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2008 Results |
Fine Finish to a Great Season |
My move from MX2 to MX1 surprised many at the start of the season but with the overall results I have achieved, I am now (and always have been) convinced it was the right move.
Taking second place overall in the AMCA MX1 Championship was a dream come true, but not totally unexpected when you consider the machinery, support and dedication shown by all the people who have assisted me over the past season, and over many previous seasons.
Hand in hand with my MX1 success comes my fourth overall place in the IMBA MX1 Championship which completed on Sunday 26th October. This is a very tough competitive environment against some of the best riders in Europe and I am especially pleased to have made the top five in my first season in the MX1 class.
All of this has been made possible by the terrific help and support from many people and companies both inside and outside the MX arena and for this I give them all my heartfelt thanks and hope they feel I have represented them in the best possible manner throughout the season, both on and off the track.
This season has been a tough learning process but one which I have embraced fully and feel that it has prepared me well for the 2009 season. Plans are already underway for my challenge for the MX1 title and I hope that for myself and my many supporters I can go one better and clinch the Championship. My European travels will continue at the IMBA Championship rounds and I look forward to improving on my fourth place quite significantly.
A huge thanks to all the people who have made this possible and for their continued faith in my abilities.
Yours in sport
Brad O'Leary |
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AMCA Championship at Norley |
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Practise/ Qualifying:
The track at Norley was in perfect condition as we went out for practise and timed qualification, I posted a time which gave me 8th fastest. I was happy with this as I didn't really push myself during the session.
Race 1:
I gated in fourth or fifth and had my work cut out on the tight track, I managed to get into third but the leading pair of Campbell and Saunders had pulled a gap on me which I was unable to reduce. I finished 3rd in moto 1.
Race 2:
Once again I gated well and into second position, I got into the lead and pushed on trying to break away, but I fell and dropped to 4th, quickly I picked myself up and again pushed on and back into second position. I finished 2ND in moto 2
Race 3:
I holeshot race three and put some space between myself and the chasing pack, once again I made a small mistake and dropped down to fourth position, feeling uneasy from my fall I once again fell on the following lap. I took a lap to settle down and then pushed on to reel in the riders in front. Lap by lap I managed to pick off riders, within 6 laps I had gone from seventh position and into the lead. I kept my cool and crossed the line in 1st.
A massive confidence boost today as this was my first overall victory on the 450 and in the MX1 class.
The whole team worked really well and it proved in the results, massive thanks to Steve my mechanic and everyone else who makes this possible. |
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IMBA European Championships Rd 5 @ Branston (UK) |
Practise:
After my heavy fall last week i was feeling very very sore and only riding within my limits.
Race 1:
I got a sweet start to the first race and was in second place, I was coming under heavy pressure from a fellow British rider so it was sensible to let him by and settle into my own pace and rhythm.
I stayed third until the flag and was happy with the result, but slightly unhappy with my performance.
Race 2:
Once again I gated reasonably well and was in fifth or sixth, I settled myself and began to reel in the riders in front of me.
I soon caught fourth and fifth, overtaking them both to slot into third once more. This is where I stayed until the finish and unlike the first race i was very happy with my performance.
Race 3:
Feeling very happy and confident I gated really well once again, at the end of the first lap I was fourth and sitting pretty for the rest of the race. With two or three laps remaining a French rider stalled and fell directly in front of me, I lost two places and thus meaning a sixth place finish.
Overall Verdict:
With a third place on-the-day result and also gaining places in the championship positions, I'm feeling happy but very sore and slightly worse for wear.
Many thanks to Shane and Steve for all the hard work on the bike, also to all the team who make this possible.
Yours in Sport
Brad O'Leary |
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AMCA Championship Rd 4 @ Walterstone (Hereford) |
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Qualifying:
Once again I qualified poorly and was very disappointed with my performance, I managed to qualify 11th.
The gate pick was very even and relied purely on reaction times.
Race 1:
I got a good jump as the gate dropped and was in 4th as we ended the first lap, unfortunately the race was red flagged due to 7 fallen riders.
We were called to the line for the re run and then told to return to the pits.
In the re run I got another good start in around 5th place, I managed to pull through the dust clouds and into contention for 3rd spot. I pushed hard and missed out on 3rd place by 17 hundredths of a second.
