Race Report...

Date: 29/07/05
Event: Irish Race/ DJ Memorial Trophy
Track: ARDS Airfield, Belfast
Bike: DCR Husaberg 650
Weather: Very Wet

Qualifying Race
I got off the line in 3rd and made my way into 2nd position. The circuit was only 28seconds in length and that was in the pouring rain! With such a small track it was very difficult to make any headway, especially given the fact that the races were only about 8laps long. I had made my way slowly up to the leader, Greg Kinsella, and on the last lap I made my move to take the lead and the win.
Finished: 1st

Race 1
I got a poor start and that was something that would follow me throughout the night. Matt Winstanley got off in the lead and was unable to make a break as I was stuck in a great battle with Kinsella, McKee and Sam Warren. The last corner was one of the most exciting ever as all 4 of us were going for the same piece of tarmac. David McKee came out best and I had to settle for a third place finish behind Winstanley and McKee.
Finished: 3rd

Race 2
Jus like the race before I got another bad start and rounded the first lap in 4th but quickly got past Kinsella and set after Winstanley. The track was very difficult to make a pass but I eventually got into 2nd position. Unfortunately I had taken too long getting past Matt as Sam Warren Had made enough of a gap that was just too big to close with only a few short laps remaining.
Finished: 2nd

DJ Memorial Trophy Race
This was the race I had been looking forward to all night. Having known Dave Jefferies personally, it meant a great deal to me simply to be competing in his memorial race. Unfortunately I had another awful start and gave myself too much to do. Throughout the race I was attempting to make very difficult passes on the riders in front of me. One memorable attempt was going round the outside of Winstanley on the off-road, only to end up jumping off the berm after so nearly making the move stick.! With the race only lasting 5 or so minutes, 3rd position was the best I could manage with the fast starting Sam Warren taking a well deserved win.
Finished: 3rd

As a final point I would like to that David McNeil and all those at Supermoto Ireland for their hospitality and for allowing me to race. You can visit them at www.supermotoireland.net