2010 Results.........
Coalville at Coleorton 31st October 2010
It was that time of the year again when the clocks go back meaning the end to another AMCA motocross season. The weather had been kind to Coalville MXC but the track was still very boggy in places forcing the club to alter the track slightly to cut out the worst of areas, but It looked ok and got myself ready for the day ahead.

Practise
I took it easy for the first few laps to get some lines through the boggy bits and I felt good and relaxed on the bike. By the end of the practise session I felt like my pace was good and was using all the right lines.

Race One
I had a dreadful start as my clutch dragged me into the gate but I managed to keep behind it before it dropped but I was buried in the pack. I worked hard through the first lap to move into 5th position, I made a few more passes on Hill and Staples to move into 3rd position behind Del Busso and O'leary. I closed in on Del Busso but the clutch on the bike was slipping badly and when I entered the tight air pin corner by the start straight the bike stalled and I couldn't get it to start. I was a lap down by the time I managed to get my bike started so I continued on till the end of the race.
Race Two
With a new clutch fitted in the MarchantMx Honda, I managed to get a little better start, I made a pass on Staples and moved into 3rd position behind Del Busso and O'leary. I was slowly closing the gap on Del Busso but I tried out a new line that I saw but unfortunately I lost the front end of the bike and went down. I quickly remounted only losing one place to Jack Bas so I put pressure on Bas but I jumped straight into a hole bending my right thumb back causing me to be in pain. I pulled over to get get some movement back in my thumb but still in pain I continued on till the end of the race finishing in 6th position.

Race Three
I was not having the best of days up till now so I strapped up my thumb and got ready for the last race. I got off to the best start of the day, I was in third position with Del Busso breathing down my neck so I made it hard work for him and I managed to pass Jack Bas to move into 2nd position behind O'Leary. I tried to keep keep Del Busso behind me but I started to struggle with my thumb so I had to give up the battle and settle for 3rd position, I had pulled a gap on Bas so I just kept to a pace to keep him behind me and ended the race in 3rd position.
I ended the day in 7th overall which wasn't the way that I wanted to end the season but I have to take it into account that for the last two years I have been in plaster so I am glad that I can go into the winter fit, healthy and looking forward to the 2011 season.

I have new plans for the 2011 season by registering for the British Masters Amateur MX1 Championship and continue to carry out my MarchantMx training days.

Thank you to everyone who has been supporting me though the 2010 season and I hope that my planned hard work through the winter can see me achieve my goals in 2011.
Polesworth at Stipers Hill 24th October 2010
I arrived at the Polesworth circuit early Sunday morning which was the last meeting there this year and some posts were put on the Internet this week on MxTrax from someone from the club, talking about the work that had been carried out on the track, but I have to say that the Polesworth club always try their hardest to make the circuit better over the year but it is a shame that all their work over the year is wrecked by the Wilden MXC over the winter.

I had not been feeling 100% all week but I tried to put it to the back of my head and get down to business so I went to have a look at the track and get ready for my practise session.

Practise
I took my time for the first few laps as I was trying out some new tyres that I had been sent to try, they are an Australian branded motocross tyre called Motoz, they were giving me a good feeling around the Polesworth circuit as it was still a little boggy in places but I was feeling good with my pace and looked forward to the days racing.

Race One
I got a great jump off the gate, I am not going to sound like an American and say that the Motoz tyres hooked up but they helped and was in the top three going into the first lap. I pushed as hard as I could to keep with Del Busso and Morris but I made a mistake on lap three in the boggy section over the back of the circuit and Holmes was able to slip past me but I was starting to struggle with my breathing and my chest was very tight so I had to back off and battle on to the end of the race finishing in fourth position.

Race Two
I changed a few things to try and help me with my breathing and lined up on the start gate, again I got another great jump out of the trap and was in fourth position behind Holmes, Del Busso and Morris. I again tried my hardest to keep close to the pack in front of me but I made a few mistakes on the first few laps loosing a few seconds on the guys in front but I managed to pick up my pace and close them back in but again my battle was not now with the guys ahead of me but my breathing again and had to settle for fourth position again at the end of the race.

Race Three
I decided to sit out of this race due to my breathing difficulties.

I managed to still finish in 9th position even only racing two races but I can only be a little disappointed as I could not ride to my full ability but not feeling 100% I will try this week coming to get myself back to normal and come out swinging next week.

Thank you for all your support through the 2010 season

Pictures kindly taken by Vanessa Palmer.
Burton at Stenson 10th October 2010
I have not raced properly since the last AMCA Championship round at Norley, due to work commitments, then bike problems and then the bad weather last Sunday. I didn't have parts back in time for me to be racing The Marchantmx Honda, so Mike Penn kindly offered his bike to have a ride for this weekend at Stenson.

There was a lot of hype when we arrived at the Stenson circuit as Neil Prince and GP rider Evgeng Bobryshev was going to race today so a lot more work was taken with the track preparation, I got everything together to get ready for the races ahead.
Practice
The track was in really good condition, due to the amount of rain that came down last Sunday. I thought that it would be a boggy mess but  it was the total opposite. I slowly was getting use to Mike's Suzuki as it is totally different to my MarchantMx Honda, but by the end of the session I started to get a good feel for the bike and was happy with my pace.

Race One
The start was very messy as cheating was going on and the starter thought it would be a good idea to dummy the start but all my concentration was on the pin, which was moving but nothing was happening so I took a look up to see what was happening then the gate dropped, so I looked for a red flag but that didn't happen so I continued on after the rest of the MX1 experts. I managed to pick off riders lap after lap but could see that the front pack was gone so I just tried my best and managed to get back to 7th position by the end of the race.

Race Two
I didn't change anything from the first race start and managed to get a great jump and powered into the first turn in second with Del Busso. I pushed hard for a good few laps trying to stay in second but with Prince and Bobryshev breathing down my neck, I was pushed back to fourth. I moved back into third as Bobryshev dropped it on a right handed turn but I knew it wasn't the last time that I was going to see GP boy. I managed to maintain a good pace but soon enough the very fast Bobryshev came breezing by me but a mistake by Del Busso moved me back into third position, so I kept it tidy till the end.
Race Three
I lined up in the same place as the second race alongside Bobryshev, I got a good jump but had to back off the throttle due to the front end starting to lift but Bobryshev lost his front end dropping the bike taking Reggie Brandrick down with him, so with no where to go I hit Reggie's Bike and was put into the fencing.

I had pulled my back but I remounted and continued on with the race but after a few laps I was in too much pain to continue and pulled off the circuit.

I was happy but a little disappointed with the way the day ended as I had tried my hardest on Mike's bike but not scoring in the last race pushed me down to 9th overall.