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Race 2:
I managed to get a better start in this race but as I entered the second corner a rider mentioning no names was totally out of control and unsettled myself and a few other riders. I kept the bike upright but had slipped to around 8th. I was pushing hard and was coming through the pack.
Maybe I was pushing a little to hard because I ran wide going down on of the downhill and into the ropes, snapping posts as I went, then to top it off my bike hit me in the back.
Picking myself up and dusting myself off I rode past the flag in 13th.
Race 3:
Before the final race I was heavily strapped and feeling the pain from my moto 2 crash,
the plan was to get a good start and see how long I could hold on for.
I was in around 10th position and feeling the burn, I could see riders in front of me who I knew I was faster than, so I forced myself though the pain barrier and into 7th at the flag.
Final Thoughts:
With a 6th overall on the day and only dropping a few points to the two riders in front of me in the Championship, it could have been a lot worse if I didn't finish the final moto. Saying that, once again lessons have been learnt.
Since Sunday and a visit to the physio I have learnt that I have two broken toes, cracked ribs and a bruised spinal cord.
I have the UK round of the IMBA European championship this coming Sunday, I'm still to make a decision on whether or not to ride.
Many thanks to all the team and everyone who makes this dream happen for me.
Yours in Sport
Brad O'Leary |
MX1 IMBA Czech Republic |
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Hey All, after an 800 mile trip to the Czech Republic the promised ex GP track was no more than a "back yard" practice track. Saying that, it’s the same for everyone and I was there to do a job, which was to ride to the very best to my ability.
Practice:The tight twisty track rode better than it looked, the ground was grippy and I was enjoying the track. Breathing correctly and keeping composed was crucial on such a tight track.
Race 1: Recently my starts have improved and today was no exception, I hole-shot the first race and lead for around half way. Making a few small errors, I allowed four riders to pass me. Riding home in 5th position at the flag. Knowing I would've finished higher, it was slightly annoying but on the other hand very pleasing. |
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Race 2: Again I produced a good start behind two fellow British riders, but as we completed the first lap the race was red flagged due to a fallen Czech rider, ( coincidence I don't think so ). As we all lined up in the pit box ready for the re start tempers were flying and abusive messages hurtled at the Czechs in many different languages. I kept my cool and focused on the job in hand. The gate dropped and again I got the hole-shot and I had the local Czech rider for company, as he blocked passed me for the lead I returned the favour sending him into the bushes and out the race. I settled my head and pulled a good strong lead on the following field. With two laps remaining I once again made a slight mistake and dropped the bike, managing to keep the engine running I dropped to 4th and this is where I finished at the flag.
Race 3: For the third time of the day I grabbed an awesome hole-shot but got squeezed out slightly on the second turn by two or three riders. The track now very rough and dusty I rode smoothly all race, making no mistakes and concentrating on finishing. Finishing race three in 5th position.
Final thoughts: I can see improvements from week to week and this week was the same. The 450 is harder for me to ride on tighter tracks like today and the only way to improve is to ride them. I've learnt a lot today from myself and other riders. A few small mistakes from my own part this week but there is no question in my ability and also no question with the bikes or any of the set up. I'm settled and 100% happy with the whole team. Many thanks to Brom and Higgo for all their hard work.
Yours in Sport
Brad O'Leary |
Rd 3 AMCA ChampIonshIp @ Bevercotes (Ollerton) |
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The Bevercotes track was perfectly prepared and a huge well done to the organising club for a brilliant weekends racing.
Qualifying: At previous rounds my qualifying positions were very poor, so I relaxed and rode the track, not thinking about times and fast laps etc, I posted a 7th which I was very happy about. Nearing the end of the session I tried to put together some more fast laps, thus resulting In a very heavy crash off one of the up hill ski jumps. I bounced pretty well and only came away with some bruises.
Race 1: I studied the gate very hard and made a decision to try the very Inside gate, this paid off and I pulled a great hole-shot. I put my head down and tried to make a break from the pack, I did this and was riding smooth and enjoying every lap. As the race neared 20 minutes, Campbell and Saunders made a move and passed me. I quickly realised why I tired myself out as the lines of the two In front proved. Learning from this I rode home and stayed with them until the finish.
Race 2: Again I got the hole-shot from the inside gate and put right the mistakes of race 1. I pulled away from the pack and into a comfortable position at the front. Saunders applied pressure late on but I held him off for my first moto win on the 450.
