Andy Marchant 2007 Results Page

2007 Round-up

You may be wondering where I have been over the last few months. I have just been taking time out of riding but I am in the gym 2 -3 times a week in intense training getting ready for the 2008 Season.

The 2007 Season has been one of my most difficult years of racing, with everything thrown at me, with bike trouble, circulation problems in my arms, general BAD LUCK.

But on the other hand I have had some of the best results since I changed from ACU British Championship, with the best race position picking up a fifth and a best overall was equal fifth position. I have shown good speed and fitness through the year but I probably didn’t put as much work into 2007 as I am for 2008.

I want to back up the results I had in 2007 and show that I am with the top 125 AMCA riders. The plan for 2008 is to get back on the bike in January and hopefully picking up some extra support for the season which could push us towards riding the Championship and KWS Master Series, to get more of a consistent balance of riding at meetings. We will have to see. That’s about all. I will keep you all posted over the next few months but with all the effort going into 2008 it can only be a good ONE.

AMCA Championship Round 8 at Nympsfield

I was looking forward to racing at the final round of the AMCA Championship at Nympsfield with me currently in 16th position and only a few points behind Brad Greenwood.

The Nympsfield had been given a major make over from last year and the changes were for the better. It was going to be fast but technical track that always brings close and exciting racing.

Practice/ Qualifying: The track was as good as it looked. It was long and flowing but had some tight sections just to keep the riders together so I knew that the times were going to be close. I eventually ended 20th fastest, but I knew when racing I would be on the pace.

Race One: I got a great jump out of the gate but on the approach to the first turn I felt something on the back end of my bike forcing me wide around the first corner, I managed to re-group in about top 15. I pushed hard trying to get past the riders but it was hard and frustrating, I set up a pass on a fast down hill but it all went pear-shaped. When I got along side the Kawasaki rider he pushed me to the ropes and stakes with nowhere to go, so I had to lay the bike down for my own safety, it was a bit of a nasty and dangerous action but what goes around comes around. I fired up the KTM250F but I was out of the points I continued to race but with no skin now on my elbow and forearm and pain in my toes due to hitting a stake the day wasn’t quite going to plan but there was still two races left.

Race Two: I got another great start in fourth behind Richard-Mike Jones, we all pushed hard, the track was now very difficult as most of the corners had slate showing which made it slippery and tricky, I made a few mistakes but, still in pain from race one, I was struggling but still kept up the pace to finally finished in 8th position. I was pleased with the result but on the same note I was also just happy for the race to be over as in the last couple of laps I felt every bump around the circuit.

Race Three: We all lined up for the last race of the year. With many of us hoping for a good race, nerves were showing but as important as the race was to me I just kept focused. I shot out the gate, was pushed out on the first turn but was able to push into about 7th position, just what I wanted. I pushed hard with the riders in front of me but after the second lap the bike was acting weird over jumps and certain bumps, I really struggled for a couple of laps then decided to pull out of the race. This was to be a good idea as after inspecting the bike the top suspension bolt was missing from it being secured to the frame, so I was lucky because it could have been quite dangerous.

I have worked so hard over the last few months, from being in 36th position after the fourth round of the Championship with 6 points and ended the season in 16th position with122 points, so I can only be very happy with myself. I finally have proved to myself and to my team that when everything is good I can be a top 5 racer, so this has gave me a good attitude for the 2008 season

I want to say a great big THANK YOU! to everybody involved in the www.Marchantmx.co.uk <http://www.marchantmx.co.uk/> Racing team, (Mom, Dad and family, Wayne and family at WWW.FEEHILYMX.CO.UK <http://www.feehilymx.co.uk/> and also to Tim and Vanessa at www.foto-x.co.uk <http://www.foto-x.co.uk/> ). Without their help and support all this couldn't be possible.

Worfield at Hazeley Grange Farm

After not racing last weekend, I was able to relax and give everything a rest and found time to do other things like going horse riding with Becki but still kept up my fitness programme by going to the gym. I was looking forward to racing at the Worfield club meeting as it has been a year since I last raced there.

Practice: The track was nice and grippy, the watering was just right. It was going to be a fast and demanding day.

Race One: I got a good jump off the gate but being an uphill grass start it was a struggle up to the first corner. I was in about 5th position so I quickly pushed past riders to get into 2nd position behind Dan Hill.

I was starting to get clutch problem (slipping), it was hard to get the drive up the up hills. I rode carefully and took 2nd position.