But a big thank you to Mike Penn for the loan of his Suzuki for the day and I managed to give it back to him in one piece which was also a good thing, and Vanessa Palmer for the pictures.

Hopefully the MarchantMx Honda will be back together ready for next week at Abbotts Bromley.
AMCA MX1 Championship Final round at Norley
12th September 2010

It was the last round of the AMCA championship at Norley hosted by Mid Cheshire MXC. I was hoping that I could end the championship with a good meeting. The track was very wet due to heavy overnight rain which would hard going as it was deep and boggy so would be tricky getting a clean lap but I got ready and watched the MX2 riders who were out before my session.

Qualifying
The track was very tricky and deep ruts were starting to develop but I got some good lines and waited for the timing to start. I got in a few laps and AGAIN! I was not recorded so my Dad went to sort them out in the timing truck and I went back out to get a lap in. I managed to do an ok lap but then made a mistake on the next lap and struggled to start the bike but It fired up and I rode back to the pits to see what the outcome was, which was down in 24th position and the session was over.

Race One
I got a good jump off the gate but got boxed in on the first turn, It was carnage on the next few turns and I just tried to keep it upright but I was struggling and I made a mistake and had to re-mount. I then stalled the bike in a tight left hand turn and was close to last by the time I restarted the bike. I continued on and by the end of the race I finished in 25th position.

Race Two
The race was re-started twice as only half the gate dropped and then on the second attempt a rider had crashed causing the second red flag. On the third attempt my clutch was slipping all through the race and with the track conditions still tricky, I could only manage 22nd position by the end of the race.

Race Three
We managed to sort the clutch problem out and I lined up for the final race. I got a better start and tried to push past the riders in front of me but again I found myself picking up the bike as I got cross rutted. It was very hard work around the Norley circuit with your bike disappearing but I managed to get back to a 21st position but I was still very disappointed with the day.

I ended the day in 24th position which was the same as my overall standings position. I feel very disappointed, but It has been a struggle through this year so I am hoping that 2011 will be a little more successful.

A big Thank You to everyone who has been behind me and the team through a tough 2010 season.    
Cannock at Abbotts Bromley 5th September 2010

It has been a good last few weeks for me and my results have reflected that, so I travelled to Abbotts Bromley in the right frame of mind to hopefully have another good days racing.

I arrived at the circuit and the club was putting down another load of water on to the track, it looked a little over watered for the forecast of the day but the Cannock club wasn't going to take any chances.

Practice
The track was as bad as I thought and after one lap of the circuit, I decided to pull out as I was race 6 of the block so I knew that the track would be totally different and a lot dryer so I went back to the van to clean up the bike.

Race One
I got a good jump out of the gate but lost the end of the bike in the first turn but managed to find someone to slam into and knocked me back straight.

By now I was well down in the pack so I set to work quickly moving into the top 10 but it was hard to pass due to the limit of dry lines but I kept a steady pace to get passed the riders in front of me. I had moved into 5th position behind Roberts, Weaver, Bailey and Cannings and continued to push to close the gap on them but sadly ran out of time and ended the race in 5th position.

Race Two
I managed to get into a good 4th position start and quickly made passes on Roberts and Locke moving me into 2nd position behind Cannings. I pushed hard to try and close in on Cannings but on lap 4 I had a big crash on a rutted down hill section and knocked the wind out of me. I was shocked as I had no idea what had caused my fall but I remounted a twisted Marchantmx Honda and pulled off the race circuit to get the bike straight for the final race.

Race Three
I got another bad start and was down in 8th position but I made a lot of passes on the first lap and was in 4th position behind Weaver, Locke and Bailey. I made a pass on Locke over the back part of the circuit and gave chase to Weaver and Bailey. I found a really quick pace and knew I had a chance to win the race and I was pushing Weaver and on lap 6 I was right on them but I picked up a front wheel puncture which caused me to loose control of the steering of the machine and was sent out of control into the ropes. I remounted the machine again for the second time this weekend and rode back to the van very disappointed with the way that the day had gone.

I have had a shocker today but that's Motocross for you. I have been on a high the last few weeks picking up race wins and overalls again but some days no matter what you do, it turns out the worst way possible. I will not let this weeks racing affect the momentum that I have managed to gain, I showed good speed when I was on the bike so I will take that positive into next week at the last AMCA championship meeting at Norley.

Thank you to everyone behind me and the team through the 2010 season.
Shrewsbury at Condover 30th August 2010
Pics by Vanessa Palmer
I decided to miss the MX1 AMCA Championship on Sunday at Haverigg in Cumbria due to the travelling and only sitting in 20th position in the standings after a very disappointing start to the season, I felt it would not be worth while as I am not in the drop out one of the re-qualifying positions.

I made my way over to Condover, Shrewsbury to try and get a ride on the day. Luckily I managed to get in and got myself ready for the day ahead.

Practice
The track had been heavily watered and in places it was very boggy but a couple o dry lines had developed through the sessions but It was only a tight inside line and a very wide outside lines, so It was going to be a tough day to make passes. I felt good at the end of the session and had good speed for the races.

Race One
I got off to a good start in 3rd position behind Rob Crowe and Darren Bennett. I took a few laps to look for lines and then started to put on pressure but with the track still very wet, It was a bit like follow the leader and I tried a lot of times to get past Crowe but couldn't make any of them stick. I didn't feel too comfortable with the way my bike was working on the racing lines I was using, so I backed off to look for new lines for the next race and settled for 3rd position at the end of the race.

Race Two
I think after race one everyone wrote me off but I shot out the start and was in second position behind Crowe so I pushed hard to make the pass early on Crowe which I did on the first lap around the outside of him, then I just set my mind to win but I still made a few mistakes that made Crowe close the gap but I knew my speed was good so I just kept it tidy to take the win.

Race Three
The Clock was against the Shrewsbury club so they would only run the last blocks at 10 minutes, so I knew another good start was required and luckily I did and was in second behind Bennett. I again set to work to pass for the lead and after a few trys I finally moved into the lead. It was the last lap and Bennett wasn't going to fight till the end but I just controlled all the inside lines and took another race win.

I ended the day 1st Overall which was a great result as I made hard work of it with my problems in the first race but I turned it around to bring home another 1st overall.

