2011 Results......... check them out on Maylaps.
2011 Season round up
Another AMCA season is now over and they seem to come and go faster every year. The 2011 season has been a good season overall with the Domestic Meetings managing to rack up the race wins and also overalls. I chose to pull out of the AMCA championship this year as I felt that the efforts of the clubs along with the greed of the AMCA, It just was not good enough in 2010 with tracks not up to the same caliibre as the standard of riders.
The changes in 2011 were to ride the MX1 Ametuer class in the British Masters. I have to say that I have enjoyed every meeting I entered but it wasn't without any dramas. I ended the series in 11th position but was not able to score in two rounds; Foxhills and Hawkstone, which I am sure if I had I would have been well inside the top 10.

I didn't quite know what to expect as it was all new to me, the race programme and also the tracks but I am sure that next year I can put the experiences of 2011 season into good use.

I have to say a big Thank you to everyone who has been behind me through the 2011.

Mom and Dad
 FeehilyMx and A5MX
Kestrel Honda
Foto-X and UKXC
Fox Europe
Fro Systems
RaceFx
Rock Oil
J4M54 Practice Track

Also to everyone cheering me on around the circuits and checking out MarchantMx website, another big Thank You has to go to Vanessa Palmer, Nina Payne and Sam Warren for all the pictures through the season.

I will be staying on the Honda 450 for the 2012 season and I will be racing the AMCA domestic meetings and also I will be giving the British Masters another go but I will be a little bit better prepared.

I will also be running a couple of MarchantMx Training days at the start of the year so keep checking on here for the dates. The count down is now on till the start of the New 2012 season and hopefully it will be a good one for us all.
Polesworth 23rd October 2011
Last weekend at Coalville was a nightmare of a day for me. I hurt my wrist and ankle in the first race finishing with a DNF but I tried to put it behind me and pulled off a 4th position in the second race. The last race was cut short after the second lap, where I had a rear wheel puncture, so I was happy to put last weekend behind me and look forward to this weekend racing at Polesworth.
The club had posted some threads over the internet to say how much time and effort had been put into the Polesworth circuit and when we arrived, you could see their efforts; wood chipping had been placed all around the circuit, and I for one am glad to see clubs trying new ideas for their circuit, so I got ready for the practice session for a verdict.

Practice
The Experts had been separated into two groups A and B, which I am not a fan, but with fast riders involved in both groups, it would make some good racing for the people watching. Moving on to the track, it was loose as the wood chipping were causing the bike to slide around and not give you the confidence to power into the corners.

I am sure with time however that the chipping will mix into the soil giving it the grip required. I managed to keep the bike upright and was happy with my pace at the end of the session.

Race One
I got a shocking start and was well done in the positions, but I picked away lap after lap and by the midway point, I was in 5th position. I managed to pass Joe Wright to take his position moving to 4th position behind Williams but I couldn't close the gap in time before the end of the race.

Race Two
This time I made sure I got a good start and moved into the lead on turn two. I pushed hard over the first part of the race to try and build up a lead over the rest of the other riders but Wainwright was closing in on me toward the last few laps of the race.

I tried to keep to my lines and also kept it smooth but on the last lap, Wainwright made a move on me trying to push me off my line but I kept to my line and pushed Wainwright out of the way and ended with him falling off his bike so I took the race win.
Race Three
I again made another good start but Wainwright just pipped me to the first turn. I pushed Wainwright over a couple of laps and the time had come to make a move on him, so I tried a few times and he covered his lines well.

I made a pass on him eventually in the same corner we had a coming together in race two, I pushed hard over the next few laps to try and gap Wainwright and I managed to take another race win of the day.

The day didn't start as I had planned but I made sure it finished the way I planned ending the AMCA season on a high getting first overall on the day.

I would like to say a big Thank You to everyone supporting me through the 2011 season and also to Vanessa Palmer and Sam Warren for all their pictures over the season. Keep checking out the website through the next few month, as an update of plans for the 2012 will be added.
WEM at Tunstall Hall 9th October 2011
With Dad on his Jollies, I have been limited to racing the bike due to making sure I stay injury free as I have to look after the garage on my own. I chose to go practicing over J4M54 and had a blast on the new improved sections of the circuit and great preparation. I had a good day riding with no pressure and Oliver Billingham from OB Edits was over there with his camera so he was able to take some shots of the day.

This weekend I made my way to Tunstall Hall as the circuit is only 20 minutes from my house instead of 1 hour 20 minutes to Allport Height in Derby. The track was hammered with rain through the night and made things very boggy in places but hopefully if we didn't get anymore rain, the track would dry out. I was a little glad that conditions were going to be tricky as It would slow the pace down for the racing.

Practice
I was first out for practice and the conditions were very sloppy but the ground under the slop was hard so you went from having too much grip to nothing but I did a few laps and pulled off the circuit as the track would not be in the same condition when it came to the races. I cleaned up the mess on the bike ready for the first race of the day.

Race One
I got a good start and was in the top 5 but on the first few turns, I got covered with mud and my vision suffered, so I grabbed a tear off but I lost my front wheel and went down, collecting Billy Bayliss a fellow Wolverhampton member. I remounted the bike but I took a little time trying to clean the mud off the grip, lever and glove then continued on. I took it steady as conditions were still tricky and by the end of the race, I had moved through to 9th position.

Race Two
I managed to get another good start and was in fourth position. The track was starting to dry out and getting rough so I kept it tidy and on the dry lines to move past Bayliss into third position. I was struggling through the whoops, wave section and was loosing time but I just wasn't taking any chances today and through the race I was still able to finish in 4th position.

Race Three
The track was now dry so I knew that the pace was going to be the fastest of the day. I got a great start and went into the first turn in second behind Tillotson but I lost a place after the first turn but I quickly re-gained the position back and got into a steady pace. I rode a good strong race and kept the important riders behind me as Martin Jones was on a 250f so his points shouldn't of counted and finished in 3rd position.

I ended the day safe and in one piece, picked up 4th overall on the day. I have to thank everyone who is supporting me through the 2011 season.
Stratford Pyramids at Weatheroak Hill 25th September 2011
It had been several years since I had last raced on this Weatheroak Hill circuit. The rain was falling heavy from the sky when I arrived but on the plus side, the track was dry enough to take a lot of it.

On first glances of the circuit, the track had not changed too much from what I could remember, so fingers were crossed that the rain would stop to save the day.

Practice
I took a steady few laps as conditions was very tricky but I managed to get my head into the Weatheroak circuit and soon started to enjoy the conditions, but I cut my practice short to get the bike cleaned up ready for the first race.

Race One
The grass on the start was very wet and I didn't get the best of starts and was inside the top 10.
The track was still very tricky in places but I managed to get past some riders on the first few turns to move into the top 5.

I slowly used my head and picked off the riders in front of me one by one and eventually took the lead but I was struggling with the lapped riders, who were slowing my progress. So, I just kept my head and rode the right lines to finally win the race.

Race Two
the conditions of the circuit had become very wet and some parts of the circuit had been cut out. I got a great start and went into the first turn in second position behind Dunn but I lost my rear end of the machine and went down.

Luckily, I managed to quickly remount and get myself back past riders quickly and soon moved into third position.
Lee Bayley was in second, as I had taken out most of the MX1 riders at the start, he kept to the best lines to keep me at bay but I soon made a move on Bayley and gave chase to Dunn, who had a big lead on me.

I plugged away for the remaining laps to close in on Dunn and by the last lap, I was right behind him, but I had lost my goggles on the first lap and struggled to keep focused with mud hitting my eyes and I couldn't make a move on the lead and ended the race in second position.

The meeting was cancelled after the second block of races so I took first overall on the day. I think it was a good call from the Stratford Pyramids members as the track was a mess.

Again, I need to say a big thank you to everyone supporting me through the 2011 season and also to Vanessa Palmer for the pictures on the day.
Macclesfield at Warmingham Lane 18th September 2011
Last weekend racing was a big disappointment at Dunston Moto Park. I rode practice and then decided that the track was too dangerous to race on and ended going practicing over J4M54.

Lee had prepared the track to perfection and with some new features to the circuit, a bad day was soon changed to a great day.

This weekend racing saw me travel up to the Warmingham Lane circuit hosted by the Macclesfield MXC.

I have ridden this track a few times this year and I have to say that the track was in the best condition I have ever seen here before and I couldn't wait to get out on the track.

