JAR Honda broke cover this weekend at the first round of the Maxxis British Motocross Championship at Fatcats. The Doncaster circuit was doused in sunshine for the thousands of spectators who made the journey. The organisers prepped one of the most difficult circuits on the calendar to perfection for all riders to try and master over three 20 minute plus two lap races.
Jar Honda opened the season with points on the board in the MX2 class. Michael McCammond rode strong in all motos to secure 14th in moto two after battling with many GP contenders. The Larne based rider was taken out by another rider in the final race of the day while holding a top ten position and from dead last worked his way through to into 25th.
MX1 rider Wayne Garrett tip-toed back to competitive racing after an injury stricken 2011. His aim was to get race mileage under his belt before the Irish Championship kicks off in a few weeks time. Just last month the 26 year old from Comber had an external fixator removed from his lower leg. In moto 1, Garrett got hit from behind which broke his drive chain ruling him out of the race. In the final two races of the day Garrett rode consistently to finish the tough sandy circuit in 25th and 26th.
McCammond flies high to 14th
Michael McCammond: 20-14-25
“I was really disappointed with my qualifying and felt very nervous beforehand but once the gate dropped I found my rhythm. I was happy with moto 2 because I was riding with some great guys and didn’t feel out of place. This weekend had shown us where we stack up and I know we can build on that. My team and mechanic Davy put a great CRF 250R under me and I’m enjoying riding it. I can’t wait now for the next race to build on what I have learned today.”
Wayne Garrett: DNF-25-26
“Today was very tough for me and I am disappointed with how I rode especially after how hard I have worked to come back from injury. I knew it was going to be difficult but the fact that I got full race distances done on one of the hardest tracks in the world is a positive. If you had told me last month that I would line up on the gate I would have been really happy. I just want to thank all the JAR Honda crew for their support and will try to get back to where I know I should be.”
Jonathon Rea: Team Manager
“We always knew this was going to be a tough weekend for Wayne but we can only get better. He was thrown in the deep end today and he kept his head above water. We will keep working to get him back to where he belongs. On the other side of the awning Michael and Davy are working great together and it was goo to see him achieve his goal of finishing in the top 15. I would like to thank all our team sponsors for their continued support. Next up we have some races at home before returning to the next round of the championship in Canada Heights.”
Photos: (c) Jemma MX Photography