I am really starting to enjoy my racing again and starting to generate a good string of results together, so again a Big Thank you to everyone for their support through the 2010 season and Vanessa Palmer for the pictures.
Polesworth at Stipers Hill 22nd August 2010
Pics by Pippa Instan
With the heavy rain over the last few days, I decided to ride at the Polesworth Circuit. it was the best idea, as even as an all-weather track, the Polesworth Circuit was looking very boggy in places but with the sunny weather forcasted  for Sunday's racing, I knew it would quickly dry out and get rough. My old mates from the ACU Martyn and Dale Raynor, had got one day licences to ride today, so I was looking forward to battling like the old times

Practice
The Experts were out for first session so it was mud bath time. I managed to sort out some lines through the session ready for the races but It was still going to be hard work for the first few races until the track had dried out, but I got cleaned up ready for the day racing ahead.

Race One
I got off to a good start, I moved passed Locke to be in second behind Raynor. I could see that he was struggling with the conditions so I made an outside pass on him to take the lead. I settled into a good pace for a few laps but I lost my front brake and then I was the one struggling and Raynor made the pass back on me relegating me to second position but I kept him in my sights but had to settle for second at the end of the race.
Race Two
I got off to another great start and managed to get into the lead early and push hard, the track had now dried out a lot but there were some nasty holes and bump now around the circuit. On the half way point, I landed hard in one of the holes and managed to tweek my handlebars. It was quite difficult to make some of the corners but I continued on to take the race win.

Race Three
I managed to get another good start but I was pushed out in the first turn but I quickly moved to the outside of the pack in front of me to be behind Raynor and a double entered Joe Bel Dusso. I pushed to pass Raynor but Del Busso was making himself as wide as the track but Raynor moved passed him to take the lead after a few laps.

I needed to make the pass also on Del Busso but again I was forced many times to change lines and back off the throttle as Del Busso was weaving across the track but I was now getting angry as I could see Raynor starting to pull away. Del Busso continued to ride defensive and I tried everything to make a pass but I was now starting to struggle as I was having to use all the rougher lines and chose to settle for second position as Del Busso was not rewarded his result and Raynor winning the race.
I ended the day in second position overall, two points behind Raynor but with Del Busso holding me up in race three, I feel that I may have changed the result but that's old news now but I was happy with my riding through the day and showed good speed.

A big Thank You to everyone support through the 2010 season.
Wem at Tunstall Hall Farm 15th August 2010
Pics by Vanessa Palmer and Pippa Instan
It has been a busy weekend for me, on Saturday I went to support Becki with her Showjumping at Whitchurch, which for her first BSJA British Novice, she rode really well and showed that with a little bit more time they will be a great partnership.

On Sunday I took advantage of the FOCH system and decided to ride at Tunstall Hall hosted by Wem MXC. With heavy rain showers through the week and on Saturday night, the track was looking very heavy going but the track lay out looked really good so I was looking forward to the day ahead.
Practice
The circuit was as I thought from looking at it, very heavy going for the bike so I looked for the dryer lines but felt that if there was no more rain through the day the track would soon dry out and change.

Race One
I didn't really get a good jump out of the gate but I managed to weave my way through inside the top 10, the track had changed a lot from the practice session and it took me a few laps to get my lines sorted. I moved into 4th position but there was a section of rolling wave whoops which I had a superman moment over them but managing to keep it on two wheels. I continued on trying to pass the riders in front of me and was now in second but with only a few laps left I tried hard to close in on Chris Neesam but I just run out of time and had to settle for 2nd position.
Race Two
The track had now dried out a lot more and was starting to get very rough. I managed to get a better start and quickly got myself into the lead and I felt really good and managed to pull a small gap on Neesam in second. I then threw the lead away by hitting a stone in a right hand turn causing the front end to wash away, I quickly re-mounted my MarchantMx Honda but now in second.

I again gave chase to Neesam but lapped riders were causing problems for me and it was a yo-yo affect, I would close the gap then loose time again and ended the race in 2nd position.

Race Three
I went into the last race determined for a win to finish off the day and I shot out the gate and by lap one I had moved into the lead. I pushed really hard to put in some quick laps and was pulling away from the rest of the field lap after lap. I found some smoother lines and continued a fast pace until the end of the race finally picking up the win.
I ended the day second overall, I felt a little disappointed as the mistake in the second race would have given me the overall but that is Motocross for you, but I was happy with my speed as It was the first time at the Tunstall circuit so I managed to progress through the day.

A big Thank You to everyone's support through the 2010 season.
Wolves at Hungry Hill 8th August 2010
It was the final Motocross meeting to be hosted by Wolverhampton and District at the Hungry Hill Circuit. I felt there were mixed feelings in the paddock about the loss of circuit, my views of the situation is we have probably the most hard working group of people in a club and this situation will not change anything, It has always been our aim to put on the best meetings in the AMCA so it doesn't matter where we end up in 2011, I know that all of our efforts will not change.

Still having a problem with our grading equipment, Mick did his best to prepare the track the best he could and with the lads watering on Saturday night and Sunday morning, it was all set for a good day's racing for our last meeting of 2010.

Practice
I  felt really good on the bike around the circuit, I have been trying to finish the season on a high so I was looking for a repeat of last weeks racing at Branston. I ended the session strong and looked forward to the racing ahead.
Race One
I got off to a good start and was in second position behind Ashley Locke. The circuit was still a little damp in some places so I took my time and made the pass for the lead. I pushed to gap the rest of the MX1 Experts and the last part of the race, I just rode around at a steady pace to finally take the win.

Race Two
I didn't get the best of starts as J Dub and me was rubbing shoulders out of the gate and I was down in fifth position so I set to work to get to the front. I made a pass on Livesey and Williams and then set to work on Matthew Rudd and Locke, I quickly made the passes on them both then again pushed on through the race to take another race win.

Race Three
I got another good start and was in third behind Locke and Brandrick, I pushed my way passed Brandrick on lap one and out powered Locke down the bottom straight, I decided to push a little harder through the race to gap the rest of the riders and pulled about 20 seconds on Locke in second. I started to feel happy I was back to my old form again and took the maximum wins on the day.

I finished the day 1st overall and took the last race win on the Hungry Hill circuit. My Dad also raced today in the One Day Licence Race and I have to admit he did great! he hasn't raced for well over a decade and that was only a dad's race in the schoolboy's. I thought he did his self proud.

Thank you to everyone behind me and the MarchantMx team in 2010 and also thank you to Vanessa Palmer for all her pictures of me through the season.
Burntwood at Branston 1st August 2010
It has been a busy week on the bike with me doing some Mx training with Jordan. We made a trip to Wildmoor on Wednesday and the plan was to go over J4M54 on Saturday but it was closed so we headed back to Wildmoor. I felt ready for a good day as we made our way to Branston hosted by the Burntwood Barracudas. With the MX1 IMBA and MX2 AMCA Championship round, it was going to be a fully packed day. We arrived at the circuit, which looked to have had a lot of water put down on the ground so I got ready for my practice session.