Practice
The track was great to ride and very grippy and I enjoyed every lap, well at least the three we were given. I felt I had a good pace for the racing ahead and I just had to put together three good starts and hopefully it would be a good day.
Race One
I managed to get a good jump off the gate and was in third position behind Pete Weaver and Westley Egan.

They were battling it out over the first few laps and Weaver made the pass on Egan, so I told myself it was time to make a move on them both and I slipped through on the inside of Egan and then chased after Weaver.

I managed to make a clean pass for the lead. It was the halfway point and I was starting to struggle with the steering on the bike and my wrists were starting to hurt and get pins and needles.

I held on to the lead but on the last lap, I was pushed down to second position by Egan.

Race Two
I managed to get a better start this time and was in second position behind Egan. The bike was feeling back to normal thanks to Dad and I quickly made a pass on Egan for the lead and set some good laps to try and gap the rest of the MX1 riders. I couldn't seem to push as hard as I wished, due to the track becoming less grippy, but I just kept it steady and tidy and took the race win.

Race Three
I got a bit bumped off the gate but I still managed to get third position out of the first turn. This race would decide the overall so I quickly moved into second position behind Egan but I didn't go for the pass early and I studied his lines and there was a several second gap between me and third position.

With only a few laps remaining of the race, I made a charge for the lead. I slipped up the inside of Egan to take the lead and I timed it just right as the last lap flag was shown so I just kept it on two wheels and took the race win.

I managed to finish the day with the overall win in the MX1 Experts. It was a smooth run meeting by the Macclesfield MXC and the track held together great.

A big Thank you to everyone supporting me and team through the 2011 season and also to Vanessa Palmer and Mark Stead (www.steadyhandsphotography.co.uk) for their pictures of the day.  
Wolverhampton & DAC at Stenson 3rd September 2011
This weekend, the racing was hosted by my own club the Wolverhampton and District Auto Club. It was the club's last meeting and with it being a tough year with the problems stopping us running on a track in Telford, we have used this year to try and introduce some new circuits into the group but Burton MXC stepped in to offer their Stenson Circuit for the club to use.
We decided to stop over on Saturday night as Mike Penn likes the meeting to start as early as possible, and there was a great atmosphere. The track was looking in good shape and the water was being laid down onto the track, so everything was in place for the racing ahead.

Practice
We had some overnight rain and with heavy grey clouds over the circuit, rain was on the cards. I made my way around the circuit and it was just the right conditions with rutted lines starting to develop around the corners of the circuit but the rain was starting to get heavier so all we could do was hope that it wasn't going to be a wash out like the last meetings.  

Race One
I struggled to get off the start line with my bike not getting the traction to the ground and I was nearly in last position going into the first turn, but I pushed hard to try and get back near to the front. It was hard work trying to find the speed to make the pass on the riders in front of me due to the rain making the circuit tricky in places but I slowly moved through them, time was running out but I had managed to close in on "T Bone" who was in 3rd position but I couldn't make a pass in time, so I had to settle for 4th position in the end.
Race Two
It was a repeat of the first race but I managed to recover going into the first turn and was inside the top 10. With the weather changing for the better, the track was back in good shape and I managed to slip into 3rd position on the first lap behind Bas and Seven. I slowly closed the gap on Bas and Seven but at about the halfway point of the race, I stalled the engine. I re-started the MarchantMx Honda and continued on but there was now a big gap between me and the two riders in front of me, and I had to settle for 3rd position at the end of the race.

Race Three
I didn't feel that the bike was as it should be and found that the clutch was worn out so I made the adjustment to the Rekluse slipper clutch and the bike felt back to normal. The change to the bike worked and I shot out of the start gate but Seven just pipped me going in to the first turn but the battle began between me and Seven but with the track very hard to make time up, the gap between us was around the same every lap. I changed a few of my lines and started to close in on Seven but lapped riders were now coming into play but we managed to work through them and I had Seven just in front of me going into the last lap.

This was the time to make my move but halfway around the circuit, Jack Vincent a lapped rider decided that he was not going to be lapped by me and he let Seven slip past on the inside of him but then held me up for nearly the remaining of the lap. I ended the race in 2nd position but the race was spoiled by a DISRESPECTFUL!! rider. I wasn't happy with Jack as I have done my best to help him out in the past when his rear wheel collapsed. I was the first to offer him my spare wheel and also when he bent his handlebar mount, I again offered him my spare, and he then repays me by this sort of behaviour. Young and stupid springs to mind with a short memory.

Team Race
I  put the incident to the back of my mind and got another great start but again Seven slipped into the lead. I pushed him hard all through the race but I just rode it safe and ended the race just behind Seven.
Coalville MXC at Coleorton 28th August 2011
This weekend racing was at the Coleorton circuit, The Coalville MXC had put a lot of effort into the meeting on and off the track as it was a fund raising event for charity. There was a lot of rumours about the event and on Sunday, and with James Dobb, Luke Burton and Rich Cannings  in the mix with the MX1 Experts the racing would be fast and very good for the spectators. The track had under gone a few changes and was prepared well for the two days of racing over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Practice
The track was in good shape, but some of the jumps had some hidden surprises on the take-offs but I got myself into a good pace. My bike felt really good and I looked forward to the racing ahead.

Race One
I didn't get the best of starts but that has been a problem of mine over the last few weeks but I was inside the top 10, I managed to move passed a few riders through a tricky rutted section and on the first lap I had moved into 5th position behind Wainwright, Dobb, Cannings and Burton. I pushed hard to make a pass on Wainwright but no matter what I tried, I just couldn't make a move and then at the midway point of the race the bike had develop a noise so with a several second lead over Pete Weaver I just slowed my pace down and managed to get to the  end of the race still in 5th position.

Race Two
We sorted out the bike it was just a stretched chain, so with a new one fitted I lined up for the second race of the day. Again I was struggling to get the starts dallied in and was again just inside the top 10, but I slowly moved passed a few riders to move into 5th position behind Wainwright. It was a repeat of the first race and I push hard to try and make a pass on him but with the track starting to deteriorate it was playing into Wainwrights hands and he just kept to the smoother lines and I hard to ride the rougher lines to try and make something happen, by the end I was all out of idea's and had to settle for 5th position.
Race Three
The time was getting on, with a few red flags through the day and some riders had gone home, so this could change the overall standings. I was looking for a better start which I managed to get, I came out of the woods in 2nd position behind Wainwright again. With Dobb now breathing down my neck, I made a small mistake and Dobb slipped through passed me.

I continued behind Dobb and Wainwright trying to look for better lines and Dobb had moved passed Wainwright for the lead. I found a way past Wainwright but I stupidly left a small gap on a left hand corner and he filled it pushing me wide. I couldn't make another pass on Wainwright and ended the race in 3rd position.

I finished 3rd overall behind Waiwright and Dobb so a good day but I have got to go back and look at a few things and come back next week at my clubs meeting at Stenson making a difference.

A big thank you to everyone supporting me through the 2011 season and also to Vanessa Palmer for the pictures on the day.    
Newport MXC at Long Lane 21st August 2011
It was off to another local track for this weekend's racing, the venue being Long Lane, Shropshire hosted by the Newport MXC. I have not raced here since 2007 and it is a track renowned for red flags and late finishes. However, this didn't seem to put off the riders and there full line ups in most of the groups, which I haven't seen for a long time. The Long Lane circuit has been changed a lot over the last few years, and looked in great shape. I always liked the circuit as it gets very rough through the day, so choosing the right lines is important.  
Practice
We were first  group out on the circuit and It was flat and fast. I took a few laps to get used to the changes of the circuit and it was all working well and I soon felt that I had a good pace ready for the races ahead but knew that the track would be a lot different when I was back on the track.

Race One
I managed to get an ok start and went into the first turn inside the top five. I quickly moved into second position behind Jamie Dobson but while I was finding my way, Dobson had pulled a gap on me.

I started to get into a good flow and slowly closed in on Dobson but with time starting to run out, and with lapped riders starting to get in the mix, I started to struggle to get past them and the gap grew again between me and Dobson. I had to settle for second position behind Dobson at the end of the race.

Race Two
I didn't get the best of starts as me and Blakeley hit each other down the start  straight. I managed to stay on and charge into the first turn and managed to get myself into 4th position.

The track had been watered and the two riders in front of me were struggling with conditions so I made a move around the outside of them both but with the track conditions a little tricky, I lost control of the machine getting fired down the finish straight without my bike.

