British Minimoto, round 5

Karren Hadden made the trip across the Irish Sea worthwhile as she claimed overall victory in the Junior Production B class. Two seconds, a fourth and a fifth were enough to ease out championship contenders Josh Daley and Jason Mortimer.

Close and frantic racing were the order of the afternoon, with photo finishes in almost every race. Luke Helm pipped Hadden and Mortimer to victory in race one with Hadden, mugging Mortimer as they negotiated backmarkers in the final turn.

Race 2 was just as hectic with championship leader Harry Coomber taking the win over Daley, Mortimer and Hadden. The unfortunate Mortimer was leading into the last bend when his chain jumped off leaving him punching his petrol tank in frustration.

Coomber was in determined mood and led race 3 until Daley chased him down and moved ahead in the closing stages. Hadden took a well deserved third after scything through the field after a poor start.

In the final race of the afternoon it was Mortimer who held the field at bay with a flag to flag win. Hadden again showed true grit and determination to move from sixth place to finish second although she was assisted by Coomber and Luke Johnston who rubbed elbows at Paddock Bend allowing Hadden to nip ahead.

In the Junior Cadet class it was Brechin youngster Ewan Gray who collected the winner’s trophy from Mortimer and Daley. Gray and Mortimer served up a titanic battle in front of the gathered spectators, swapping positions on every lap. Gray just held on in a photo finish with Hadden taking third spot.

The two young Scotsmen dished up another splendid serving of minimoto racing in race 2 with Gray again taking the honours a split second ahead of Mortimer. Daley was in third and George Powell in fourth. A slight drizzle in Race 3 caught out a number of riders including race leader Mortimer. Gray inherited the lead ahead of Daley, Gary Winfield and Niall Campbell.

Wet weather specialist Daley eased in front of Gray but Gray stuck with him and found the faster line out of Paddock Bend to seize victory. Winfield finished third to claim his best result of the season.

Gray was denied a possible 100% record in race 4 by an engine misfire and was forced to ride round in damage limitation mode. Daley had moved into the lead ahead of Mortimer and Hadden when the red flag was shown curtailing any ambitions that Mortimer or Hadden had of victory.

The race had progressed more than three quarter distance so a result was declared. The next round will take place at Rowrah on 1st / 2nd September.