Practice
I felt really good and the conditions of the circuit were now good and, with the added help of a brand new rear tyre, I was able to be a little sharper on the throttle, I ended the session happy and looking forward to the races.

Race One
I lined up on the gate next to Charlie Hollis, knowing he is probably the best starter in the AMCA, so I shot out the gate alongside Hollis going elbow to elbow into the first turn. I went wide as Hollis was on the inside of me and he managed just to nip in front of me so I put the pressure on Hollis for the first lap and then Hollis made a big mistake on lap 2 handing me the lead. I pushed a steady pace for the rest of the race putting a gap between me and Joe Wright who was now in second eventually taking the race win.

Race Two
I got another good jump off the gate but the front wheel lifted slightly causing me to ease off the throttle and giving Hollis the holeshot. I pushed hard behind him on the first lap and made a pass on him taking the lead but I made a small mistake over the top rolling whoops going off the track, so I quickly re-joined the circuit behind Hollis. It was a battle between me and Hollis for the rest of the race, I tried several times to make a pass on Hollis but he just closed the door, but it was a race to the chequered flag but just missed out on the win by 0.184 of a second.

Race Three
It was the last race of the day and with it now late in the day a lot of riders ahad opted to not race. I got the holeshot and pushed to gap the other Experts and with the track now very polished and rough, I just used my head through the race to just to maintain my lead to take my first 1st overall of the season.

I am really happy the way the day went and hopefully I can continue my good riding for the rest of the season and finish it on a lot of positives.

Thank you to everyone supporting me and the MarchantMx team through the 2010 season.  
Burton at Stenson 26th July 2010
It was a trip up the A38 to Stenson where the Burton Motocross Club was hosting this weeks racing. We arrived so I went to have a look at the circuit as people had said that changes had been made, at the same time, still trying to get my head around the meeting having a round of the AMCA Sidecar Championship. it is really hard for a solo to pass each other around the circuit so It would take a lot of balls and determination for them to get past but the track looked ok and water had been put down ready for practice. I decided to double enter into the MX2 races as the race lengths were being cut down as the first aid cover was delayed, which intefered with the start of the meeting.

Practice
Eventually the First Aid arrived and I got on to the circuit but on lap two my chain on my bike broke causing me to miss the rest of the session but my opinion of the track up to that point was it didn't quite flow and passing was made even harder due to the changes, but I felt I had the speed to try and make it a good day.

Race One
I got a great jump out of the gate but then Cannings came across running into me but I gave him the elbow and forced him away but I got to the first turn in first but then the my unlucky streak continued and I lost the rear end of the bike causing me to go down. I was hit a few times but I quickly got on my feet and re-mounted. I pushed hard to catch and pass the riders in front of me and managed to pull back inside the top ten but with a rider falling straight in front of me, I had to re-mount the Marchantmx Honda and continued on but with the race only being 10 minutes long, it stopped my gallop and I had to settle for 8th position.

Race Two
With me racing in the MX2 race in between my races, I had a little bit of an advantage of the way lines had developed and I got another good start in 3rd position behind Bass and Nessam. I was struggling to find a way past the guys in front as they where banging bar in every corner, so I sat behind them but Cannings was on my rear wheel and made a pass stick on me. I managed to get passed Bass but Nessam and Cannings had gaped me so I pushed hard to close in on them but by the last lap, I was right on Nessam but a backmarkers spoiled a pass and I finally finished in 3rd position.

Race Three
I again got a good start but i was a bit to conservative around the first turn and I lost a place moving me down to 3rd position but not wanting a repeat of the second race, I quickly made a pass on Bass and moved me behind Cannings. I pushed hard for the race keeping Cannings in my sights and pulling away from Bass. I finally finished the race in 2nd position. I had finished 3rd overall on the day due to my bad first race but I have got a lot of positives and my riding is starting to speed up which is something I have been working hard to change over the last few months, so I will continue with the programme I have set myself and hopefully I can get back to my old self. Thank you to everyone backing me and the team for the 2010 season.
Wolves at Hungry Hill 18th July 2010
It has been a rough couple of weeks for me, I picked up another injury to my elbow in the first race of the Wolverhampton AMCA Championship Round so I decided to take a week off to let it recover. It was then a trip to Shobdon, Herefordshire for another round of the AMCA Championship, the day didn't quite go to plan and ended the day in 19th overall.

This weekend was my home club meeting at Hungry Hill. The rain leading up to the meeting helped with the track conditions and a little watering at the start of the meeting, made for another great day of racing for everyone.
 
Race One
I got tangled up and was nearly last by the time I got to the first turn but by the first lap, I had moved into 11th position. I pushed hard through the rest of the race but by the time I had moved into 6th position, there was a big gap between me and the 5th placed rider. I continued to close in on the pack in front but just ran out of time and had to settle for 6th position.

Race Two
I got off to a good start and was in 4th position. I made a pass on Jack Bas for 3rd position but I lost my front end of the bike and went down taking Jack with me. I quickly re-mounted and started to push my way back through the pack but again I lost my front end and had to re-mount, so I pulled in to see my dad to check out if everything was ok. I continued to ride hard through the rest of the race but could only manage 14th position.

Race Three
I got off to another bad start as my gate didn't drop properly so I had to push hard to make up the places but on lap three my front tyre was going flat so I just had to ride conservative to end the race in 6th position.

The day overall wasn't great and ended 9th overall. I had pushed hard all day but just had to deal with some situations but I showed some good speed and fitness so hopefully I can keep my head down and keep on generating more speed through the next few weeks.

Thank you to everyone supporting me and the MarchantMx team through the 2010 season.
AMCA MX1 Championship Rd 5 at Hungry Hill
Pic by Mike Wood
With the hottest day recorded so far this year, It was going to be hard work for all of the Wolverhampton Club but If anyone could pull of a good meeting against the odds we could. The Hungry Hill circuit was prepared and with a heavy watering session on Saturday night, the track was now ready for a good days racing, Saturday evening was ended with another excellent Firework display.

There had been some more watering early Sunday morning in places as the ground had dried out overnight, I felt relaxed and with all the support from people around me being my home group, I was looking forward to the racing ahead.

Qualifying
The track was in perfect condition and lines started to develop fast. I got a few fast laps in at the start of the timing session and then came into the waiting zone to get a drink. I continued for another few laps and ended the session 15th fastest.


Race One
I got off to a good start but I got hung up in the first turn and lost a few places so I tried to get back passed the MX1 riders in front of me but on lap 3 I had a big crash around the long left hand sweeper. I managed to hit a stake with my right elbow and arm. I got my breath back and remounted but my arm was hurting me a lot, so I continued to circulate to pick up some points.