I raced back to my bike but with a full line up, rider after rider went on by, luckily the rekluse clutch kept the bike running and even though I was now in last position, I quickly raced after the MX1 riders. I managed to work my butt off through the race to close down the leaders and by the end I had managed to get back to fourth position.
Race Three
I got off to another bad start which was just the way that the day had gone. I worked my way through to behind Rian Warren and with Dobson in clean air in front, I had to make the pass on Rian fast but we came together and again, things weren't going my way and I went down.

The Rekluse clutch once again saved me from having to re-start the bike and I could again get back into the race. I managed to close down Blakeley in second but with only one lap left, I just couldn't find a way past him and had to settle for third position.

Today was just one of those days! I managed to finish third overall on the day but I feel that I let myself down with bad starts and bad race decisions that just ended with me picking up the bike.

My pace was up there with Dobson, who took the overall, so it wasn't all doom and gloom. I will go into next week with a clear head and hopefully I can turn my pace into race wins.

A big thank you to everyone supporting me through the 2011 season and also to Vanessa Palmer and Sam Warren for the photos on the day.
Market Drayton at Ollerton 14th August 2011
It has been a busy week trying to sort the damaged Honda from the British Masters at Hawkstone Park. I hit a large lump of concrete that had made its way onto the track on a table top landing and damaged the frame and engine casings on the bike but my Dad worked hard to get the frame sorted and I popped over to see the guys at Kestrel Honda who had sorted out some engine bits I needed. It was good to have a little catch up on the racing (just a few more months to wait before the 2012 Hondas become available at Kestrel Honda).

The MarchantMx Honda was all ready to race and It was off to Ollerton hosted by Market Drayton MXC. It was the first time I have raced on the circuit and my first thoughts of the track were very positive, it was well graded and a well put together circuit.  Everything was in place for a good days racing so I went back to the van and got ready.

Practice
I took a steady look over the circuit on the first few laps, some of the circuit was good but I was struggling to generate speed in some of the turns and these certainly favoured the 2 stroke bikes but I changed my riding slightly to help me out for the races.

Race One
I managed to get a good start after the restart and was in fourth position, I worked hard to keep the riders in front in my sights but I was still struggling with the track as it hard to make up time but I made a pass on Nath Phillips and chased after Bas and Eckersley. I was still not happy with my pace but Eckersley made a mistake and I moved into second behind Bas. I managed to close the gap a bit on Bas over the next few laps but I had to settle for second position in the end.

Race Two
I got off to a better start than race one and sat in third position behind Bas and Weaver. I felt better this race with the lines and speed. I moved in to second position behind Bas and I piled on the pressure but lapped riders were slowing me down and all through the race and on the last lap with no lapped riders in the mix, I gave it my all but i some how got a brick wedged in between the engine and rear brake lever causing the rear brake to stick on and no matter how hard I tried to free it, I just couldn't and I managed to get it to the finish but I had dropped to fourth position in the race.
Race Three
We managed to sort out the problem from race two and I lined up for the final race of the day, I picked a bad gate as my gate didn't drop until everyone else's did and I was in last position going into the first turn. I made a lot of passes on the first few laps but I could see the front runners starting to pull away but I kept my head down and slowly moved passed Duncan Winnall and Rich Tudor to move into 3rd position but I was a good several seconds behind Weaver and Bas. I pushed hard to close the gap but I just ran out of time and had to settle for 3rd position.

I was 3rd overall on the day, joint points with Pete Weaver but the last race result determined the outcome. I was happy with the way I raced today but the last couple of weeks I have been tough but It could be a lot worse. Next week I am going to race at Long Lane, another track I have not raced at for a few years so I am looking forward to it.

A big Thank You has to go to my Dad for all the hard work to get the bike sorted out, also to Kestrel Honda for getting the parts turned around in time and of course Vanessa Palmer for the pictures on the day.
Burntwood at Branston 31st July 2011
It was off to the hillside circuit in Branston for this weekend of racing, with the IMBA and MX2 Championship round taking place today as well, it was going to be a long day. I went to sign on and take a look at the track, it was getting some fresh watering to the circuit, it looked in good shape for the race meeting ahead.

Practice
I got out early on to the circuit and managed to get some fast lines straight away, with no one ahead of me, I tried to get some quick laps in to get a bit of practice with my qualifying laps ready for next weekend at the British Masters and by the end of the session, I felt really good with my pace and also the bike's performance.

Race One
We was the unlucky race to have some water put down before the start of the Unlimited Expert race but I just knew that I had the pace so a good start would be necessary to make it a little easier. I got off to a great start but with the first turn being watered, I took it steady and came out in the lead but there was carnage behind me with bikes and riders flying. I took a  few steady laps to get myself some dry lines and then I pushed my pace and managed to generate a 40 second lead through the race and took the race win.

Race Two
The first race pile up took out some of the quicker riders, so I knew that this race may not be as easy but I got another flyer out of the gate and led the race. The track was back to a dry state and I quickly set a good pace on the other Experts, I felt really good and really enjoyed the race and again I managed to build up a over 40 seconds gap on Weaver in second and took the second win of the day.
Race Three
The Experts Unlimited was the last race of the day so the track was going to at its roughest so I needed to keep my head. I got off to another great start but I went a little wide in the first turn allowing Jack Bas through on the inside of me but I didn't let this get to me and, going up the big hill, I showed him why 4 strokes are better than 2 strokes and took the lead from him. I pushed hard from then on to make a gap and lap after lap I managed to pull out about a 20 seconds lead, and took the third race win of the day.

The day was very successful and I took home the maximum points. I was very pleased with my pace all day and showed that I can be fast when I want too. A pat on the back for all of the Burntwood MXC for their efforts through the day to make the meeting a success and also to Duncan Winnall, Pete Weaver and Rich Tudor all Wolverhampton Riders rounding out the top 4 places in the Experts, and Kye Marshall winning the Juniors and Steve Horsley getting second position in the Seniors.

Thank you to everyone supporting me through the 2011 season.
Burton at Stenson 24th July 2011

It was off to Stenson hosted by the Burton MXC for this weekend of racing, the sun was out to play this weekend not like last week at Wolverhampton's meeting at Tunstall Hall, but with the sun came dust. It was good to see that the club was freshly watering the circuit before the start of the meeting and the track look well prepared for the day.

Practice
I gave it a couple of laps as the track was still a little wet in areas but the track was grippy and lines were starting to develop around the turns but it was good to see the club using their heads and blocking the insides of the corners to move lines to the outside. This was just for practice so that new lines could be developed through the races. I felt really good again on the bike and my pace was good so I looked forward to the races ahead.

Race One
I got a great jump off the gate and came out of the first turn in the lead, the track had been re-watered before the start of the races in places to keep the dust at bay so I just took my time for the first few laps to sort out my lines and then started to pull away from the other MX1 riders. I kept on pushing until the gap was at several seconds and then just kept it upright and took the race win.
Race Two
I again got a great start and led the way, this time I wasn't going to hang around and set myself a good pace and just enjoyed my riding and the track condition. By the end of the race, I had managed to pull out a nearly 30 second gap and took a comfortable win.

Race Three
I knew it was going to be a tough start in this race as the back bar on the start gate had been removed allowing you to take a run at the start but I just did my own thing but there was a lot more action going into the first turn. I got sandwiched between two Suzuki's but we all managed to stay upright. I was down in about 6th position but I quickly made passes on the riders in front of me but Nath Phillips managed to get out of the start and put in a good lap to generate a several second lead on me but I chipped away lap after lap to close the gap.

A mistake by Nath stalling his machine in a right hand turn so I took the lead off his hands, I pushed my pace for the next few laps but the race was cut sort due to a incident causing a red flag but the race was awarded and I took the third win of the day.

It was a good days racing at Stenson taking maximum points and 1st overall in the MX1 Experts, The Burton MXC showed good effort through the day keeping the dust to a minimum. Thank you for everyones support through the 2011 season and also to Vanessa Palmer and Nina Payne for the pictures through the day.
Wolverhampton at Tunstall Hall Farm 17th July 2011

It was the our second meeting of the year and with the Wolverhampton Club still having not secured a track, we took a gamble and hired Tunstall Hall located in Market Drayton, Shropshire. Even with a lot of rain through the week leading up to the meeting, the track was in perfect condition for the full packed day of racing. Mick and Malk had organised an Over 50's Race, which attracted lots of attention with riders and also spectators.

With a great day planned we just needed the weather to be on our side but with the sky full of heavy rain clouds, I didn't think that luck would be on our side but with the track being dry it would take some rain.