Race Two: After replacing the clutch in the bike, I shot out the gate and grabbed the hole-shot. I pushed hard to try to break away from Dan Hill in 2nd but Dan was on a mission and on lap 5 I made a mistake in a right hand corner and Dan found a way past .

I kept the pressure on but it was Dan's day and I had to settle for 2nd position again. We both had pulled a massive lead on the rest of the field.

Race Three: I got another hole-shot and with a clear track in front of me, I was hungry for a win. With Dan hot on my heels I just kept focussed but, unfortunately, in the woods I caught my leg in a inside rut, leaving me in pain with a groin strain.

I continued but Dan had about a 10-second lead so I got my head down and started to pull him in, closing the gap to about 4 seconds. I hit a kicker on a jump out of the woods, landing funny and jarring myself again so I had to take 2nd position again behind Dan Hill.

Summary: Overall it had been a consistent day picking up 2nd overall but getting two out of the of the three hole-shots boosted my confidence going into the final AMCA Championship round next week at Nypsfield. Hopefully it will be another good day and maybe I can pull off a great come-back. Next weeks report will be from Nypsfield at the AMCA Championship round 8 (The Final Encounter)

Walsall at Hobs Hole

After three weeks of intense pressure over the AMCA Championship Rounds, it was nice to have a chilled out club meeting. The word in the paddock was Walsall TMC had plans to run the Hobbs Hole track backwards, with extra work being done to the track by re-shaping the jumps to suit; it could only be a good meeting (how wrong was I!).

Practice : The track was all WRONG! and for the Walsall club saying they had done this and that to the track they lied, just graded with a bit of water on the track. The jumps were so dangerous and the track wasn't flowing, it was just flat out and one lined and too short for how the track would cut up, so a good start was crucial.

Race One : I shot off the gate and had the holeshot in the bag, but just in the first corner I was hit hard by a Honda which, as quick as that, I was on the ground collecting a few other riders with me. I quickly got back on my feet and dug my bike from the wreckage. I fired up the KTM250F but with lap times only just one minute I had to push hard.

The bike was like an old wooden cart, the handlebars were pointing in a different way to the front wheel and the clutch lever was bent up like a boomerang, but with not a lot of time to do something about it, I just continued managing to get back into 7th position, but I was as beat up as the bike.

Race Two: I got off to a better start this time and managed to keep the troubles for race one behind me. I quickly passed a group of riders to push myself into 3rd position behind Jamie Dobson.

We both pushed to close the gap on the leader but we were both making mistakes all of the race but eventually Jamie tried a passing move to take the lead but found himself on the ground, so I gingerly passed him on the inside and continued around a now fast and rough course. I had gained a few seconds on the leader but with the track deteriorating fast I chose to just ride steady and take the chequered flag in 2nd position.

Race Three: I was all focused on the start gate’s pin, everything moved but my gate. I hit the gate pushing it down but I was last going up to the first corner.

But I pushed my way through the field of riders now in 5th position and pushed with the front pack, but getting past them was difficult and although I felt faster, I was also making small mistakes as the track was now hard going.

On about the tenth lap Dale Halls made the mistake I was waiting for but it was short lived as I had slipped underneath him in a sandy corner. I had a lapped rider cut straight in front of me and had to detour off the track. I re-gained back in 5th position and that is where I finished (disappointed).

Summary: Everything today just seemed a waste of time because of the track and Walsall TMC club. The sport is DANGEROUS enough without the club’s bad decisions making it even more DANGEROUS!.

I race because I enjoy racing and with clubs like Walsall their attitude was just to do as little as possible which is the wrong attitude to run race meetings, so in the future I will not choose to race at a Walsall meeting again until their attitude about running their meetings changes.

There is a saying if it isn't broken don't fix it!

With that off my mind I finished 4th position overall on the day which was a bit crap but it just matched the overall meeting.

I am going to take a week off to let all my injuries to heal up a bit before the final AMCA Championship round.

Thanks to everyone who is involved in the FEEHILY/MARCHANTMX team and to you the supporters.

AMCA Championship Round 7 at Walterstone

With the form I have been able to retain over the past couple of weeks, the pressure was on for another good points scoring day. We arrived at the Walterstone track, which is set on a hillside. From last year, I knew it was going to be fast with close racing. My aim was just to get out the start and see what happened and enjoy myself.

Practice/Qualifying: The track was still slippery in places, as it had had a heavy watering. I found my way around the course looking for lines and ended up 19th fastest in qualifying, but know that I could pick up my pace when racing.