Race 3: The other riders had picked up on the advantages of the inside gates. So I was left with 7th pick and in need of a lighting start. As the gate dropped I knew I had a good jump so I drifted over blocking the Inside lines to take my 3rd hole-shot of the day. |
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As the old saying goes "what goes around comes around" and by the 3rd corner, having been dished some of my own medicine, I was 5th. I settled down and rode sensible as the dust was flying and conditions bordering "blind". Easing off the pack so I could see, I steadily finished 5th and very happy.
Last Thoughts: A major result and confidence boost today. I rode the 450 well, pulling gears and not over-revving her. An awesome day and another consistent result. Massive thanks to everyone and fingers crossed for Czech Republic this coming Sunday.
Yours in sport
Brad Oleary |
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AMCA Championship Rd 2 Condover |
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The Condover circuit was in perfect condition and the scene was set for a brilliant weekends racing.
Qualifying: As at the first round my qualifying position was outside the top ten, knowing my speed and fitness I wasn't worried about this, but still its an area which needs work. I enjoyed practise as the track rapidly dried out in the strong winds.
Race 1: The gate dropped for race one and I entered the first turn in around 10th position and felt good, my pace was faster than the riders in front of me so I put in some smooth laps and pulled myself into 4th position with around 10 minutes to go. I pushed hard and reeled in two more riders but a small fall dropped me back to 6th at the flag. |
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Race 2: This start was better as I was around 6th and once again my fitness and speed was obvious as I pulled myself up the field and into 4th, rapidly closing down Gary Davis who was in 3rd. As the flag dropped I was 4th, just hundredths of a second behind rival Davis.
Race 3: Again a decent start and into the first turn around 8th position, the track now very hard and dusty. I put my head down and clawed myself into 4th once again, as the race progressed my speed increased and the stronger I felt. 4th is where I finished and also a great boost for my confidence.
Overall Verdict: With a 6th - 4th - 4th scorecard I finished 4th on the day and still hold 3rd in the championship.
With my current speed and fitness I'm feeling very confident for the rest of the season, I’m coming strong at the end of races and I’m feeling hungry for some race wins. Taking these first two rounds nice and easy has settled my nerves and also shown that I can run at the top end of the MX1 class in my first year.
Massive thanks to everyone, because I’d be nothing without you guys.
Yours in Sport
Brad O'Leary |
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| AMCA Championship Opening round at Cleobury Mortimer |
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As we arrived at Cleobury Mortimer we were greeted by a first class circuit presented in a first class manner, the scene was set for a great weekend!
Sunday: Over night and constant rain left the circuit in a wet and sticky condition.
My qualifying session went well with a steady qualifying position of 12th. I was happy with this considering I was cruising round and just riding smoothly. I was happy with the bike set-up, the team was working well and this promised for a positive days racing.
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Race 1: As the gate dropped for race one i realised I didn't get the best of jumps so I had to keep the power on and move into the top five around the outside down the first big hill into the first turn.
It was soon clear that the constant rain had deteriorated the track somewhat thus meaning it was a case of staying on two wheels. As the first lap came to an end i was in fourth position, behind Campbell, Davis and Fish. I also had Saunders behind me for company, Fish fell early on and Saunders came by and i was back to fourth again. As the minutes past the four of us pulled a large lead on the rest of the field. The chequered flag came out to Campbell, Saunders, Davis then myself, the four of us divided by only four seconds.
Race 2 : My second moto start was pretty much similar to the first but i was down in around sixth, knowing i had some work to do i steadily put my head down and applied gentle pressure to the riders in front. First i was to pass Hollis, then pressured Saunders and Powell into mistakes which put me into third. Out front was Davis and Campbell and also out of my reach, so i settled down and enjoyed the mud and rode home safe for third.
Race 3 : Cancelled! Finishing third on the day is a result I'm very happy with, the season is long and this perfect start puts me in a great position and also a great confidence boost. The KTM 450 was working awesome as usual as was the whole set up, a massive thanks to the team who really worked hard in the terrible conditions. Thank you all.
Yours in Sport
Brad O'Leary |
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| Leicester at Tilton |
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I had a great weekend at Tilton on the hill on Sunday, riding with the Leicester AMCA club.
Beating David Campbell in all three races for a brace of wins, and most importantly riding the bike how i should i.e. nice and smooth.
This is not a major event just a minor club race, but as the first round of the AMCA Championship is just around the corner, i feel every win is a win in the right direction.
I've attached a pic or two from Sunday. Guess which is my favourite?