Practice
I made my way around the Tunstall Hall Circuit, It was in really good condition and by lap 2, I was showing good pace around the track and I managed to get a good rhythm through the whoops. The session was cut short due to fellow Wolverhampton member Ryan Palmer deciding to have a little sleep on the track after a big crash over the table top, so with a good four laps under my belt, I went to see if the Big Man was OK and rode back to the pits.

Race One
I got a shocking start and I raced into the first turn but when I tried to slow for the first turn, I lost control as the bike skidded and high-sided me off the bike. I quickly re-mounted and with the bike still running, I gave chase. I was in last position and had a bit of a mountain to climb but I pushed myself to catch and pass the riders in front. I managed to get back to 4th position by the end of the race but I wasn't very happy with myself blowing a chance of a possible race win but I gave everyone watching good viewing.

Race Two
I got off to an OK start and quickly moved into second position behind Neesam. I took a few laps to check out his lines and made a pass on him through the whoops but on the next lap, I made a mistake and found myself on the deck. I again quickly re-mounted and continued on through the race to finish in second position.

Race Three
I didn't get the best of starts and with the rain now starting to get heavier, the track was very tricky but I took my time through the first few laps and moved into third position behind Locke and Castledine. I had to lose my goggles due to the rain getting behind my roll off systems so I struggled even when I closed in on the two riders in front. With the soil full of stones, I found it hard to make a pass on Castledine as he was using the same lines so I just held a small gap so I could see and hoped that maybe they would make a mistake but it didn't happen and I had to settle for third position.

The race results through the day made me, Castledine and Locke all on joint points and unfortunately It went on the last race so Locke and Castledine took 2nd and 3rd spots overall leaving me in a disappointed 4th position overall on the day. The day was ruined a little by the rain but I felt I showed I am back on the pace and my ankle is back to 100%. Thank you to everyone behind me and the Team through the 2011 season. 

British Masters at Milton Malsor 3rd July 2011
Pictures by www.steadyhandsphotography.com
It was a return to the past for me this weekend at Milton Malsor, as it has been several years since I last rode the circuit.

Round 5 of the the British Masters should have been hosted at Silverstone but with the Logistics of the F1 the following week, saw another venue change this year, so we all headed to the Milton Malsor Moto Park.
 
We arrived at the circuit it looked really good but the tractor had just pulled in with the water so after we got set up, I went to have another look at the track. It was now very wet but with a hot weekend predicted, it would soon dry out.
 
Practise/Qualifying
The track was still very wet in places so I just got a good feel of the jumps and looked out for the dryer lines around the circuit.

I was still being a little careful with my ankle in the right hand turns and this made my lap times suffer and was down in 18th fastest time.
Race One
I knew that I was down on the lap times but with the track drying out, I knew a good start was essential so that was exactly what I did but as I got into the first turn, I was hit by an out of control rider and I ended up on top of a pile up.

I re-mounted but I was well behind the rest of the other MX1 riders but I continued on and managed to move past a few of the riders in front of me but could only get back to 22nd by the end of the race.

Race Two
I didn't get the best of starts and was well down inside the top 15 but I tried hard to move through the positions but the track was drying and getting better every lap but still with some muddy places around the circuit, so there was still limited lines but I managed to move past a few riders to finally finish in a disappointed 12th position.
 
Race Three
It was a new day and hopefully new luck and It all started Ok with a good start but with the track back to a muddy state, I struggled with right turns due to my ankle but I tried to keep it out of trouble and managed to get through the race with a 9th position.

Race Four
It was the last race of the day and with a mix up of results over the weekend but I managed to get a good start and was in 7th position. I looked for lines as some lines were now as deep as your foot rests. I dropped a few places as I twisted my ankle in a rut so I was back struggling again but I managed to hold on to 10th position by the end of the race.
Foxhill's Race
Due to a block not being able to be run at Foxhill's due to the Lap Timing equipment, we all lined up who had entered for the meeting. I didn't get a very good start but I made a few passes on the first lap to 12th position but I made a big mistake and stalled the bike.

I quickly fired it up but had lost a few places but I got my head back down and moved my way back up to the top 10 at the finish flag.

I managed to finish 10th overall over the weekend, I was a little disappointed with my results but I know why I was off the pace but with a planned weekend off I feel that resting my ankle will be good so I can get it stronger.

Thank you to everyone behind me and the team through the 2011 season and can come back stronger and faster. Picture kindly taken by steadyhandsphotography.com.
Nantwich MXC at Warmingham Lane 26th June 2011
Last weekend was a complete disaster at Foxhills, in the first Qualifing session I injured my right ankle which left me calling it a day and getting myself to the A&E. Luckily I had only badly sprained it so I kept it supported and rested through the week so by this weekend it felt about 80% normal.
 
We travelled out of group using the Froch system and made our way to Warmingham lane hosted by the Nantwich MXC. It looked as if the area had been hit with heavy showers as there were some big puddles in the lane leading to the circuit. We got parked up along side the rest of the Wolverhampton clan and took a look at the circuit. It was very wet in places and with the Experts out first it was going to get muddy.
 
Practice
I didn't go out for practice as with my ankle still a little vulnerable, I didn't want to twist it or hurt it by having to over ride to get through the mud and with the MX1 Experts not out till race 6 of the block, I knew it was just going to be a waste of time as the track would be completely different. So I just watched the Expert boys clean the track up and waited for the first race of the day.
 
Race One
I managed to get off to a good start and was in fourth position but with me not going out for practice, I just took a couple of laps to get dialed into the track and also to get around my positioning on the bike that is the most comfortable for my ankle. On lap four, I made my move on Kurt Whittle and Jake Moss and pushed to gap them but I landed in a hole after one of the ski jumps causing my right ankle to be hurt again and I tried to shut out the pain but It was difficult and I dropped back to sixth position by the end of the race.
 
Race Two
With some pain killers in the system, the ankle seemed to be ok so I felt a bit more at ease if I knocked it again. I managed to get a better start than the first race and was in third position behind Jack Bas and Gavin Rizzi. I pushed Bas and Rizzi through the race but I just couldn't make a pass on Bas and I again knocked my ankle but it wasn't as bad as the first race so I just backed off the pace and settled for third place.
 
Race Three
I felt like I had the speed to win but I also had to be careful with my ankle but I felt that I had nothing to loose and went on to the line looking for maybe a win. I got off to another good start and quickly moved into third position behind Rizzi and Nicklin, Rizzi made a few mistakes trying to pass Nicklin but he finally made a pass stick so I knew if there was any chance of winning the race, I was going to have to pass Nicklin fast. After a couple of turns, I made a move to pass Nicklin and then chased down Rizzi. I was all over Rizzi like a rash and in a rutted section he moved over into a rut that I had been using, so I just moved to the next rut but this was going to end my race as I hit a bump on the entry to the rut and it sent me out of control and over the handlebars. I managed to get back to my feet but I had the wind knocked out of me and also re-hurting my ankle but I remounted my twisted MarchantMx Honda and pulled out of the race disappointed and hurting.
 
I was hurting but nowhere near to the week previous at Foxhills so hopefully with another week of rest, I will be able to re-gain some of the points that I lost at Silverstone at round 6 of the British Masters. A big thank you to everyone that is supporting me through the 2011 season and also to Vanessa Palmer for her time taking the shots throughout the day.
Wolverhampton & DAC at Shawbury 12th June 2011
It was time for the long awaited Wolverhampton MXC meeting which was held at Shawbury. Leading up to this meeting, the club has been trying to sort out a new track due to the club losing the famous Hungry Hill circuit at the end of the 2010 season. The club thought that they had managed to drop on a piece of land in Telford, but with problems the land had a few years ago, this has put a stop to the idea.
 
With these problems during the 2011 season, us as a club opted to use a few different tracks that were available to us, which are new tracks to the group. So it was the turn of the first new circuit at Shawbury but unfortunately the rain had started to fall and with a mass of grey sky over us, I knew it was going to be in for the day. The track had been watered in preparation to the meeting but with the weather being very unsettled, we just couldn't take the chance but this properly bit us in the ass!!
 
Practice
The track was in perfect condition, even with all the watering, and big bermed lines had started to develop. The track was a little tight in places but it would make close racing, so starts would be very important again.
 
Race One
The rain continued to fall from the sky and the track was starting to feel the effects of it. I lined up near the box to try and get a good jump out of the gate but unfortunately my gate didn't drop but I just rode around the gate and continued to chase the rest of the MX1 riders. I moved up through the riders in front of me but I made a big mistake and ended up hooked in the ropes but I managed to sort myself out and continued my pursuit. I tried to keep my head and not make anymore mistakes and managed to pull my way through to 6th position by the end of the race.
 
