Preston Docks last weekend. Numerous delays meant qualification was cut short with just a single block of racing completed on day one. In complete contrast, day two ran like clockwork, not even the rain could dampen spirits, and at the close of play everyone deserved a massive pat on the back for getting this one done.
In the top of the shop combined British Clubman races, new Kawasaki MX2 recruit and AMCA stalwart Lewis King bagged all four wins as a wild card entrant. King dominated completely, getting the better of fast gating and impressive Josh Taylor in particular – Jack Bas claimed all four third place returns. In championship terms Taylor is the early leader in MX1 as Bas leads the MX2 standings.
Claiming two wins and the overall victory in the Adult 125’s and with it the early series lead, TM veteran Jim Davies might be the first to admit he was a tiny bit fortunate. Head to head in the opening three heats and putting on some thing of a master class with Troy Willerton, Davis claimed the win twice. Willerton scooped the other win, then joined by Drew Anderson, heat four was a close quarters three way tear up. As the final race panned out Willerton was pushed all the way by a fired up Anderson with Davis hot on their heels. Just two laps to go and with the overall victory in sight Willerton then over cooked it as youngster Anderson carded the best race win of his career. Willerton had to be content with podium second as going 3-3-3-1 Anderson finished third overall in the Adult result but as clear cut Junior 125’s winner taking all four wins.
Going 1-2-3-1, Josh Greedy was hot to trot, forceful and determined, as he topped the 250f Rookie podium beating off single heat winner and second overall finisher Lewis Taylor. Kurtis Griffiths won the other heat, but in an up and down weekend he had to settle for third overall. Battling his way through from a moderate start in each heat wild card runner Ike Carter topped the 125cc rookie podium, he finished ahead of Danny Clarke with Preston Williams bagging third overall.
In a b/w 85’s section bulked out with a dozen guest riders it was one of their number stealing the show. Lewis Wood was consistently rapid in all four heats, laying down an early season marker as he blasted his way to all four wins. Running 2-2-6-2 Jack Grayshon proved the main challenge, he was generally a second or two a lap off the winners pace, but as a section newbie he really caught the eye. Ultimately with wild card runners discarded Grayshon claimed the Championship lead followed by Ben Clark and Billy Carter.
Taking three out of four wins in the small wheel 85’s, yet another wild card runner made podium top as Oliver Barr dismantled the opposition. Claiming the other s/w heat win last years Judd Racing 65’s champ Bailey Johnson made an impressive debut show – ultimately Johnson made second overall and he leads the championship points standings. Following a solid set of four races and showing up best on day two Leon Ongley claimed a fine third overall.
In a super competitive Junior 65’s Ollie Colmer, McKenzie Marshall, Tyler Hooley and Billy Moriarty all stood out.
After breaking his leg twice last year it was a case of happy championship returns for Colmer, as he topped the box going 1-3-1-1. Marshall would finish as runner up after scoring 2-11-2-2 as effervescent Hooley claimed a hard fought third overall. Speedy Billy Moriarty was the other heat winner.
Taking home the overall victory in the Auto’s under 8’s section after scoring three race wins and a second – Jayden Jones was pretty much in a class of his own. Second overall went to the other race winner Zane Stephens as little Archie Britton pocketed the overall win in the under 7’s. Running in a second and third place finish as best in the combined number little Archie was one of the weekends stand- out performers.