Results: Electraction TMUK at GBXC rd1, 08-03-09
McLaughlin Secures Second
The opening round of the highly anticipated GBXC race series finally took place this weekend at Stourpourt on Severn. Among the 220 rider line up that took to the stage was Electraction TM UK’s rider Phillip McLaughlin aboard his EN450 TM. Following on from his impressively successful debut in the Championship class at the opening round of the British Enduro championship, Phillip was keen to prove the result was no fluke. Unfazed by the 40 strong rider line up in the Pro class, he set about doing just that.
Gating well off the start, he found himself at the head of the pack midway through the first lap. Passed by a hard charging Greg Evans knocked him off his rhythm, where he fell back to 6th place by refuelling. After a swift and efficient pit stop by his team he set about making a charge back up through the field, steadily picking off riders as the laps ticked by. With signs of severe weather closing in, event organisers announced that the race distance would be shortened to two hours instead of the scheduled three. Getting an earlier than expected last lap pit board, “Factory” Phil gave one last final push for home to cross the line in a fantastic 3rd place. He would later be promoted to 2nd place on the rostrum after a technicality that saw race winner Greg Evans disqualified.
“Today’s race worked out really well and I’m delighted with the result”, commented Phil afterwards. “Maybe I was a little surprised to find myself in the lead so soon and got a little tensed up, but a slick pit stop recharged me. Finding a 2nd wind, I was able to dig deep and push hard to the flag. I feel bad for Greg, he rode great but either way I made the podium, so I’m chuffed. I’d like to thank everyone on the team that’s been helping me this year but especially Nick Craigie and the Paget family”
Phil hopes for the good results to continue as he prepares for the opening round of the World Enduro championship in Portugal on March 21st.
Electraction TMUK is supported by Moonraker Masonary, Gannomat UK, Kleenrite, HydraMaster and CCM Racing, with product support from Fox Racing, Renthal, Elf Lubricants, Metzeler, MotoShox suspension and Lappin Performance.
Report by Robert Lynn