Race One: With the bike now fitted with a starting device, the moment of truth was about to happen. It worked! I was in the top 5, just where I wanted to be. I pushed with Brad O’Leary, Matt Porter, James Lane and Dan Hill, working our way around the now rough and freshly watered circuit. It was tricky in places so I just kept my head. Mercer took me on an uphill climb but made a mistake in a sandy berm right in front of me. I had to wheely over the bike, just missing Phil but Tom Fish slipped past me on an inside corner. I pushed behind Tom to see him doing a superman off the track. I continued in all the drama of the race to finally end in 8th position. Happy just to see the chequered flag.

Race Two: The Feehily/Marchant MX KTM 250F got me off to another great start, again inside the top 10. I pushed past a few riders on the fast downhill then just pushed hard behind Dan Hill but I was under pressure with riders just waiting for a mistake from me. Dan Hill moved past Greenwood so I then forced my way past Greenwood but Arran Argis passed me down the straight past race control but I squared off the corner to regain 7th position. Argis tried again only to be re-passed back by me. I then just focused on Dan Hill, who had pulled a 5 second gap. I quickly pulled on to the back end of Dan Hill to eventually pass him and also Mercer, who had a bike problem, putting me in 5th position and that’s where I stayed until the chequered flag. I was over the moon, my first top 5 finish.

Race Three: The gate dropped and I was off to another great start. I powered around the first turn only to be hit with a rock that someone had shot up off their back wheel, hitting me on the front of my right ankle. I was in so much pain but I had to continue but braking was causing me problems. All through the race I was in pain, feeling every bump around the fast, rough demanding circuit. I lost my 7th position to Dan Hill after a four lap battle but kept focused and after a couple more laps, Jamie Dobson was on my case eventually passing me. I was really struggling at this point but Delaney stalled the bike into a hairpin corner moving me into 8th position with only 5 minutes to go. I just had to pace myself to the end. Mercer’s bad luck continued having made a mistake up a hill, pushing me up now into 7th position. I had never been more relieved to see the chequered flag.

Summary: Joint 5th overall, tying on 43 points with Dan Hill. What can I say! I have gone into every round hoping to get 30 points over the day to help me climb up the standings but today was great. Hard, fast riding with a bit of pain – just another day of motocross. Having been the only Wolverhampton & DAC rider to be in the Championship, after Tom Fish’s run of bad luck, I can say I flew the Wolverhampton flag nice and high. I was also happy to put a smile back on my Dad’s face after all what happened at the beginning part of the year, it was nice to see. My Mom and Dad buy my bikes and maintain them for me, but Dad is my coach as well. Without their support, Becki’s and help from Wayne at Feehily MX, I wouldn’t be here talking about my motocross. Also a big thank you for all my support around the tracks and also the Foto-x team.

AMCA Championships Round 6 at Hungry Hill

What a weekend! Having helped my girlfriend Becki at the Midland Championship on Saturday and bring some rosettes back, Becki rode excellently (see Becki and Jods Jumping Journal), then race at my home club track, Hungry Hill, in the 125 AMCA championship.

The pressure was on me as following my good Championship meeting last week, which saw me jump up the Championship standings into 25th position, so I knew I had just got to ride for points and see what happened.

Practise/Qualifying: Having ridden Hungry Hill a few times this year, I pushed to challenge myself so when the timing board was shown I could get a early lap in.

But on lap 3 in turn one I was in a big heap on the floor, the bike had got a puncture so I continued around the track to get the bike to the pits to change the front wheel, but the qualifying was up by the time the bike was sorted so I had to settle for 14th fastest in qualification.

Race One: I had a great start in about 6th position behind Brad O'Leary and managed to force past him going into turn 3, the dust was getting heavy and vision was difficult through some of the turns but I pushed hard knowing that there would be a battle all through the race. I made some small mistakes through the race finally finishing in 11th position behind Scoot Mathia, disappointed but knew I could race a bit harder in area around the track but gained some more valuable points.

Race Two: Got off to another great start in about 4th position it was amazing the support I got all round the track by everyone. I pushed hard but also tried to keep focused. I was back in 8th position by Owen Delaney, Payne and Lane at the halfway stage of the race but continued to push with Lane and Delaney to gap the rest of the field to take a comfortable 8th position just in front of Mark Hooley.