Race Two
I was a bit disappointed with the first race from start to finish, but I put it behind me as I knew that the track was now very tricky and anything could happen. I managed to get a good start and was in third position after the first turn. I tried to move past DJ on the run to the second turn but he was very unsettled and so I made a decision to wait for him to make a mistake. But with Jack Bas breathing down my neck, I knew I had to make a pass soon on DJ but we came together trying to make a pass and Bas made the pass on me and DJ. I continued to get back to grips with the circuit and managed to move past DJ and close in on Bas and Weaver who were leading. I tried to keep pressure on the two riders in front but as everyone knows, me and mud are like chalk and cheese so I just stayed upright to finally finish the race in third position.
 
The rain continued to fall and with the track condition now very heavy going, I decided to call it a day and get everything back clean again.
 
A big well done to all of the Wolverhampton members for all their efforts over the weekend, especially the Marshall's who were out in the rain for most of the day.  
Burntwood at Branston 5th June 2011
It was going to be the first time this year riding at the Branston circuit, and I was going to have to not risk too much this weekend as I have to look after our family business while my Dad is on holiday.

My Dad and I are the only people that work at the garage, but I wasn't going to let that worry me too much and looked forward to the racing ahead.
 
Practice
The track was already starting to cut up as the Experts were the last session and also it was starting to dry out but I felt really good as I rode around the circuit, but good starts were going to be critical if the day was going to be successful as the changes to the track would make it even harder the pass the other riders.
 
Race one
I managed to get a great jump out of the gate but the bike started to wheelie and pull me to the right and in the first turn, I collided with Pete Wainwright and was lucky to stay on the bike but I sorted myself out and continued on in around 6th position.

I chased down the riders in front of me and lap after lap, I managed to move up the order to 3rd position behind Dan Blakeley. I tried every lap to get the pass on Blakeley but he was riding a smart race and I had a stone off my right knuckles causing me problems but I kept my head and managed to hold on the 3rd position at the end of the race.
Race Two
I had a nightmare off the gate as Sam Kriby pushed me into the rider next to me, causing us both to get tangled together but again I managed to stay upright and focused back on the race.

I was well down outside the top 20 but I just kept my head down and pulled through the MX1 Experts. I managed to get into the top 10 by three but It was very hard to see due to the dust and I hooked up with my fellow Wolverhampton rider Pete Weaver and managed to pull back some more places by the end of the race finishing in 6th position.
 
Race Three
My starts didn't get better as I went zig zagging up the start straight for the last time and was down inside the top 10 again.

It was just going to be one of those days but sometime these days make you work hard and make it more rewarding having to fight for it. I slowly moved through the riders again and closed down Wainwright and Bennett who had started to generate a gap between us.
I rode hard and closed them down and when Wainwright made a move to take the lead off Bennett, I knew it was going to be hard to pass but I needed to make it fast so Wainwright couldn't get to much of a gap. I tried to pressure for the lead but I just ran out of time and had to settle for second position.
 
I didn't have the luck through the day but I managed to gain a second overall as Blakeley's bike expired on the start line. It was a hard day's riding but I showed I still had the pace coming from behind.
 
A big thank you to everyone behind me through the 2011 season and also to Nina Payne and Vanessa Palmer for the pictures taken through the season.  
Sandbach at Warmingham Lane 29th May 2011
It was a big disappointment last week from my riding and also the way the Stenson circuit developed through the day and I was just happy to get back home in one piece. I didn't write a report due to the way that I felt I would have probably have upset a lot of people so I just hope that the Burton Club can take in the criticism and learn from it.
 
Well that's all I am going to say on last weekend and move on to this weekend of racing. Most of the Wolverhampton Club members decided to use the option to Froch to Warmingham Lane hosted by the Sandbach MXC. We arrived at the circuit and I went to sign in and have a look at track, It looked to be in good shape and didn't look any different from the last time that I rode the track a few season ago so I looked forward to getting out there.
Practice
I took a few laps to get into the track and used a few lines to get a few possible passing places as I know from past experience that the track isn't the best for passing but I felt three good starts and consistent laps, I could turn things around from last weekend. The session was stopped due to a fallen rider but turned out he was OK and we were able to continue to the end.
 
Race One
I jumped out the start and grabbed the holeshot, I pushed hard for the first few laps and managed to get a several seconds lead on the second place rider Jake Moss. I kept a good pace through out the race and slowly edged away from Moss and Weaver, I ended the race taking the race win.

Race Two
I got another great start and took the holeshot again but I did notice that the gate next to me on the start gate didn't drop and I looked for the red flag but Weaver caught me napping and managed to put his Ktm up the inside of me. With no red flags being shown, I continued to turn on the pressure on Weaver and used the outside and inside lines that I had used in practice and on lap two I managed to go around the outside and take the lead over the table top.
The track was a little tricky in places as it was starting to get very shiney and hard but I just used my head and kept it on two wheels to take the second win of the day.

 
Race Three
The organisers decided to put some water down on the track in a few areas of the circuit, It was probably a little late in the day but luckily there was a good few races before the start of our race and it soon was back to dust. I managed to get another holeshot and I just decided to ride smart. Weaver was pushing me in second so I had to keep my speed but I didn't over ride the track and managed to keep the pressure at bay off Weaver and pull a small gap to take my third race win of the day.
 
It was a maximum score on the day taking 1st overall, it was good to bounce back after the disappointments of last week and hopefully I can continue to generate good results.
 
A big thank you to everyone supporting me and the team on and off the circuit through the 2011 season and Vanessa Palmer for the pictures.  
British Masters at Whitby 15th May 2011
It was a long 4 hours to reach the Whitby circuit so it was a quick set up of the motor home just before it was too dark. Saturday morning came and I went to have a look at the circuit; my first thoughts were how many jumps, but they all looked very safe.

The organisers put off watering the circuit by using their sprinkler system due to the possible chance of heavy rain but I think that it did still need a little water due to how dry it was but I just looked forward to getting out there riding.
 
Practise/Qualifying
It took a few laps to get my head around the circuit as it was packed full of jumps and rhythm sections, but I managed to get a couple of clear laps in the timed session but there was a problem with the timing screen and all the riders was jumbled up, so I didn't really know what position I was in and as the session ended the problem was sorted with the timing screen and I was 18th fastest.  
Race One
I didn't do any practise starts as the gate was on concrete and not dirt so I kept a steady throttle and got of to a OK start but I got knocked about in the first turns and was down in the top 20 but I made a few places back on the first lap and was know in the top15, I struggled on through the race as I cased one of the double jumps straining my thumb but I kept my head down and ended the race in 16th position.
Race Two
With a disappointing first race, I tried to put it behind me and just ride hard. I got a great jump off the gate and was well inside the top 10. I pushed hard for the first few laps and with mistakes from a few riders in front of me, I was soon in 6th place. It was all going to plan until the rider just in front of me bobbled in the whoop section and went down straight in front of me and I was just a passenger hitting his bike and firing me over the bars.I remounted after straightening my bike and continued on. I passed a good few riders through the rest of the race and finally finished in 21st position.
 
Race Three
It was a new day and I was hoping to change my luck. I made another OK start but I started to feel the effects of yesterday's racing and had to change my ways slightly on the track and not over jump off the bigger jumps which caused me not to really progress through the race and with a stall on the first lap. it just was going to be one of those weekends and again I could only manage 16th position at the end.
 
Race Four
I wasn't going to get beat up the way the weekend was playing out and with everyone also having there problems, I knew a good ride would still help me in the overall standings. I got a good jump off the gate but I was bugged on the first lap by a rider who loved using his rear brake and I was very happy when I made the pass on the Big Skid Kid!! With him out of the way, I charged on and moved up to 9th position and with a good gap behind me I just settled down to bring it home.
 
I ended the weekend in 12th overall so the last race result helped me to limit the damage of the way my weekend had gone but I have moved up in the Championship standings to 8th position with other riders having there own problems, so I am disappointed about my results over the weekend but I feel also lucky to still move up the standings.
 
A big thanks has to go out to my dad for driving the 8 hour trip and also to the people backing me and the team through the 2011 season.
Cannock at Abbotts Bromley 08.05.11
It was a big disappointment last week at Selattyn with only one race before the meeting had to be cancelled due to the lack of water to keep the dust at bay.  It was the total opposite this weekend at Abbotts Bromley with heavy overnight rain and also a slight watering of the track on Saturday afternoon's preparation left the track very wet and boggy for the meeting Sunday morning.
 