Race Two
I was struggling to move my elbow but I tried to put the pain to the back of my mind but It was hard as I was feeling every bump around the Hungry Hill circuit. I moved up places but also lost places through the race and by the end of the race I was down in a disappointed 20th position.

Race Three
I continued to struggle through this race and with a watering session before our race due to to dust developing, I was riding very carefully and ended the race in 17th position.

I ended the day hurt and disappointed with me not completing 70% of the race I was awarded with no points so with a total of 45 points through the day I was 25th overall. I felt gutted after the first race crash as I have now picked up another injury but I am taking this weekend off to re-group and hopefully I can turn my luck around at the next AMCA Championship at Shobdon, Herefordshire.

The Wolverhampton Club can be all proud of all their efforts as the meeting was another well organised and successful event.

Thank you to everyone for all your support through this difficult and testing season.
AMCA MX1 Championship Rd 4 at Nympsfield
I was looking forward to racing on the Nympsfield circuit, It is a good natural circuit with a lot of man made jumps to suit the circuit's layout. The track had been well watered ready for a good day's racing. I got things all set ready for the Qualifying session.

Qualifying
I took it a little steady for the first few laps of practice due to some places on the circuit being a little tricky, I managed to do a few fast laps but both laps I had small errors which showed in my lap times and at the end of the session I was 24th fastest.

Race One
I got off to a great start and followed Saunders into the first turn, I continued to push hard to stay inside the top 10, but on lap 3 I had a nightmare lap and lost a lot of places. I continued to struggle through the race fighting with my bike due to keep losing traction from my rear and front wheels. I eventually ended the race in a disappointed 19th position.

Race Two
I made a few changes to the bike due to my problems in the first race, but I didn't get off to a very good start and was outside of the top 20 so I tried to push hard through the riders in front of me but the dust was now quite bad. I managed to pass a few riders but with still just short of 8 minutes plus a lap left the red flag was shown and the race was awarded with me down in 21st position.

Race Three
I got another good start and I was inside the top 15, I had Glen Phillips behind me so I pushed hard to keep him behind me, I managed to pick up some new lines off Phillips and kept him a few seconds in front of me but on a very tight left hand corner, I lost traction with my rear wheel spinning me around and falling a little funny, pulling my groin. I re-mounted but I was struggling and on the last lap I fell again, finally ending the race in 30th position.

I was 24th overall on the day, after the first race start I thought I could pull back some good points but so far this season I am unable to deliver, but I will keep chipping away over the rest of the season. It will be my home group AMCA Championship round next weekend so hopefully I can use the support and give you all something to cheer for.

Thank you to everyone supporting me through the 2010 season.
AMCA MX1 Championship Rd 3 at Woodford
Pic by Mike Wood
This weekend was the start of a string of MX1 Championship rounds which I have to say is so stupid, but we made our way to Woodford in Corby.

If anyone reading this has raced on the circuit they will understand that a Championship should not be run on this venue, it is so tight and one lined you have to put your neck on the line to make a pass.

It didn't work a couple of years ago but I feel that the AMCA are just happy to just take our money and  run the meeting to whoever wants to put on them on.

It is so gutting that with the calibre of riders now racing in the Championship that the AMCA still decide to use tracks like this.

Well on to the racing, as I looked at the circuit not a lot had changed from the last time I raced, other than a few jumps so with the MX1 Championship riders out first I went to get ready for the qualifying session.

Qualifying
the overnight rain had made the track a little tricky in places but through the session the lap times got quicker and not being able to get a clear lap, I had to settle for 22nd fastest by the end of the session. I felt I had a little more speed but it was all about the starts.
Race One
(RESTART) My start wasn't as good as the first attempt but I tried to get around the riders in front of me but I went down on a tight right hand turn, I remounted but I was last place and with the front of the bike twisted, I just didn't feel comfortable around the circuit so I just rode around to finish for the points in 30th position.

Race Two
(RESTART) I managed to get a better start sitting in 14th position. I pushed hard through the race and was feeling comfortable riding at the quick pace and gained and lost positions, I had to keep it tidy as on the last few laps, I had Shaun Pearce right on my rear mudguard, I finally finished in 16th position.

Race Three
I didn't get a good jump off the gate but I switched lines and managed to get myself into around mid pack but I got collected in the second turn pile up. I quickly tried to remount but another MX1 bike was stuck in my bike so I kept the engine running until it was removed and I carried on the chase. I managed to close down on the MX1 riders and made my way up to 18th position behind Sam Hyde and Aran Agius but I ran out of time to make a pass on them.

I ended the day in 19th position overall. I tried through the day but my effort was not shown in my results but I got through the day safe not like a few of the other rider due to the restarts, I can continue on to next week sitting in 23rd position in the standings and hope for some good results.

Thank You to everyone supporting me and the team through the 2010 season.
Kinver at Upton Court 6th June 2010
With the Foch system available for this weekend, I decided to ride at Upton Court. I haven't raced here since 2007, most of the circuit looked the same. The water was being laid down on the circuit as the ground still looking very dry and hard underneath. I double entered into the MX2 class just to get a little more bike time and increase my bike fitness for the championship

Practice
I rode around the Upton Court circuit it was a little greasy in some of the corners but the bike and myself was feeling good so I was looking forward to the day's racing ahead.

Race One
I had a shocking start and I was buried in about 20th position, I made a lot of passes on the the first lap but I was pushing hard as I knew the track was very fast but I made a mistake in one of the turns trying to pass a couple of riders around the outside and went down, but the rekluse clutch kept the MarchantMx Honda running and I was able to continue just loosing one place. I made my way through the MX1 riders but could only manage to finish in 7th position by the end of the race.

Race Two
I just wasn't able to get the start dialed in and again I had a lot of MX1 riders in front of me, so I took a deep breath and went on a charge. I was struggling as the dust was now getting very thick so I kept my head and battled on but could only manage to get 6th position as a last minute pass for 5th position didn't happen.

Race Three
I got off to a better start but still not where I should have been, but I continued to try and push to the front but I was struggling and felt I was being slowed down by the riders in front. I made the pass on Robin Davies and then set to work on Sam Callow and then lined up Rob Crowe but a mistake by Simon Gower made me run wide and it was another lap before I could secure the pass into 2nd position behind Si White. It was now the last lap due to the race being cut down so I made a charge on White and took the lead briefly but a small mistake gave Si a second chance and I knew it was going to be hard to make another pass so I hammered it around the outside of Si but I lost the rear of the MarchantMx Honda but I quickly reacted and remounted to finally end in 2nd position.  