Race Three: There was a bit of a drama before the third race, as in race two my exhaust had started to break up again! so we made the decision to fit the standard exhaust system to the bike, I got off the gate as i did in race one and two but the bike just didn't seem to pull as hard as with the Dr D exhaust system but i still managed to get into the top 10 but found myself struggling with the gearing on the bike,

I just couldn't generate enough speed to get close enough to make passes back on Dan Hill, James Lane and Shawn Pearce, so I just rode Consistently and with a mistake by Tom Fish pushed me up into 11Th position, so I just rode smart to the end of the race.

Summary: Having got another top 10 overall finish coming finally 8Th overall on the day I couldn't be any happier with my riding over the past few weeks. The team has worked hard and the results are now finally showing but it isn't over yet! I am now lying in 18Th position in the overall standings in the 2007 Championship with just two more rounds to go. I just need to continue being focused and just keep scoring valuable points (fingers Crossed).

I would just like to say a big THANK YOU! to Wayne at FeehilyMx My Mom and Dad and Becki for keeping the faith of ability in me and also to Everyone that support me around the track, And Tim and Vanessa for all there work with my website keeping you all posted on my progress.

AMCA Championships Round 5 at Wymeswold

Preparation

As you all know, with the way the season has been for me this year, I was happy to get back in the gym trying out a new ankle support, kindly given to me by an ex-BMX rider, Mal Johnson, who I now work with. I had good training session and going over to Wildmoor Quarry Wednesday night, gave me a good focus for the Championship on Monday.

Practice/Qualifying

The track was being heavily watered when we arrived on the morning of the Championship. Dan Hill and I took a quick look around the track before the event started. It looked good with a lot of jumps and whoops incorporated into the track. Going around the track in practice was quite slippery but in just a few laps, a dry line had developed, so I used the time I had wisely to get used to the track. I ended up in 17th position in qualifying but knew I had a lot more speed in me.

Race One

Lining up on a grassy start was going to be hard to get a good jump but I found a nice line that was dirt. I got off to a top five start and pushed hard with the leading pack. I was feeling great, finally it was working out for me. By the half way mark I had managed to be in 6th position but I got a bit excited over a big step down and over jumped the landing, giving my hands and wrists a good julting, but continued to push just as hard as I could. By the end of the race however I had lost three places ending up in 9th position. I was just relieved to have finally got a good race under my belt and also some good points.

Race Two

Starting from the same gate as the first race and getting another good jump, I found myself in about 7th position. I quickly passed a Honda rider in front of me putting me into 6th place. I then pushed hard behing James Lane but it wasn't long before I had Payne and Porter pushing me hard. They managed to eventually pass me but I pushed with them to make a comfortable gap between me and 9th place. So, the 18 mins + 1 lap was up and I was happy to be in 8th position and some points on the table.

Race Three

Got another top 10 start only to have the red flags shown around the track. We all lined up for a restart but I didn't get a great jump off the gate this time and was in the top 20. I quickly pushed passed riders only to be forced off the track and eventually was bought down with a section of the tracks' posts and roping. I quickly jumped on the Feehily/Marchantmx KTM 250F and fired up the bike, but I was dead last with about 20 seconds between me and the next rider. I pushed hard throughout the race to finally finish in 19th position, just managing to pick up another couple of points.

Summary

Firstly, I would like to thank Dan, BoB and Kat Hill for loaning me an exhaust, as I blew all the packing out forcing the silencer to break up inside (so if anyone would like to sponsor me with a new exhaust I would be grateful). Other than that, we will get a new exhaust from somewhere. I had a really good day, finishing 10th overall and 27 points to add to the 6 points I have gained over the season.

Wolverhampton MCC at Hungry Hill

This weeks racing had a big question mark on it, the bike had broken last Sunday, but my Dad (mechanic) worked hard all week to get it sorted and he did!

We arrived at the Hungry Hill track in Cleobury Mortimer hosted by my club Wolverhampton MXC. The track looked quite tacky after all the rain on Saturday but if the rain didn't get too heavy it would turn out a good day for racing.

Practice: Due to the bike engine having new parts in it I just steadily rode around the track trying not to put to much strain on the engine and communicated with dad on how the bike was performing.

Race One: I got an OK start in 5th position but the track was slightly wetter then in practice, due to light, short showers, and with it still slightly raining it wasn't too long before i had to discard my goggles. I push passed James Gordon and closed about a 10 second gap on Rob Crowe to quickly pass him and start to close the gap on Tom Fish and Jamie Dobson, but instead of pushing the bike to hard I just keep a good steady speed to take chequered flag in 3rd position.

