The Retink Racing Irish Championship got under way this weekend at Downpatrick Moto Park, Co. Down in glorious sunshine. Like 2011, the Irish Championship pits the best MX1 riders against the best MX2 riders with both classes scoring separately. JAR Honda was represented in both classes with Wayne Garrett and Michael McCammond campaigning on their CRF450R and CRF250R machines.
Garrett, 26-years-old, had a confidence-inspiring day of racing at the sharp end of the results by grabbing a solid third in race two. The Comber based rider is still in early stages of his racing comeback after a career threatening injury last season.
MX2 rider McCammond found the going tough at Downpatrick and although his raw speed was clear to see, bad starts and crashes limited the young Larne rider from finishing further up the leader board.
Wayne Garrett MX1 – 6th-3rd-4th
‘That wasn’t a bad way to start our Irish Championship, although I felt a little race rusty in the beginning. Throughout the day I felt a lot better on the bike and I’m now looking forward to the Easter weekend race where I will get more motos under my belt. My CRF450R was working awesome and finding traction on the slick track. It’s fair to say I had a lot of fun riding.”
Michael McCammond MX2 – 8th-6th-6th
“Today was not what I was expecting to be honest, and starting along with the MX1 machines I struggled getting off the gate. I felt that my fitness was good but I suffered badly with arm pump in all three races. I know the results are not there and I am disappointed for the whole team, but I’m sure we will be fine as the season goes on.”
Jonathan Rea – Team Manager
“Championships can not be won in the first round and I’m happy that we could score points in all races. With Michael we have to find something in the hard terrain tracks as in the sand he is so fast but this weekend his really struggled. Wayne on the other hand is doing a great job rebuilding his race speed and I don’t think we will have to wait long before he can win again.”
Irish Championship after 1 Round
MX1 1st Gordon Crockard 72 pts 2nd Robert Hamilton 63 pts 3rd Richard Bird 58 pts 4th Wayne Garrett 54 pts
MX2 1st Edward Allingham 66 pts 2nd John Meara 63 pts 3rd Jim O’Neill 55pts… 8th Michael McCammond 43 pts
Photo: © Ryan Denney/RDMX Photography