I finally ended the day in 4th position overall. I was happy with my race pace and speed through the day as I was the fastest rider on the day but my starts let me down. I will have to sort out my problems and hopefully I can pull out all the stops to get some good championship results for me the team and everyone giving their support.
Wolverhampton May Bank Holiday Weekend
30th & 31st May 2010
Sunday
I had last week off racing due to my continuing shoulder problem which was starting to affect my racing due to the pain, so I visited my friend John Salt, a sports massage therapist, and with only a few sessions before this weekend, It was a tester to see if all the work he had done has worked. I felt 100% and even at the end of the races I felt strong enough to go on for longer so I have had a big weight off my shoulders.

I had terrible starts all over weekend and had to battle my way through the Expert riders, making passes and battling through the dust to finally come out with a 2nd overall behind Cannings, with a 4th and two 3rd positions. So I was happy with my performance and had to work hard through the day, on and off the track, due to Wolverhampton putting on the weekend of racing.

Monday
I stopped overnight and me and the other Wolverhampton members and committee worked hard into the night to prepare the track for Monday's race meeting and the track was in good condition and with just the right amount of water put on the circuit, it made the Hungry Hill circuit grippy.

I got off to one of the best starts of the weekend and made a quick pass on Jack Bass to take the lead and I could feel everyone around the circuit supporting me but on lap 3 I twisted my foot and was struggling to use the rear brake, so I dropped to 3rd position behind Ryan Morris and Paul Neale by the end of the race. I had a MX2 Expert Hero named Craig Badman that had watched far too much American Motocross and not happy that he nearly knocked me off in one corner, he then moved across on to me, taking my front wheel and forcing me down along the next straight, as you can imagine I was fuming and now near the back I battled through the race to recover to 11th position. I had nothing to loose in the last race and with Mr Badman just in front of me, I pushed to make his race a difficult as I could and then gave chase to Ryan Morris for the lead but unfortunately I couldn't make a pass and ended the race in 2nd position. The last result got me into 3rd position overall on the day.

The two day's racing was a success and I have to thank John for all his hard work on my shoulder. I also have to say that the Wolverhampton Members and committee put on another great meeting, The dust got the better of us on day one but we got the balance right for the second day WELL DONE to everyone!

Jordan Pyne came along to race in the Youth 85/150 Championship where he showed great speed and rode through the pain barrier to take two seconds and a win through the day and took away 1st Overall, so well done to Jordan.

Thank you to everyone supporting the Marchantmx team in the 2010 season.
AMCA MX1 Championship Rd 2 at Bromsberrow
16th May 2010
We arrived at the Bromsberrow Circuit, I would have to say that this is not one of my favourite tracks as I broke my foot the last time I raced here so expectations weren't high but I just had to put it behind me and look forward to the day ahead.

Qualifying
I rode around the nice and smooth track as the MX1 Championship was first out, so I felt a early lap would be needed as the track was deteriorating lap after lap. I posted a few laps and ended the session in 20th position, I was happy with the session as I felt I could still get a good gate pick for the races.

Race One
I didn't get the best of starts and was buried in the back of the pack but I pushed hard to pass as many riders in front of me as I could and had moved into 21st position behind David Campbell. Then, on lap two, I hit a bump which sent me endowing into the rear of Campbell and hitting the deck. I picked up the bike and the front end was twisted badly, so I pulled into see my dad who straightened the front up the best he could and I continued to chase back down the pack and by the end of the race I had moved into 29th position.

Race Two
I got a better start this time but lost a lot of places in the second turn but I pushed hard and lap after lap I moved through the MX1 riders but I jared my shoulder and with still 5 minutes plus a lap left, I soldiered on and ended the race in 18th position.

Race Three
I had to end the day on a high and I got into the best position of the day and then my bad luck struck again and the bike developed a gearbox problem and I was forced to pull out of the race. I was gutted and then the race was red flagged due to an accident but I was not able to continue due to only having one bike so we packed the bike away, very disappointed.

Again another disappointing Championship round for me and my Dad. I can only hope that my luck can turn around for the rest of the AMCA Championship series.

I have to thank everyone that is behind me and the Marchantmx team in the 2010 season.
Coalville at Coleorton 9th May 2010
It has been about 7 years since I last rode the Coleorton circuit, It didn't look like it had really changed much but it is a little tight in places but overall it is a good race circuit. I had received my new Fox kits in the week supplied by FeehilyMx so I got myself changed into them and got ready for the practise session.

Practise
I rode around the Coleorton circuit and tried to get some lines and a good feel of the bike but with the track now drying up in places there was a good chance more water was going to be put onto the circuit. I felt my speed was good so it was just all about the starts.

Race One
I lined up next to my fellow Wolverhampton MX1 rider Rich Tudor, I got a great jump off the gate but I some how cut over to the right causing problems for Tudor (Sorry Mate!) but I recoved and was in fourth position so I kept my head down and charged past Locke and Summerton and pushed with Cannings to gap the other MX1 riders, but a hard landing off the down hill ski jump jard my right shoulder which I broke the end of the 2009 season, so I just kept it together to end the race in 2nd position.

Race Two
I got another good gate and was in 3rd position behind Tunnicliffe and Cannings so I quickly made a pass on Tunnicliffe and charged with Cannings for most of the race but I had to settle for 2nd position again behind a very fast Richard Cannings.

Race Three
I got a shocking start and was down in the top 10 but I pushed hard to get past the riders in front and was in 3rd position behind Summerton and he was riding all the right lines and closing the door on every passing move but on a few laps from the end I made a pass stick and ended the race in 2nd position.
I ended the day 2nd overall, I was happy with my performance but still need to improve on my overall speed but with a little more confidence I feel it will all click into place.

Thank you to Vanessa for the pictures and also to everyone supporting me and the team in 2010.

AMCA MX1 Championship at Hawkstone Park
2nd May 2010
The first AMCA Championship was finally on me and with heavy overnight rain, the Hawkstone circuit looked to be in good condition. Mike Keenan had organised a big KRM truck for me and Brad O'leary but with a postal problem, I wasn't able to get my new Fox Racing kit and new plastics to mount my 2010 graphics on them, so I decided to not display my bike due to this problem. I was disappointed with the situation but these things sometimes happen.

Qualifying
The track was a little wet in areas but it had been prepared really good so lines developed fast through the session, the Timing Board was shown and I went for a fast but safe lap which was a 2:21 which put me in 19th fastest.
I came in the pits for a drink and went out again for another lap but the track was now very rough so that lap was my fastest and kept me in 19th position.