Race Two: I got a better start in 4th and was able to quickly pass Gordon to move into third behind Dobson and Fish. I was on a good front-row seat to view to Dobson and Fish trading blows around some of the tracks corners but to my disadvantage they both managed to stay on their bikes.

I pushed to stay with them but tweaked my ankle, which I had badly sprained just a week ago. This caused me problems when changing gear and landing off the jumps, but I continued with gritted-teeth. By the end of the race Dale Halls had got by me so I finally finished in fourth position.

Race Three: After strapping and tightening up my boot to gain a little more support to my left ankle I was able to get a top three start behind Dobson and Fish but it was a three way battle for the lead up the long hill after the first turn, having to control a power wheelie I was pushed into third but the party had only just started. I put a clean block pass on Dobson and I was behind Fish, in second place. I pushed hard to keep the fast pace but had to dab my left foot in a left turn causing me to suffer with my ankle again and was quickly pushed into fourth place in pain and struggling but continued the rest of the race to finish a disappointed fourth position.

Summary: A big, big THANK YOU! must go to my Dad as without him I wouldn't be racing today and working a few late nights and some more financial loss to get the bike back to new form.

A OK day with a few problems to iron out for next weeks AMCA Championship meeting but with the bike performing well I just need to put 110% effort in and with a bit of good luck I feel that I can start to recover the rest of the season. Also big efforts from the club members and committee to put on another good meeting GOOD WORK LADS AND LASSES!.

Cheadle at Warmingham Lane
Round 4 AMCA Championships

The Marchant/Feehilymx Team arrived at the 4th round of the AMCA Championship at Warmingham Lane, hosted by Cheadle MXC. I haven't raced on this track since 2003 but the track hadn't changed too much and with it being well watered, it looked good.

Practice and Qualifying
The track was a little tricky in places but was developing different lines all the time. I ended up 23rd fastest by the end of qualifying. I thought I could have been a little faster in places but knew that I had done enough.

Race one
I had a dreadful start, I was about last with a lot of work to do. I pushed hard passing riders inside and outside and by the end of the race I was in 19th position and managed to salvage some points.

Race two
Another bad start made me very frustrated as I wasn't doing anything different than I normally do, but I just put it behind me and pushed my way through the pack, only to be rammed off the track on the far end of the track. I finally fired up the KTM 250F, but by this time I had a mountain to climb but me being me with my never say never attitude I began climbing. I finally had got into 27th position but my time was up.

Race three
From when the gate dropped I knew that the bike had a problem but I continued to push through the pack but the bike was decreasing in speed every lap and I was gutted so I pulled out of the race and rode back to the van.

Summary
we are going through a hard time in the Marchant/feehily mx camp at the moment, no matter what we seem to do nothing seems to go to plan, but we will fix up the bike and I will be ready for the weekend at our meeting at Hungry Hill so see you there.

Burntwood Barracudas at Branston

I arrived at the hillside track in Branston to glorious blue sky. I was feeling good but the only negative thing in my head was a sprained ankle I had picked up during the week at work.

Practice
The track was different from the last time I had raced there but the changes were good for the track. It was quite slippery but with the hot weather it would not be long before it dryed back up.

Race One
The organisers of the meeting made the decision to water the track before the race. I managed to get an ok start, about in the top five, and just watched as riders in front were slip sliding all around the track. After a few laps I had pushed into second just behind Wayne Griffiths on his 450F Honda.

I pushed to try to pass Wayne but, with track conditions being very slippy, I just settled for a safe second as my aims for the day were just to be consistent.

Race Two
With the track now dry, I knew I could push harder. Having a top five finish again I pushed hard and by the end of lap one I was in second behind Pete Weaver. After lap three, I was in first position so I set a good pace and pulled a gap and cruised around to take the chequered flag.

Race Three
I got a better start in this one and quickly found myself behind Wayne Griffiths in second place. Unfortuately, Wayne took a tumble on the steep downhill corner and I collided into his bike despite all my effort to try to avoid him to take the lead. I badly tweaked my sprained ankle and decided to pull off.

I finished the day in third place and was very happy with my riding, pace and lap times. Checking lap times, I was matching the IMBA boys which can't be bad.

I am looking forward to the 4th round of the AMCA 125 Championships, which takes place this weekend at Warmingham Lane, hosted by the Cheadle Club.

Druids at Anchor Hill, Kerry
Round 3 AMCA Championships

The 3rd round of the AMCA Championship was hosted by the Druids Club in the Welsh valleys of Kerry. The Marchant/Feehilymx team arrived at the hillside track with the sun and blue sky (yes sunny in Wales!) and a well graded track, everything looked great for a good days racing. (How wrong was I!)

