Nottingham Outlaws Winter Race (Redditch Premiers make their mark!)

At the weekend, a few of us had planned to make the 2 hour drive south to Andover for round 2 of the South Winter Regional series. The prospect of another new track to ride again, coupled with the top day we'd already had at Gosport a few weeks ago at Round 1, promised a good day. Unfortunately, with all the rain we've been having of late, Andover had to make the hard decision midweek to cancel their event. We were all still determined to get out on our bikes though and remembered that Bulwell(Nottingham Outlaws BMX Club) Winter series round 2 was on. So ignoring the rain on Sunday morning, we sped up the M1 to Nottingham.

There was a healthy Premiers contingent who made the trip; 9 in all, which I'm sure is the most we have had travel to a race meeting since the Club was reformed back in 2006! 8 of us registered and found we were all pitted against each other in the, 28 rider strong, 30 years and over category. This was exactly what we all needed over the winter ; healthy competition with riders of a similar ability, but always with a fun element, we love the banter.

Among the 8 Premiers riders that registered to race, were the 'Over The Hill All Stars'. This, for most of the All stars, was their first ever race, (or first race back after many years). They thought they would make a special effort to dress for the occasion, (see below). Their newly printed kits reminded me of the famous Evil Knevil uniform, and blinded all in the Winter sunshine. They certainly attracted a lot of attention and must've been a devil to get clean when they got home!-S. Benn, Matt, Greg and Sean rounded up the Premiers in attendance. It wasn't just the Allstars that were making a long over due comeback either. It was also Sean's first go in about 20 years!! He has been itching to get his first race under his belt, and from what I saw of him motos, he was well up there down the first straight. He came away, feeling super chuffed having competed; and so he should, he did brilliantly. Finishing all his motos and winning his D Final - easily...Good on yer Sean!

Over the Hill All Stars, (and we're proud to say, Redditch Premiers), from left to right, Martin Carroll, Luke Clarke, Richard Newman, Jean McCoy.

The All Stars were mixing it up, and by the time the Motos were done it was time to find out who had done enough to fill the 16 places available in the Semis. After the points were totted up Jean and Rich found themselves in a 3 way run off, with the winner taking the final place in the Semis. Rich won it, wire to wire, but Jean pushed him all the way. This meant that 6 of the 8 Premiers were left standing in the Semi finals. Along with Rich, were Greg, Matt. Benn, Martin and Luke. The semis were super competitive with Greg and Benn taking 2nd and 3rd respectively in opposite semis. Matt held the 4th and final qualifying spot in Semi 1 before making a mistake on the final straight Rhythm section which allowed Chris Wilkins to pass him metres from the line, meaning elimination along with, Martin, Luke and Rich.

Sean, Benn and Matt

So that left the final. Benn in gate one, and Greg in gate three. This was Greg's first race back after injury, almost a year ago, and he did fantastic to take a very creditable 3rd place. After a bad gate Benn pulled some ground back down the first straight and was lying 6th before a crash in the last corner put an end to his race:-(

Club Chairman, Benn Thombs with Kelvin Batey

After racing was done, we all reflected on what a great day it had been. 28 riders in one category in a Club winter race, and over 100 riders in total at the race meeting which was a record for a Bulwell Winter Club race. Hopefully, see you all at the next one!!
R.P.
http://www.nottinghamoutlaws.com/