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| Superclass Rd 2 at Tirley |
Practice/Qualifying: Overnight snow had left the circuit in slightly muddy conditions but after a few laps the track was drying out nicely. But after only 4 laps of practice a stone jammed in my front brake lever, thus meaning I couldn't pull in the lever and stop. So I swiftly got back to the pits and my mechanics quickly sorted the problem. I rejoined practise and managed to put some nice smooth laps together.
Race 1: As the gate dropped for the first race I got a brilliant jump but as my wheel crossed the gate it slipped and shot me sideways, so the charge was on the get to the front.
But I wasn't the only rider trying to make a amends, I was locked in a race with David Campbell, Aaron Crowder, Charlie Hollis just to mention a few.
As the laps went by I managed to break free from this battle and into third position, not bad considering my nightmare start. Third is where I stayed until the chequered flag.
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Race 2: Wanting to make up for my first race start I was determined to do better in this moto, I jumped out the gate like a rocket and into the first corner for a great holeshot.
Ben Saunders came round the outside of me so I squared him up and re took the lead into the second turn, but I was carrying slightly to much speed and it was a case of go into the bushes or lay the big bike down, so I took the second option and slid to a halt.
Now even further back than the first race I really had my work cut out.
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Battling through the snow and hail I clawed my way through the strong field and into seventh position at the flag. The third race was cancelled due to poor conditions.
Summary: With a 3 - 7 - scorecard I was 4th on the day and a respectable 3rd in the final Superclass standings.
The result of the meeting may not seem brilliant but the team and myself have learnt valuable lessons over the two rounds. The morale is high and the atmosphere relaxed and ready for the championship.
Many thanks to you all who make this dream a reality.
Yours in Sport
Brad O'Leary
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| Corby at Daklands |
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The Corby club had prepared to Daklands circuit to perfection as the overnight rain made for a fast grippy and pleasurable surface.
I double entered as I wanted to judge my fitness.
Practise was slightly sticky so I took it easy and re adjusted to the bike after a weeks break.
MX2 race 1:
The Michelins hooked up great and handed me a lovely holeshot, I put some smooth laps in and cruised to victory with a 30 second lead over the next rider.
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MX1 race 1:
The sweet soft Michelins done me proud again and holeshotted once more, hot on my heels was James Russel ex MX1 champ who is returning for the Championship once more.
Knowing the pace of James I concentrated hard and put 3 or 4 fast laps in and pulled a slight lead.
My pace settled and I carried on to pull away so I was feeling happy with how the bike felt and also how the whole team worked. I crossed the line for win number 2 of the day.
I also won the next MX2 race and the following two MX1 races in similar style to the first.
Many thanks to the team for the hard work on the day.
Looking forward to round 2 of the superclass at Tirley this Sunday. |
| Superclass at Polesworth |
Practice/ Qualifying: Overnight rain left the polesworth circuit in mint condition, these were the thoughts i had as i was cruising round the first lap of practice.
I put together a smooth 20 minutes of steady riding and re adjusting to the bigger bike.
I pushed in places where i felt comfortable and took it as practise more than qualifying. The time i posted put me in 8th position which was good as i was only cruising.
Race 1: As the gate dropped for the first race i got a slight bit of wheel spin but the beast soon gripped and flew me into the lead and a lovely holeshot. I settled quickly and tried to flow and ride the track as much as possible.
I fought off some early challenges from Aaron Poolman and the chasing pack, As the race progressed i felt in control and very happy with everything. I once again fought off a challenge from Ben Saunders on the last two laps and we crossed the line virtually together. It was the perfect start to the day.
Race 2: The second race got underway and i didn't grab the best of starts, as we entered the first corner riders went down causing havoc.
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i avoided these riders but in doing so dropped to 5th. During this race I clawed my way through the field and into 2nd, the leader (Saunders) was around 15 seconds ahead so I decided to settle and ride home in a safe second.
Race 3: Again my final start wasn't so good so it was time to play catch up again, until i got took down by a fallen rider and having to come from the back once more, as I was breaking into the top 10 I was also feeling the strain. I would've settled there but the determination in me said push on and yeah you guessed it i slipped off all on my own and undoing all the hard work I'd just done. Finishing just outside the top 15, i was gutted in the result but smiling from ear to ear with mine and the teams performance.
A massive thank you to you all,
Yours in sport
Brad O'Leary
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