Practice
The Experts were out for first practice so I sat out for the first few laps and then did a lap of the circuit then returned to the van. It was very heavy going and with my race half way through the block, I knew that the track would not be as bad so I decided to leave it to the racing.
 
Race One
I didn't get the best jump out of the gate but I made up the positions in the first few turns and moved into the top 3. I quickly made a pass on Reggie Brandrick and set my sights on Pete Weaver who was just in front. I laid the pressure on Weaver and he made a big mistake in a right hand turn and went down, I took the lead and didn't look back and gapped the rest of the field and finally took the race win.
 
Race Two
It was going to be one of those days with my starts and again I was back inside the top 5 going into the first turn. I could see Weaver move to the front fast so I quickly made passes on Passmore and Reggie to move in on Weaver. A few laps went by and I was trying to figure out the way around Weaver but at the mid point of the race, I twisted my knee in a corner so I instantly backed off. I struggled on through the pain to catch back up to Weaver who was now several seconds in front of me. I dug deep and managed to close the gap to a second gap but it was too late and I had to settle for second position.
 
Race Three
It was time to sort out my starts and I just did that, taking the holeshot and set to work finishing the day as it started but the way my day was going it wasn't going to that easy. I lost the lead over the far side of the circuit as I over shot a right hand turn and Weaver slipped through on the inside of me but I just applied the pressure on Weaver. I was given the lead again when Weaver made another mistake and I returned the compliment. I just set to work putting solid laps to gradually pull a gap on Weaver and finally took another race win.
 
Team Race
A new thing brought in this year was a Team race at the end of the day where the top 3 riders out of all the clubs in the group have one race to see at the end of the year the top club in all classes. With the pressure on me, Weaver and Rob Crow (MX2 Expert) riding for the Wolverhampton Club but I managed to pull out a good start, despite Reggie getting in the way again, but I made a pass to move into the lead and kept it on two wheels. With Crow now in second position, I just relaxed and took the win and Crow followed me home in second position but Weaver had a nightmare and crashed big at the start and was well down but managed to pick off some riders before the end getting the club valuable points.
 
It was a good days racing and taking 1st overall and also winning the team race for the Wolverhampton club, I managed to keep my head even when things were going to plan but I have to thank everyone for all their support through the 2011 season and hope the winning continues.
 
Pictures kindly taken by Vanessa Palmer and Nina Payne.
British Masters at Pontrilas 01.05.11
On Friday I held my MX training day at J4M54, the weather was scorching hot and everyone that attended improved through the day and all went home safe and happy, so It was a very successful day.
 
It was then straight to the British Masters at Pontrilas ready for the weekend racing. We arrived at the circuit to flashing beacons coming from the tractors and jets of water shooting into the air all around the circuit, with the organisers of the circuit working hard to get it ready for next day races. We set up camp and I went to have a look at the circuit, It had been several years since I last rode the circuit here and there were a few different parts but it looked really good and I looked forward to racing it.
 
Qualifying
I felt really good riding around the Pontrilas circuit, it was still a little boggy in places but I found some good lines and pushed for my fast laps but it was hard, as the riders were mostly using the same lines and on both of my faster laps I had time lost and could only manage 17th fastest. I didn't really let it get me down as I knew that if I could just stay out of trouble in the first few turns, I would be able to run at the front.
 
Race One
I managed to get off to a great start and was in a top 5 position on lap one. I pushed with the riders in front of me but I was taking it a little too steady and lost some valuable positions through the first part of the race but I got my focus and pushed to regain the positions I had lost. But with two laps to go, I hit a big bump on entering a left hand corner and I hit my rear brake pedal and stalled the engine. I lost a couple of places while I was restarting the MarchantMx Honda and could only manage a 13th position at the end of the race. I was a little disappointed with the way the race had gone but I knew there was still another three races.
 
Race Two
I got off to another good start and was in 6th position behind Yarranton. I quickly made a pass on him and set a good pace to keep the riders in front of me in sight. At the half way point, I was under intense pressure from Tim Burrows and he made a pass on me but I kept on his case and regained the fourth position back from him and I just pushed hard until the end, finishing the best race position so far this year so I was really happy.
 
Race Three
It was a new day and I just aimed to continue where I ended yesterday and with another good start and in 7th position, I battled through the race and managed to keep a gap between me and Yarranton but I was riding very tight and my arms started to get pumped up. I made a big mistake in a deep rutted right hander and went down but I got thrown into the bushes the side of the track. I raced back to the bike which was still running so I just jumped on and continued with the race, now down in 9th position. I closed in on the few riders in front of me but I just didn't have the time and ended the race.
 
Race Four
I didn't get off to the best start and was inside the top 10 so I pushed hard but the track was now very choppy and rough. I tried to keep my head and get solid points to end the weekend and managed to move into 7th position but I had Burrows behind me breathing down my neck and he made a pass on me moving me down a spot. I soldiered on but I was starting to get really tried and dropped off the pace and was soon under pressure from Dan Brough and with a another battle I lost another place on the last lap and ended in 9th position.
 
I ended the weekend 8th overall which has moved me up into 8th position in the overall standings, so I am really happy with the way things are going this year and with my fitness getting better each week, I hope I can keep up in the fight.
 
I have to thank everyone supporting me through the 2011 season and joining me on my Mx Training days.
Dunston 17.04.11
The last couple of weeks have been going great and with Cannings out this weekend, as he would be racing at the superclass, I took full advantage of his absence. I arrived at the Dunston circuit and I wasn't really looking forward to racing the circuit as there had been some pictures posted on facebook in the week and they looked shocking!

I took a look at the circuit and I have to say It wasn't too bad but with a lot of one lined sections, passing was going to be hard but It is the same for everyone so I got ready for the practise session.

Practice
I rode around the circuit and some areas of the track were ok but others weren't and required attention but I continued to get to grips with the track's layout and tried to get into a pace. I had turned my rear tyre on Saturday and forgot to check the tyre pressure and the way the MarchantMx Honda was handling, I had way to much air in the tyre so I just cruised around until the end of the session.

Race One
I had an ok start but was down in about 7th position. I quickly moved some of the riders in front of me but I didn't manage to get into second position for a good few laps, at which point Jack Bass had the holeshot and had several seconds gap but I just pushed hard lap after lap closing in on him but it was getting harder as we were having to deal with lapped riders. On the last lap, I made a move around the outside of Bass and moved into the lead. With only a lap to go, I just took it steady and ended the race with a win.

Race Two
I had a very poor start and was well down and to make things a little harder, I got pushed over a soft berm in turn two but I managed to stay on two wheels and give chase to the riders in front of me. I managed to make clean passes on the riders in front of me and was giving chase after Pete Weaver who was way ahead of me. I tried lap after lap to close in on Weaver but it was too little too late and I had to settle for second.

Race Three
I got the best start of the day and got the holeshot. I made a bit of a bad move to the outside of the first turn and Weaver slipped through in front of me into turn two but I laid on the pressure early on in the race and we quickly gapped the rest of the MX1 Experts. I was finding it hard to pass Weaver for the lead and he made a big mistake going down in a watered section and I rode around the outside of him to take the lead. With a big gap between me and Bass, I just set a good enough pace through the rest of the race and took another win.

With a win, second and a win, I managed to secure another 1st overall. I have been working hard over the last few months to get back into shape and finally it is starting to pay off. I will be racing at Pontrilas this weekend at the British Masters, so I hope my luck will continue.

REMEMBER! I will be holding an mx training day at J4M54 on Good Friday 22nd April, click on the link above for more info. Thank you to everyone supporting me through the 2011 season.
Midland at Lower Cliffs Farm 10.4.11
This weekend's meeting was hosted by the Midland Social MXC at Lower Cliffs Farm. It is a track that I rode about 5 years ago and I can honestly say that I wasn't looking forward to the meeting as the track back then was extremely stoney and I didn't really expect it to be any different after all these years.
 
I arrived at the circuit and set up next to the Wolverhampton clan. The club had made a lot of effort with banners around the circuit and had dressed up some of the track, but I knew that it would soon be riddled with stones. Good starts were required and hopefully not to be behind anyone in the races.
 
Practice
As I thought, the stones were showing already so I positioned myself a good gap between me and the rider in front. Other than the stones, the track layout was really good and flowed but with the track already starting to get rough, it was getting to get harder through the day so looking for lines would become essential.
 