The day turned out to be probably the worst day of my life, and the way my season has been so far, I didn't think it could get any worse. My practice went well and the track was developing lines on every lap, but in qualifying the day all changed. The Marchant/Feehilymx KTM 250F stalled coming down a hill in to a boggy left hand corner and just wouldn't start. With about 5 minutes to go, we finally got it to start (thanks Dad) and with outside help from Rob at Foto-x, I continued to push for a qualifying time.

My bad luck continued however when myself and Barry James collided in the same corner. The bike stalled again, luckily Dad was still in the area to help out yet again. The bike fired back up and I just had enough time for 1 lap, so I pushed as hard as could and completed the lap, in what we aIl thought was in good time, only to find out it had been all for nothing as the lap wasn't recorded due to equipment failure. The timing team said that everything was working OK, but without any back up systems, i was just hitting my head against a brick wall.

I never felt more disappointed as I was whilst watching the 125 Championship race and the long 2 hour wait for the Non-qualifier race was just what i didn't need. I got ready for the race and eventally won the race after a red flag was shown and race restarted but it has got to be the first time I just didn't enjoy racing and was glad just to see the chequed flag.

I made my decision that it was time to go back home. I felt gutted, not only had I let myself down but I had let all my supports down especially my Dad and Becki who had took time out of her showjumping to come and watch me.

Things are going to change from now on. I have been knocked down but I will dust myself off and get on with the job at hand. I will see you at Branston with a lot to prove to myself.

Next weeks report coming from the Branston 125 GB IMBA round, hosted by the Burntwood Club.

Shrewsbury at Condover
2nd Round of the 125 Championships

Travelling to Condover early Sunday morning in heavy rain, left me with doubts over the condition of the track. On arriving, my doubts were confirmed as the track was very boggy. However, I didn't let this bother too much and got ready for qualifying. I unpacked my bikes, which my Dad had spent most of the week preparing, - they looked amazing!

Qualifying
The track was as bad as it looked and with consistent heavy rain it was getting worse and worse. I managed to put in about two laps before the bike just cut out as it was overheating. As you all know, I was plagued with bike trouble at the start of the season and didn't want it to continue so I called it a day. The sport is expensive enough and having spent the week getting the bikes into tip top condition, I didn't want to do unnecessary damage to them.

I feel I made a wise decision as the track deteriorated as the day progressed. With a steady flow of Championship over the coming weeks, I felt it would be better to try and salvage points, hopefully in better conditions.

I'm riding at my home track, Hungry Hill, this weekend so check out my report early next week.

Congratulations to Becki, who faired a little better than me at the weekend, having two third places on Jodocus, her young horse at the Stanley Park Showjumping competition in Bridgnorth.

Shobdon at Downwood Farm

The Marchant MX Team arrived at the Shobdon Track back to full force now Dad was back in the Country. The track was a bit disappointing. The last couple of times the track had been power harrowed and watered heavily but this time it was just graded with a small amount of watering on the track in places (what had happended?).

Practice
The track was as it looked - rock hard and grip was a problem. Very disappointed.

Race One
After changing the tyres on the bike to try to get a bit more grip, I finally got down to the start but had to line up down in about 30th place - the position wasn't great. The gate dropped and I was down in about 15th position and a mountain to climb as it was an Unlimited Group with some more powerful machines in the race.

I gradually pushed my way into the top ten and was closing in on the leading pack but Jamie Dobson was also pushing hard after having a bad start. With Dobson closing down on me I just kept my head down and managed to get sixth just behind Craig Chamberlain in fifth.

Race Two
Had a better pick of the gate this time and managed to get a good jump. I got around the first turn in about fifth position and just had to ride smart as the dust was heavy, only just being able to see the rider in front. The track had become hard and shiny in places, which was to my advantage as an un-common mistake by Jamie Powell pushed me up into third place. With Jamie Dobson just ahead, I pushed the rest of the race but was just behind Jamie to take third position.

