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Last Updated: Nov 28th, 2010 - 10:22:29 |
Arriving at the big track in Amman Valley, chances of racing that day seemed highly unlikely.
Rain had been pouring down since Friday and all through Saturday. With riders huddled together in vans and under tents, the first round of the International Mefo Sport Flattrack Cup risked turning into a social event rather than the biggest race ever.
Luckily the event was scheduled in the evening, so with the rain finally clearing up around 5pm, a very short practice session was on at 6.30, followed immediately by the first heat race! With fenders zip-tied to the bikes and raincoats over racing leathers the event was on!
Blinded by clogged up goggles and fighting the soft and slippery conditions, most riders were struggling to keep control over their bikes. A fact that was even more obvious with the big Harley-Davidsons in the All American Twins Cup! Riding these monsters was like wrestling the proverbial cow up a back staircase!
But the riders all showed they are made of the right stuff and nobody was taking it easy, racing proved as close and spectacular as ever! European riders Halbe Scheper and Henderik Mulder showed strong form, but it were Britain's Richard 'Magic' Mason and Ben 'Smiler' Baker who were absolutely shining under these demanding circumstances! Watching them fly around the high speed track was breathtaking at least! They both well deserved their first European prizes and were joined by current UK leader Aidan Collins on the podium.
Stefan Gatzenmeier and Mr. Red Max Steve Hillary made their debuts in the All American Twins Class. Discovering the torque of his 1200 Harley-Davidson, Gatzenmeier was forced into several off track excursions, but the huge grin on his face had no problem shining through the mud! Hillary scored his first ever podium which was absolutely well deserved,
considering he even raced his big Harley in the Mefo Cup! He joined Dutch-Brothers Mick & Jan-Willem Jansen on the podium.
The Junior class consisted of an entirely British rider field and was won in great style by Tim Neave, followed by Loris hunt & Oliver Brindley
Round 1, Amman Valley (UK), Expert results:
1. #98x Richard Mason, Ashbourne(UK), Arrow Honda
2. #7x Ben Baker, Skegness(UK), Helmets4u Honda
3. #90x Aidan Collins, Warrington(UK), HMPlant Honda
Round 3, Amman Valley (UK), All American Twins:
1. #15 Jan-Willem Jansen, Sundance Harley-Davidson
2. #16 Mick Jansen, Mule Harley-Davidson
3. #59 Steve Hillary, Red Max Harley-Davidson
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