Race One
I managed to get the perfect start and led the MX1 Experts into the first turn. The track had changed a lot from practice and a few braking bumps going into a banked right hand turn made me go too wide and Pete Weaver managed to slip through on the inside of me. I was so frustrated with myself for making the mistake as I knew that it would be hard to get back by Weaver, I took a beating from all the stones that Weaver was spraying at me in every exit of each turn. I was loosing time being right behind Weaver so I made a slight gap so I could just see the lines that Weaver was taking and to see if I could maybe find a faster line but with the clock ticking I just thought get close and hope that a back marker would help me out. We came on to a small group of back markers and I read it right and managed to get past Weaver and the lapped rider. I pushed hard and gaped Weaver to take the win.
 
Race Two
It was a repeat of the first race and again I was in the lead, but with the mistake I made in the first race still fresh in my head, I knew that I would not be making that mistake again and I never looked back I just pushed myself lap after lap and managed to pull a several seconds gap between me and Weaver and finally took another race win.
Race Three
I didn't get off to a very good start this time but managed to get into the first turn in second behind Weaver. I didn't want a repeat of the first race so I turned on the pressure straight away and it was like the first race but Weaver went into the banked right hander too hot and I managed to slip on through taking the lead. The track was very cut up and the stones were everywhere so although I knew I needed to push hard to gap Weaver, I also needed to keep smooth and I just did that and every lap Weaver was falling behind but I had a stone stop the motor stalling it.

I tried to fire up the Honda but I was having problems and Weaver slipped on past me. I was so disappointed in the way the race was going and It took me a few laps to regroup and start to make the time back up on Weaver but I felt that second would give me the overall so I just cruised to the finish.
 
I picked up another overall on the day and each week I am getting more and more confident, I haven't felt this good on the bike for a while. 5
 
Thanks to everyone supporting me through the 2011 season and also to everyone around the track cheering me on.
 
REMEMBER my motocross training days on Friday 22nd April (big bikes) and Friday 29th April (small bikes) at J4M54 places still available click on the link above.   
Derby at Alport Heights 3.4.11
Pictures by Pippa Instan
It was the turn of the Derby Motocross Club at Alport Heights. It was the first meeting of the year for the Club and with a lot of talk of the changes to the circuit and paddock, believe me they didn't disappoint.
 
We arrived at the hill top circuit and straight away you could see the clubs efforts as hard core was put down on the drive ways, so we set up next to Rich Tudor and we both went to have a look at the circuit. The track had a new section added to the circuit and a set of waves and a few more jumps and re-shaping of the old ones, so it looked all good for the days racing ahead.

Practice
I went out first in the practice session and on the first lap, I sized up the waves first doing a single double single then on lap two double and double which I knew from how tricky it was that not a lot of riders would do it, so I was very happy with my pace and looked forward to the races.

Race One
I got off to a great start and a hole shot was on the cards but I went too deep into the corner and Woolbridge slipped through on the inside of me but I quickly made a pass on him to take back the lead. I pushed hard over the next few laps to gap the rest of the MX1 riders and took a race win.

Race Two
I didn't get a very good jump off the gate this time and was down in the top 5 so I made my way through the riders in front of me. I moved passed Si White taking the lead and then again I started to pull a gap between me and Whitey. The double double through the waves was certainly helping me as I was the only rider doing it and took another win by several seconds.

Race Three
I shot out of the gate and took a hole shot but I made a few mistakes on the first lap as the track had changed due to the rain between the races, and my lines was now not giving me the drive like in the other races. Si White made a pass around the outside of me and he was hitting all the dust berms hard and this was causing me to lose time on him but I found some new lines and closed back on him, then about at the halfway point Whitey squared up in a dust berm driving into the side of me and falling down, so I continued on in the lead and rode conservatively through the rest of the race to take the third win of the day.

Maximum point scored today and made up for the disappointment of last weekend, a lot of positives for the Derby MXC with all the changes made to the circuit and paddock, both being 100 times better then the last time I rode there.

Thank you to everyone behind me and the MarchantMx team in the 2011 season.
Cannock at Abbotts Bromley 27.3.11
Pictures by Vanessa Palmer and Nina Payne

I went over to J4M54 on Saturday to do a little testing on the bike, I did my changes to the MarchantMx Honda 450F and completed some laps on the track. I found the bike a lot different and the changes I had made were 100% positive.

I carried on through the day having a few more sessions to get used to the new changes on the bike and by the end of day, I was very happy and couldn't wait to race on Sunday.

Race day was here and I arrived at the old but new Abbotts Bromley circuit hosted by Cannock MXC. I took a look at the circuit with Rich Tudor, the Cannock club had opted just to use the layout of the old track which was probably done due to this meeting being a test for the Council and the noise issues.

So hopefully, if the day was a success, the club would be able to make changes to the circuit. The track had been ripped up and watered so it was ready for a good day's racing.

Practice
The track was very slippy in places and I didn't have the best of tyres on the bike but I just did my best to keep it on two wheels, the track was very tight in places and would probably make it a little hard to make passes but this can work for you and also against you, I was hoping for a day of good starts and fast racing.
Race One
I changed my rear tyre for a little more grip for the start of the race and made my way down to the start line. I managed to get a great jump off the gate and got my first holeshot this year, so I pushed hard to gap the rest of the MX1 riders. I felt good on the bike, probably the best I have been on the bike this year and slowly started to pull a gap. I saw that Cannings was on a charge behind me but I just kept my head down and rode consistent through the race.

I was well into the final stages of the race and with limited laps remaining, I continued to push hard to keep Cannings in second but on lap 9, I ended up in a big heap at the bottom of one of the fast down hills. I remounted with no front brake or clutch and was still in fourth position but I was struggling with the bike and also my injuries I had picked up. I lost a few more places before the end of the race finishing in 6th position.

Race Two
I was hurting from my crash in race one but I lined up ready to race. I got an OK start but I was struggling but I pushed as hard as I could but I got to the halfway point and I decided to pull out of the race due to the pain and made my way to the van very disappointed in myself.

The meeting was cancelled due to a accident in the last race of the second block so I know have a week to recover from my injuries and will be back ready for next week at Allport Heights.

Thanks to everyone behind me through the 2011 season.
Walsall at Hobbs Hole 20.03.11
Pictures by Pippa Instan
It was a second helping of year from the Walsall MXC at the Hobbs Hole circuit. With the track being used by the Schoolboys last week, It was going to be interesting to see how the track would hold up through the day.
 
I took a look at the track with Fat Tony after I arrived at the circuit, it looked in good condition and a little re-shaping of the ski jumps take offs showed the clubs efforts, I was looking forward to the practise and racing ahead.
 
Practise
I went out for the session first and I felt really good on the bike, probably the best so far this year. Me and Cannings was having a little fun with each other through the session, but I had a front wheel puncture near to the end of session so I rode the back to the van.
 
Race One
The Walsall MXC had changed up the racing introducing a extra expert race calling it the Elite Experts which saw several championship riders and also the faster club riders, it was going to be a fast race. I didn't get the best of starts and was well down and I then had a problem when a rider went down in front of me and I had to wait for him to get out of the way so I could continue. I knew it was going to be hard work from now on so I pushed hard to try and recover and managed to close down the riders in front of me and ended the race in 7th position.
 
Race Two
I managed to get a good start this time and came out the first turn in third position with Pearce and Hughes just in front of me. Cannings made a pass on me on the rear of the circuit and then this was where my raced took a "U" turn and Cannings pushed out Pearce forcing him down but in the path of me. I hit his bike square on which sent me flying over the bars landing hard on Pearce's machine. My elbow and leg were hurting me bad. I remounted still in pain so I pulled to the side of the track to re-group. I was one lap down but I continued to see if I could manage the rest of the race. I ended the race but was well down in last position but I felt that I still had one more race in me.
 
Race Three
My day was not going well so far, and my bad luck continued when me and Homles came together off the gate and was again fighting from the back of the pack. I managed to pass riders lap after lap until I was in the top 5 but I was beginning to feel the effects of race two. I made a pass on Wainwright to move in to 4th position, so I just held in there until the end of the race.
 
I ended the day in 6th position overall, It was hard work throughout the day but I will put it behind me and look forward going into next week at the new (but old) Abbotts Bromley circuit.
 