Race Three
Had a great jump off the gate but was soon gobbled up by the 450 bikes. I still managed to get myself into third behind Jamie Powell and Dobson. All three of us developed a fast pace and pulled a gap from fourth position. As the laps rolled by me and Dobson were left to battle for position and overall standings. However, a light rain had fallen on the track and both of us were making mistakes. Dobson finally fell in a tight right hand corner handing me second position. I then pushed hard only to do the same thing around another part of the track. I quickly mounted the Feehily MX KTM but with Dobson now only a second or so off my back wheel, I got back into control but on the fourth corner to the chequered flag I lost control of my back end and, after a fight, managed to get control of the bike. Dobson took advantage and slipped through on the inside of me. I made a last ditch effort around the outside of him but with the track deteriorating, I just couldn't pick up enough grip so I took third position just behind Dobson.

Summary
It was good hard racing through the day and picking up fourth overall (second 125 class) was a good enough day but I know I can take a lot of positives into next week for the 125 Championships at Condover.

Thanks for checking out the website and hope to see you at Condover (AMCA North Shrops/North Wales Group).brother Tony

Happy Birthday to my Brother Tony and my Mom Denise.

Wrekin at Castle Caerienion

The Build Up
The Marchant MX team arrived at Castle Caerienion track, near Welshpool, and it looked boggy in places but generally in good condition.

Practice
Most of the track was good. There were a few very boggy spots as many riders found out.

Race One
Had a great holeshot, I pushed as hard as I could, not quite knowing the track, as Wrekin Club had worked on the boggy bits with the digger. After the 2nd lap I found myself behind Wayne Griffiths. I pushed with him for a few laps but then made a pass, then pushed hard, pulling away from the pack and finally taking the chequered flag

Race Two
This was going to be the worst race so far this year for bad luck. My gate didn't drop with the others, but I pushed hard for the first three corners and found myself in second position just behind Sam Hyde. He made a slight mistake on the tricky hill at the far end of the track, this gave me the perfect opportunity to push my way into the lead, but I got a rear wheel puncture. I pushed as hard as i could but on the lap before the last lap flag, I had to pull off, the tyre had come off the rim. I was gutted!

Summary
The meeting was finally CANCELLED due to the weather, constant rain throughout the afternoon, making the track un-rideable.
I finally ended up in 4th position overall, due to only scoring in race one. But there is always next week.

I would like to thank James and Andy for their help throughout the day. Thank you for taking the time to check out my website.

Next week's report will be from Shobdon (AMCA South Shrops Group) .

Druids at Anchor Hill

The Build Up
The Marchant MX team was down to one man and his dog (myself and Lola my mini jack russell). We finally got to the Kerry track, it looked really good and well graded. Well worth all the travelling.

Practice
The track was as good as it looked, but knowing the track from last year, I knew it was going to cut up quickly, lines developed quickly and the riding was fast.

Race One
I had a rubbish start and forced my way past riders but on the third corner I lost control over a jump and had to use Craig Chamberlin to stop! (sorry Craig).

Fortunately Craig stayed up but unfortunately I went down. I quickly remounted and started the Feehily MX KTM.

I pushed to catch back up to the pack only to find myself back picking up the KTM again after colliding again with another racer. I fired up the bike and pushed as hard as I could to eventually pull back up to 5th position.

Race Two
After having to fix the bike's exhaust following the first race, I had an tragic start. I was back in the pack and pushed hard to pass everyone as quick as I could but the track was cutting up in places so I had to use my head. I managed to get back up to 3rd but there was just a too big a gap to second and too little time, so I just kept consistent for the remainder of the race.

Race Three
I had a better start but the track, after the rainshower, was quite slippery in places and my tyres on the bike were losing grip everywhere. I just used my head and managed to get into third and just kept the bike upright and consistent to finally take the chequed flag.

Summary
I had a good days racing having finished 4th overall. The Druids club put on a good meeting and I'm looking forward to the Championship there.

I would like to congratulate my fiancee Becki as she look her young horse Jodocus (sponsored by Albrighton feeds) to his first showjumping event. All went well. I will keep you posted on how they are getting on throughout the year. Don't forget to email me your question any problem that you may have had over the weekend.

Thank you for your support
Andy.

Next report and pictures from Castle Caerenion. Congratulations Nicky and Sam on your engagement.

Long Lane 17.06.07

Through the week I was really looking forward to racing at the Long Lane track, due to people that I had talked to about the track all said it was a good technical track just what I like!

I arrived at the Long Lane track at the track we set up and I went down to the track to take a look at it. It looked good but with all the rain we had through the week I wasn't surprised to see in places the track looked boggy but just as long as it didn't rain I knew it would be a good track to race on.

PRACTICE
The track was so grabby and boggy it was quite difficult to get into the right lines it was just gas it and hold on, it all ended badly when I had to push my KTM ( not for the first time this year ) back to paddock, due to it not starting.

