2013 Irish BMX National Series – Round 7

 

 

Shay and the Ratoath crew have fallen out with the weather gods, really, really fallen out! Wet and windy is an understatement, it was touch and go if the National would go ahead for awhile even after the delayed start was decided upon the previous day. It was on, it was off and then on again. A good call in the end, even if the wind made it a real chore to get around the track the riders still tore it up … then for a brief while the sun even made an appearance.

 

Only 81 riders took to the gate, like the East Coast Raiders Club coined phrase goes, are you interested or committed? A little wind and rain shouldn’t stop proper BMXer’s.

 

The old school crew weren’t put off by the weather, they were out in force with a beautiful display of 80’s steel. Should that candy apple Hutch ever need a new home …

 

 

 

The old bikes even inspired one Ian Callaghan to revisit his youth, showing off his ability in the front hop department. Now that was a familiar sight way back when …

 

Back in the 21st century a  number of 2013 titles were tied up but there are still a lot of interesting ones to be fought about in DCBMX on October 20th at the final round of the 2013 National Series. The 2013 Series should go out with a bang, let’s get all the registered riders there!

 

The low moto count really took its toll on the ‘more experienced’ riders in the Superclass, it was obvious they were struggling to recover in the quick turn around never mind the wind. The young legs of Matthew Malone, Killian Callaghan and Aaron Steacy had them running riot in the moto’s but it was the not so young Ilmars Virsis who quietly went about not losing a race all day planting him firmly on the top step of the podium with Lar Massey in second and Aaron Steacy in third. Seven Nationals have produced six winners in the Superclass, it’s not easy to win in there. Ilmars was long overdue his.

 

 

The 30+ Men is always hard fought, this time out was no exception. The top five riders all had top three finishes’ in the moto racing but it was only Rod Hughes who got two wins just about putting him ahead of Ian Callaghan by one point. Geoff Lynch who looked to be on top form only lost out on second on the last moto positions, both him and Ian had the same points.

 

Katie O’Neill is still to drop points in the Ladies category, first again. Katie raced double the amount of races then every other rider at this round, competing in both the Ladies and 14 boys classes, now that’s commitment! Alex Malone took second with Kate Larkin (riding up) in third.

 

Abby Steacy was at it again in the 8-10 girls, her win seals her 2013 number 1 plate. New comer Aimee Smith from the ERC crew took an impressive second with Shauna Rowe and Jade Gaffney battling hard in the tough conditions too.

 

Shauna Byrne had a clean sweep in the Under 8 Girls with the youngest of the Steacy clan, Chloe in second. Chloe Byrne took third. Praise must also be lavished upon Skyla Nally and Ava Wyer. Five future stars right here.

 

The 16-29 men, yet again combined with the 15 boys. Aaron Edwards was first all day long with Patrick Bradley in second again. Brian Gillen was on the podium again too, third this time out.

 

Eoin Corrigan gets quicker by the minute … literally. First again in the 14’s. Sam Murphy took second with Adam Fynes in third, hopefully he remembers this one! It’s still only 20 points between first and second here in the table, roll on the last round.

 

 

Adam Davis was back in action in the 13’s after his collar bone incident. He was back to winning too, although Aaron McNally in second was nipping at his heels all day. Leon Curley who finished 3rd is right at the top of the National table but it’s going down to the last race for this one to be sorted out. Any of the three could walk away champion.

 

 VIDEO SHOT BY SIMON MURPHY & EUGENE JACKSON

 

 

 VIDEO SHOT & EDITED BY JAKE CAMPBELL

 

 

The 11’s Daniel Barker was on form all day,  he had to be to beat the usually prolific  Ross Callaghan in the final. Luke Edwards rounded out the top three. Jack Larkin attacked the first berm in the final and ended up in hospital but we hear he will be fighting fit in a week or so. The 11’s is still wide open for the last round.

 

It was a shock to see Morgan Kearney winning the 10’s, where did that come from? Always in the mix, Cian O’Sullivan took the second spot with Zach Costello taking third.

 

 

The Davis kids are starting a BMX dynasty over in Ratoath. Even though mum Nathalie was seen racing around the track on a pink chopper on Sunday we’d advise Niall to swing towards Adam’s skill set! Naill was on flying form again taking the win from Ryan Quinn in second and Lee O’Sullivan in third. The battle in this group is now for number 2.

 

 

Corry Waller was at it again in the combined under 7’s / 8’s, first for him followed by Callum Clancy and Charlie Jackson.

 

 

SEE THE NATIONAL SERIES TABLE HERE

 

 

CAAM Racing have all but sewn up the team competition, another maximum points haul for them. There would need to be a complete team collapse at this point to pry them from the top spot. Likewise for Principal Stay Strong in second, if they keep up their usual points haul next time out they should hold their spot.  The real news here is the battle for third, Unit 8 Haro and the Moto Maniacs are only separated by 6 points, both teams are made up of Ratoath riders so some good local rivalry there over the next month … friend’s will be lost and families divided over this one!

 

 

Callaghan Racing, Dirtyhabits, Congress and Kings-n-Leon are all moving up the table too while the Area 57 teams are in freefall due to the lack of team riders showing up …

 

SEE THE TEAM TABLE HERE

 

 

Anthony O’Connor braved the rain and wind giving us some great shots, see HERE and HERE.

 

Eugene Jackson as usual was snapping away, see some of his HERE and HERE.

 

Corey’s dad Derek Waller also took plenty, see HERE.

 

Simon Murphy was out out shooting too, keep an eye HERE as he adds them.

 

The last National in the 2013 Series is back indoors at DCBMX on the 20th of October. Let’s make it a good one, please make the effort to turn up and race. National plates will be awarded along with the Team Trophy when racing concludes.

 

In the meantime the 2013 All Ireland Championship is out in Ratoath on the 29th September, this is a big one!

 

You can see all the future race dates HERE.

 

A huge thanks to the Ratoath Club volunteers (you all know who they are) for putting on a great day in less than ideal conditions … it was worth it in the end. All the riders appreciate the effort!