Race One
I lined up on the gate but got bad wheel spin with it being a concrete start and was at the very back but I pushed hard through the first lap and moved inside the top 20. But then I lost my front end in the last corner and got a common Hawkstone soil sample and I dropped a lot of places. I re-mounted the MarchantMx and pushed hard to recover some places back through the race but on the last few laps, with me now struggling with my fitness, I made another mistake and ended the race down in 29th position.

Race Two
With a bad first race I was hoping to get off to a better start so I lined up next to O'leary but again I got a little too much wheel spin and was buried in the pack but again I dodged trouble in the first few turns and me and Aran Agius banged bars for a few laps. I made the pass stick and continued to pass the riders in front of me to move into 16th position behind Neesam but again I was starting to struggle with my fitness and dropped back over the last few laps and finally finished down in 24th position.

Race Three
With the day not really going to plan, we made a few changes to the bikes suspension to try and help me out around the rough demanding Hawkstone circuit. I got off to a better start but again it was manic through the first few turns and then a rider went down in front and I couldn't avoid him and this nearly sent me over the handlebars. I was now riding winded and struggling to breath but I kept on going and moved inside the top 20 but again I still struggled to breath so I lost places lap after lap finally finishing in 25th position.

I finished the day in 25th position overall with 45 points, I was disappointed with my results on the day but I know what I need to do to change things. I am going to work hard over the next couple of weeks before the next round at Bromsberrow and hopefully I can turn things around.

A big thank you to everyone that is supporting the MarchantMx team through the 2010 season.


Derby at Allport Heights 25th April 2010
There was a lot of doubt about whether I would be racing this week due to a gearbox problem on the bike at Hobbs Hole, but on Saturday the parts for the bike finally landed so I set to work getting the engine back together and back into the bike. It was a relief when the bike was all back together running.

I arrived at the Allport Heights circuit, the first view of the track looked to be a nice natural circuit so I was looking forward to ridimg the track as it had an old school look to it.

Practice
I rode around the circuit for the first few laps steady and run through the gears but this was a problem as the track was just not flowing, so I just put the bike in 3rd gear and rode around getting some lines ready for the races.

Race One
I managed to get a good start and was in second behind Rob Fox, with him being a club member I thought it would be good to follow his lines but I now had Dale Halls breathing down my neck. He forced his way through on the inside of me and, now in third position, I just started to apply the pressure on Fox. A mistake by Halls put me back into second and then I made a pass on Fox for the lead, I tried to ride to defend my lines but Halls made another pass on me so I held on to second till the end.

Race Two
I didn't get the start I wanted and was sitting in fourth and with the track being tight and now very dusty, it was hard to pass the riders in front. I picked them off but Halls was now a few corners in front so I continued to keep it on two wheels but Fox was now also pressuring me but I kept it tight and held off Fox, even with a flashing management light on the dash on the last lap, and came home in second position.

Race Three
I got out of the gate fast but Tunnicliffe just pipped me to the holeshot so I took the inside line to try and get a early pass on Tunnicliffe but I was then forced sidewards as a ktm was locked in my back wheel. By the time I had got the bike re-started and a ktm removed, I was about half a lap down so I just pushed hard to catch up and lap after lap I started to move up places and by the end, I had moved into third position but I lost the overall on the day by 2 points so happy with my efforts on the day but just fell short at the finish.

The day was good but I think the Derby club will have to revise the track layout and watering aids, as the weather was working for them today but we all know how Mother nature can bite you on the ass! but the meeting was run smooth and efficiently.

It's the big one this weekend at Hawkstone with the 1st round of the AMCA championship so with a full line up of good racers, it is going to be a hard year!

A big Thank you to everyone that is supporting me and Team MarchantMx through the 2010 season.  
Burntwood at Branston 11th April 2010

With a change to the weather this week it had all planned out for the Barracudas for a good meeting at the Branston circuit. I arrived at the circuit and set up next to the Wolverhampton Crew where there was a new addition, young Bradley Tudor. I went to check out the track conditions and was informed that the track was going to be run the oppisite way around which I have never rode, so it was all going to be a little different for practise.

Practice
I took a good look at the track and after a few laps I was able to get a good feel of the circuit, with the bike now sorted after the last couple of weeks having a few minor problems with it, I was all set for the racing.

Race One
I didn't get a good place on the gate due to a high peg number so I lined up on the very inside gate. I got a good start but was pushed out of the first corner and was outside the top 10 but I was still not sure on my lines around the circuit and it was taking me too long to past the riders in front of me. By the halfway point, I was in 5th position with a big gap behind me and a big gap to fourth place so I just had to settle for 5th position. I wasn't very pleased with the result but I knew I had a more to give for the second race.
Race Two
With the performance of race one behind me, I was hoping for a good race and as I jumped out of the gate with good pace, I was just pipped for the holeshot by Richard Cannings. I tried to hang on to his back mudguard as long as I could but he was riding on another level today and soon gapped me, but I didn't let this bug me too much. I just kept plugging away but lapped riders was becoming a problem and by the last lap, Pete Weaver had managed to close the gap on me and then on the last lap a lapped rider forced me out causing Weaver to slip past me. I didn't give up and on a few corners till the end, the same lapped rider took Weaver wide and I slipped on the inside only to have Weaver hit me but I managed to stay upright but unfortunately Weaver fell down giving me back 2nd position.

Race Three
I needed another good gate and that was what I got and was in second position exiting the second corner again. I tried hard to keep on Cannings and I felt good and started to gap the third position rider but again I was having trouble with the lapped riders. You could say that I am a little out of practice with dealing with them but just the nature of the Branston circuit was making it hard, but I kept my head down and managed to hold on to the 2nd position by the end of the race.

Overall I was in 2nd position which I am very happy with, and with only a few more weeks till the first AMCA MX1 Championship, I have finally started to pick up my pace. I still have improvements but I will come out next week with a little more confidence.

Thank you to every one behind the MarchantMx team and thanks to Vanessa Palmer for the pictures. 
Cannock at Abbotts Bromley 28th March 2010
Coming into this weekend's racing, I was feeling a bit under par with Man Flu! but rather then sit it out, I put it to the back of my head and continued to the Abbotts Bromley circuit hosted by Cannock MXC. I arrived at Abbotts Bromley where I set up along side the Palmer family and went to have a look at the track and sign on.

Practice
The track was very grippy as I found out on the second lap when I wheeled out a right hand turn only to loose control and get thrown over the hand bars. I remounted but the bike was twisted so I rode it back to the van to sort it out for the races.

Race One
I felt a little fragile after my fall in practice but with the bike now straight I lined up on the start line. I got a bad start so I tried to push forward but I was struggling with the bike and also my body, so I rode around to get some new lines and ended the race in 13th position. I was undecided whether to call it a day as I wasn't well but I made a few changes to the bike for the next race.