FIRST RACE
Had a shocking start and found myself just in the top 10. I pushed past rider after rider. Got into about 5th then found myself on the floor after mis-shifting to neutral. I picked up the bike and managed to start it but was back inside the top 10. I pushed hard to close the gap but finally only could manage 4th but closed right up on the front running riders (with a exploded front fork )

SECOND RACE
Had a better start to the first turn but found myself doing a super man impression and ending up buried under my bike, I jumped up on my feet to a lot of surprised faces. Jumped back on the KTM and raced off after the pack I pushed as hard as I could as the leader had about half a lap lead I worked my way through them and finally pulled back to 4th with the leader just having a 10 second lead.

RACE THREE
Had a better start about 5th and knowing I had the speed I just wanted to push as hard to see what I had got for them. I worked my way into the lead and continued to push and pulled away, but as " Lady luck" wasn't on my side I lost control of the front wheel after hitting a sharp bump and cross rutted myself and yes again I was on the floor! Picked the bike up and started the bike but was back in 4th I continued to race but time was short and finished in 4th position.

OVERALL
Even when you are the fastest rider in the race you still need a bit of luck and today it wasn't on my side. I still managed 3rd overall and had a good time racing around long lane track and maybe next time I can have a bit better day.

Thanks for checking out the website and the next report will be coming from Anchor Hill, Kerry.

Race report: Burntwood at Branston

The Marchant MX Race Team arrived at a well-watered Branston track. I was feeling really good after Pattingham last week and hoping for another good weekend.

Practice: Started first, so I could have a good look at the track as it was the first time racing it. The track was really good but was also quite slippery in places were water had gathered, I just took it steady and got a good pace.

Race One: Shot out of the start after changing the clutch in the bike before the race.I got into the first turn in 1st and tried to push as hard as I could but the track conditions had changed since practice and I found myself pushed back to 2nd after 1st lap to a former Championship rider Tom Fish, just back from training in Spain, and was on a mission to prove himself. I pushed with him but found not having the knowledge of the track I had to seattle for 2nd place.

Race Two: After along wait for 125 Expert race I got on the line, gate dropped but mine was left standing. I was fuming and after 1st lap had pushed my way from dead last into 3rd but number 39 Jamie Wilson was using all the track to stop me from passing him. I knew I needed to pass him fast, as I could see Tom Fish starting to pull away. So I forced my way past Jamie then pushed hard to reduce Tom's lead but on a down hill bend lost grip on my front wheel but was fortunate to save from crashing but stalled the bike. I kicked and kicked like a man possessed but didn't start until race was over ( damn 4-strokes)

Race Three: Time wasn't on Burntwood's side and they decided to cut all races down so I knew I had got to get a good start and so I did another great hole shot, I pushed hard as Tom was in 2nd position. I lead the race until the last lap and a small error dropped me into second and just couldn't find away back past in the short space of time, but if only a few more laps the result could have been different.

Summary: I was really pleased with my riding, but as for the meeting the time between my races was hours due to the amount of accidents and red flags.

Report next week from long lane

Race report: Sedgley at Pattingham

VIEW BEFORE RACE: Arrived at a well graded Pattingham track, i was quite surprised how dry the track was after all the rain we have had through the week.

RACE ONE: Start was NOT as planned ( but you have just got to get on with the job in hand!) and that is being consistent. After the 3rd lap i got into the lead,pushed for the next 2-3 laps to gap the opposition then just set a steady pace to take the win.

RACE TWO: After the restart i had 2nd place quickly passed Rob Crowe to take the lead. then kept it consistent pulling a healthy lead and took the chequed flag.

RACE THREE: Third was a bit of a shambles after leading the race and pulling away, 5th lap in, a red flag spoilt the race and to mine and everyone else's amazement the Sedgley Club signalled for a re-run of the race. thankfully riders involved in the accident to my knowledge only had minor injury's. Got into the first corner first but wasn't happy to brake hard and forced myself wide (slight rider error!) but not fazed by this, just pushed hard, passed fellow championship rider Pete Weaver to take a convincing win.

SUMMARY: 3 wins, 1st overall on the day with maximum 45 points (good days racing). Pleased with riding (found my FLAME again) and finally to the Sedgley Clubs effort was good after stopping meeting to water track and some red flags still managed to fit a full programme of racing made a good day of racing for all i think and weather conditions helping some may require " after sun!"

Report from Branston next week so keep posted.