A big thanks to everyone supporting me through the year.
British Masters at Mallory Park 13.03.11
It was time for the first round of the British Maters, I will be racing in the MX1 Amateur Class this year. My expectations of the series is to maybe finish in the top 5 overall. I arrived at the Mallory Park Circuit on Friday night but I would have to wait until Saturday Morning before I would be able to see what the circuit was like so I stayed in the camper, watched Benidorm and had a early night.

Saturday morning soon came so I took Fat Tony a walk and checked out the track. It looked in good shape and the organisers were putting some water down on the circuit. I was looking forward to the qualifying session.

Practise/Qualifying
I felt really good riding around the circuit and the track was already showing some hard and stone surface but I found some good lines and then the timing board was shown so I tried to get in a fast early lap but I hit a large stone in a right hand corner. I managed to stay on the bike but stalled the engine. I rode around a few more laps but I got slowed down by other riders but I managed to get 9th fastest at the end of the session.

Race One
I got off to a shocking start and was well down but I made a few passes on riders in front of me and was around the top 10. I continued through the race gaining but also losing places due to making small mistakes and by the end of the race I was down in 11th position. I think the lack of time on the bike so far this year would hound me through the weekend.

Race Two
Again I got another bad start and was down in the top 20. I was struggling to find my way around some of the riders and it was a slow progress through the race but I kept my head down and again by the end of the race I could only manage another 11th position.
Race Three
I had put yesterday's riding behind me and with a new day I felt that I could do a lot better if I could get a good start. The over night rain had made the track a little more grippy, so I lined up ready for the race. I managed to get a lot better start and by lap 1 I was in 6th position, I made a pass on Michael Reynolds moving me into 5th position. I pushed hard to keep the other riders behind me but I was again slowing due to my fitness and I was starting to drop places and by the end I finished in 10th position.

Race Four
The weekend's riding had been a bit of a disappointment for me and I wanted to end the day with a good result. I managed to get a good jump off the gate and went into the first turn in the top 5 but I was then hit in the side by a few riders. I stayed upright and continued hard through the first few corners and moved into the top 10 by lap one. I found a few smoother lines but again and made a few places but I started to fatigue and I just had to make myself as wide as the track to keep the riders behind at bay. I ended the race in 8th position the best result of the weekend so I was a little happier with today's riding.
I managed to finish 9th overall and with only 16 points seperating me from top 5 in the standings. I can go to Round two at Pontrillas with a little more bike fitness and hopefully I can start to challenge for the top 5 places. Thank you to everyone who is supporting me and the MarchantMx team through the 2011 season.
Walsall at Hobbs Hole 6th March 2011

Today it was off to Hobbs Hole for the first time this year. The weeks weather leading up to the Hobbs Hole event, hosted by Walsall MXC, was a little more settled, making the track in great shape for a good days racing and not a mess like last weekend at coleorton. The track was hit by heavy drizzle through Saturday evening but even that didn't change things for the Walsall Club, the track still looked in good condition.
 
Practice
The track was as good as it looked with a few of the corners a little boggy, ruts were already starting to develop so the track was going to get hard
work later on through the day. There were a lot of riders riding around the compact Hobbs Hole circuit through the session but I just used my head and tried to get a good pace for the racing ahead.
 
Race One
I was a little late getting down to the holding area and the rest of the MX1 riders were already lined up on the start gate. I was way outside so a good  jump out of the gate was going to be required. I was fully focused on the mechanism of the gate and shot out of the start gate and down the start straight but I forgat how short it was and over shot the corner. I managed to turn the bike and slot back into the pack of riders, I managed to move quickly past the riders in front of me and was soon in third position behind Jack Bas and beathing down my neck was Cannings.
 
I got passed by Cannings but we both made a pass on Bas so I was back in third spot. I carried on to push through the race but could not make any time up on Jack Jones so I just kept it on two wheels until the end of the race.
 
Race Two
I lined up next to Cannings on the start gate and again got a great jump with me and Cannings elbow to elbow going into the first turn. I tried to keep Cannings in my sights but he is just on another level as his winter training was paying off. I had Jack Jones chasing me down and I had some problems with a small cut on my thumb and soon Jonesy made a pass on me, moving me back to 3rd position again but I was trying to get around my problem and Pete Weaver and Peter Wainwright took advantage. Two laps from the end, Weaver and Wainwright had problems and I moved back into 3rd position and managed to hold Wainwright until the end.
 
Race Three
I got another good start and was again in second position behind Cannings. I managed to keep a good pace but at the half way point I started to slow down again due to not being able to grip the throttle properly. Jonesy and Wainwright moved me down to fourth position but I knew that a fourth would be

enough for third overall so I just stayed behind Wainwright in fourth until the chequered flag.
 
I finished the day in 3rd position. I was a little disappointed in my riding today and how a small cut would cause me so much of a problem. The meeting was a sucess, Walsall MXC did a good job, but I will sort out my problems ready for next week at the British Master at Mallory Park.
 
Thank you to everyone for all their support throughout the 2011 season.
Coalville at Coleorton 27th February 2011
This weekend was the start of the new 2011 AMCA Season and I headed to Coleorton circuit hosted by Coalville MXC. The weather leading up to the event had been very unsettled and I was surprised that the meeting was going to be run but the Coalville club are notorious for their never say never attitude on running their meetings and also keeping to the programme of three races.

I arrived at the Circuit to a tractor towing people around the paddock so I finally parked up and unloaded my 2011 MarchantMx Honda 450. I checked out the track after I had signed on and saw that most of the track had been cut out and other bits of track moved so that the meeting could be run, the sun was out so hopefully it could dry out the track throughout the day.

Practice
The track was very hard going and my bike doubled in weight after the first lap. I had a problem with the rear back being locked on due to mud clogging its operation. I sorted it and continued on through the session trying to find the best and dryer lines. I pulled off the circuit with doubt that I was going to continue on riding the meeting.

Race One
I decided to race after all but I didn't get the best of jumps off the start gate as J Dub thought that he was still racing at Wilden Lane and his run from nearly in the paddock hitting the gate hard which delayed my gate to drop but I had moved into 5th position by the first lap. I looked across and saw that Cannings was already a couple of turns ahead of me, but I kept plugging away and was soon in 2nd position. It was a lonely second as Cannings was now about half a lap in front but I kept my head and rode a steady pace until the end of the race.

Race Two
I lined up in a different place for this race and it worked. I managed to drive my way into the first turn with Cannings just in front. I pushed hard to gap the rest of the MX1 Expert boys and managed to keep Cannings in my sights but I started to lose a lot of time with lapped riders making my life a little hard and after several near misses on the last lap, I came round to lap J Dub and tried to keep Si White at bay, J Dub slowed for a left hand corner too soon, forcing me to over brake causing my front wheel to lock and I went down. I managed to keep the motor from stalling (thanks to the Rekluse) and rejoined the race in third position. I rode around the rest of the track disappointed to the finish.

I decided to call it a day as the rain was now turning to hail and the track conditions were getting very wet so I washed up and packed away. I still managed to finish 6th overall but I felt the the Coalville club should have maybe called it a day after the second block but I can not speak for everyone it is just my opinion.

It is off to Hobbs Hole next week hosted by Walsall MXC, so I just hope that the weather is a little more settled and conditions better.  
Pre-season Update 2011
It has been a good few months since I last updated the website, so I hope that you all had a good Christmas and New Year. I finished racing back in October 100% fit, which for the last couple of years, I have had to battle with serious injuries which have affected my racing through the years. I have new goals for the 2011 season as I will be competing in domestic AMCA meetings and the British Masters. I have pulled the plug on the AMCA Championship due to lack of effort from the AMCA.

I have used this last couple of months to get physically fit and strong again due to my run of injuries have prevented this from happening but I am working hard so when I am sitting on the start gate I will be able to give it my all.

It has been a good 2011 season as I have been able to pick up a new sponsor Kestrel Honda, and Airport Tyres which have pledge their support through the new 2011 season. Foto-X, FeehilyMx and Fro System are also again going to continue they support. It is fantastic that there are still companies willing to help me in these hard times.

This weekend saw me become a Godfather to Bradley Richard Tudor. it was an honour that Rich and Jo asked me, It was a family event held at the Methodist Church in Brierley Hill and then it was off to the Old Cat in Wordsley for a drink and a lovely buffet food, a great day!

I will be back on the bike soon to run in the new Team MarchantMx Honda CRF 450 and then with the new season back upon us, I hope the training pays off. I have a few Mx Training Days coming up, one to be run on Tuesday 22nd February and the other the end of April so with limited spaces click on the link and a small deposit secures your space.