Race Two
I got off to a better start and soon moved into 5th position passing Jack Jones and then pushed to catch Robert Fox and I made a pass on him but I just ran out of energy and dropped back into 5th position. I was disappointed but felt I had one more race in me.

Race Three
I got off to a good start and was in 5th position behind Jack Bas so I quickly passed him around the outside and chased after Pete Weaver. I kept him in sight and settled in to the steady pace and then at the half way point Cannings had made a mistake and was struggling to start his machine, so I took advantage to move into 3rd position. I pushed my pace and started to gain on Weaver and on the last lap I was on him but on the last corner of the track a lapped rider had crashed so I had to back off and end the race in 3rd position.

I managed to recover to 4th position overall which was a good effort to say how I was feeling but I will continue to gain more bike time and hopefully I can get back up to speed. Thank You to everyone who is supporting the Marchantmx Team for the 2010 season.  
Burton at Stenson 21st March 2010
This week I went mid week testing with Mel from MTR Motocross and also Jamie Dobson to get the bike setup ready for the Championship. It was a good day overall and I learned a lot about the new fuel injection set up, I am also starting to get to get used to the Rekluse clutch.

On Sunday I travelled over to Stenson hosted by Burton MXC, the track had been changed over the winter and It looked a lot better, so I got the bike and myself ready for the start of the meeting.

Practice
I started off in practice behind Jack Jones. I felt good and the new track sections was working well so I just did a few laps and went back to the van as track conditions would certainly be different for the races.

Race One
I was lightening out of the gate last week at Little Bowen MX, so I was going to try and do the same things but I made a big mistake on the start gate. When putting my leg down, I must have knocked the bike out of gear so when the gate dropped I was left on the gate with me just revving,  so I quickly dropped into gear and chased after the other riders. I rode around the outside of a few riders but on landing off the first jump, I was smashed in the face which broke off one side of my roll off systems, so I was forced to loose my goggles on lap one. I pushed hard to chase down the MX1 riders and moved up into 6th position but my left eye had took a few knocks and in a boggy section, after a table top, I cross rutted myself and hit the deck! Thanks to my Rekluse clutch, the bike continued to run so I remounted in 8th position and that was where I finished, I was a little disappointed with the result.

Race Two
I got off to a flyer and took the holeshot. I pushed hard and with the track now dry I could use a lot more of the track and look for smoother lines. I started to get a little arm pump so I backed off to get some oxygen back into my body and by the end of the race, Rob Fox had closed in on me but I kept my lines tight and took the race win, I was happy with the result.

Race Three
I got off to another great start but I was pushed a little wide in turn one but I squared the bike up and powered past James Shand and moved into the lead. I again started to push for a gap between me and Shand but on the 4th lap I started to have problems so I decided to continue but had to change my riding of the bike, but this made me a lot slower so I dropped to 4th position by the end of the race.   

I ended the day in 4th Overall a little disappointed with the way the day went but I will keep my head down and work hard to get back to my pace.

REMEMBER! MarchantMx and MxHollis Moto-x Training day Good Friday 2nd April 2010 at J4M54. Click on the Training Link for more Info.
Northampton at Little Bowden 14th March 2010
It has been a while since I last raced and a little bike problem at Polesworth saw me having to wait until this weekend at Little Bowden Mx before I would be able to gauge myself against the competition. We arrived at the hillside circuit which looked in good condition, and with good competition as well I went and got myself ready as I was the first out.

Practice
I took a good look at the circuit as I have never raced here before so I got a good feel of the circuit and the bike, which I have to say was awesome which gave me a lot of confidence going into the races.

Race One
I got a great jump off the gate and went into the first turn in second place behind James Russell but he was very fast around the course so I just kept him in my sights. I pushed hard but I started to fade and was soon having Hookman and Mekin beathing down my neck, I made a few mistakes which moved me down into 4th position, so I just rode behind them until the end of the race.

Race Two
I had another great start and myself and Russell went into the first turn together but I couldn't match his speed but I pulled a gap on Mekin and Hookman and felt a lot more comfortable with the circuit but again I started to fade. I still tried to keep it together but about a few laps from the end I was forced into 4th position again and that was my end result.

Race Three
Again I had a good jump but lifted slightly causing Russell and Jack Bass ahead of me but I quickly passed Bass moving me into 2nd position again, I was feeling very weak and soon Hookman and Mekin soon made a pass on me moving me down to 4th position. I continued to push as hard as I could but with the sun now causing problems with glare, I cross rutted myself flipping me over the handlebars. I quickly re-mounted and had just lost a place. I made the pass into 4th position again and kept it together till the chequered flag.
I ended the day 4th overall, a good result as I have only had limited time on the bike, so hopefully with a little more meetings behind me I can start to gain more speed and fitness.

Thank you for everyone that is backing Team Marchantmx for the 2010 season.
Wilden Lane 7th February 2010
It has been a long time from when I had my accident back in October and 5 months since then I have been getting my shoulder and thumb physically strong and with the weather as well becoming a problem, I finally got to go on my Marchantmx Honda CRF 450. I chose to ride Wilden Lane (today I wish I probably hadn't) the track was boggy in places but with the engine tweeds by MTR, the bike was pulling great. The aim of the day was just to get a good feel of the bike with its new Rekluse slipper clutch and see how the injuries felt.

Practice
I was a bit nervous so I just rode around but I was struggling already with my arm pumping up. I just tried to breath and relax as much as I could but by the end I was like Popeye, but the shoulder and thumb seemed to be strong.

Race One
I got an OK gate and was in the top 10 but after about the fifth lap, I was struggling again with my arms but I knew this was going to happen with the long time off, so I pulled over and got my breath back and tried to relax my arms and then continued on till the end of the race.

Race Two
I let them all go off the line and carried out a practise start and then continued to ride around the now rough Wilden Lane circuit. I managed to get back some places but I wasn't pushing too hard but again I was suffering with arm pump, so I pulled over to get it all back together and continued on but I got a bit cross rutted in a boggy section and was soon off the bike. I landed right on my injured shoulder but It was OK, this was a good indication that there was no need to worry about it anymore and was like a monkey off my back.

Race Three
I decided to take time to do some practise starts as my methods were going to have to change due to the slipper clutch, so I did about 5-6 starts in different gear and finally got a happy selection and continued around the track for a few more laps before pulling out.

Overall
I think that I have made a steady progress through the day with my bike and body, so I will be working hard each week to get back to my form.

I would like to say a big Thank you to all the people that have been behind me through the last tough couple of years and hopefully 2010 can be my turning point to prove myself.