Although interest will be focussed on our ‘big’ names this weekend at the fifth round of the MAXXIS British Motocross Championship at Desertmartin on 24th June, there will be lots of other local stars making the most of home track knowledge to pick up points and make a name for themselves on the national scene.
In MX1, our two big names are of course, Martin Barr on the Tyco Suzuki by TAS and Gordon Crockard on his No Fear Watt Kawasaki.
Also entered is Dubliner Michael Mahon on his VMX KTM, currently 37th in the Championship, Michael is getting to grips with the big bike after stepping up this year, and usually runs well at Desertmartin, and wild card entry, Gary Gibson, the Ballygowan lad showing maturity, and commitment this year on the Tyco Suzuki by TAS, he is currently leading the Ulster Championship and has shown tremendous speed this year, don’t be surprised if he bags a haul of points next Sunday. Christy Harnett from Kildare is also entered, Christy runs well in domestic Championships but has traditionally been a small bike rider, and this will be an outing for experience for the youngster.
In MX2, our big hope is of course, Graeme Irwin on the Samsung Yamaha, and Dublin’s Stuart Edmonds on the Tyco Suzuki by TAS, however, Larne’s Michael McCammond will be hoping to overcome the terrible luck he has had in the UK this year on his JAR Honda at his favourite circuit, as will his domestic rival, Loughbricklands John Meara, who has had a limited campaign this year at the MAXXIS rounds due to entry rules, John is the form rider at the moment, leading all three domestic Championships in Ireland, and he is a Cookstown Club member to boot!!
Jordan Keogh from Meath is also entered on the ReTink Kawasaki, a big step up for the teenager, but worthwhile for the experience.
One entry standing out on the list is Loughbricklands Natalie Kane on the HM Plant KTM UK machinery she used to win a moto of the Women’s World Championship in Slovenia last week, Natalie may embarrass some of her male competition, and again, good to see her stepping up to the challenge of a full MAXXIS race.
In the MXY2 class for under 18’s local interest is with Glenoes Glenn McCormick on his Agnew Recovery Watt Kawasaki who is currently14th.
Killyleaghs Jordan Martin, Dunadrys Jordan McClelland, Larne’s Connor Campbell and Loughbricklands Jason Meara, will be hoping home advantage will get them a result, all of these riders compete in the Semi Expert Class at home, but all are showing fantastic form at home, so should be worth watching against the cream of young riders from the UK.
The Cookstown Club would like to thank their local sponsors, including newly signed up NI Trucks, Tobermore Concrete, onmydoorstp.co.uk, Donnelly Group, BM Autoexchange, Bavarian BMW, TBF Thompsons, Charles Hurst Motorcycles, Stena Line Ferries, WJ Scarlett & Sons, Kare Kab Taxis, Belfast City Auctions, G&G Ross Stonecrushing, LJS Diner, Heron Bros Contractors, Debut Motorcycle Training, Swift Shift Removals, Ballyrobert Vauxhall, Cloverhill Fuels, EM Gray Financial Consultants, Andrew McCreanor Contractors, Roy Kennedy of Bannside Pallets, Willie Waldon & Stanley McCormick Cars.
Malcolm Beattie
BTMXMedia
MRA Press Officer
Images: Alan Gardner/On the Edge Media