Bliss for Bayliss at Arenacross Tour
By Team TMX on 23rd Feb 17
Buildbase Hondas Chris Bayliss signed off on top at the final round of the 2017 Arenacross Tour at the SSE Arena, Wembley, on Saturday night.
Knocked out of the Pro Lites title chase in Sheffield after being sidelined with food poisoning, Bayliss – who was also nursing a recently dislocated shoulder – had a point to prove and came out swinging to win the first of the two Pro Lites finals.
Having lost out on two tie-breaks this year, in the second final he rode smart to cross the line third and sign off with the overall win.
"I've finally won one instead of getting second on a tie-break,” he said. "It's been a good night. I could have had a pretty good chance of winning the title if I'd been able to race at Sheffield but I enjoyed the series and it's always good to go out with a win.”
His big brother Matt's evening came to a premature end on the opening lap of his first Pro AX heat when, while leading, he crashed and dislocated his knee.
"I got the holeshot and did exactly what I've been doing all day through the whoops – triple, triple, triple out – but I was thrown forward and as I was coming down I had my left leg out.
"I've been feeling good all day and then that happens. I can't believe it really. I'm gutted. It's been a good few weeks and I've really enjoyed it but it's a disappointing end to the championship for me.”
Former champ Adam Chatfield - who won at Wembley last year -made the Main Event as promoter's choice and came home fifth on the night for fourth in the championship.
"It's been a disaster tonight really,” he said. "I got fifth in my first heat but in the second I locked handlebars
with someone on the start, went down and I was dead last so I had to go through to the head-to-head where I got knocked out.
"Luckily I was promoter's choice and ended up fifth in the final which is all right considering I had to start from the second row which made it difficult. I'm still fourth in the championship and best Brit which I suppose says something.”
Team boss Dave Thorpe was delighted to see his Pro Lites rider on top of the podium.
"Chris has been a hero,” said DT. "He was on it from the very first practice this morning and dominated the first final. Because he wasn't in contention for the title he rode with his head in the second final for the overall win. It's a great finish to the season for him and for the CRF250R.
"As a team we've thoroughly enjoyed the series. It is hard work and there are massive highs and incredible lows but as a series it brings a new dimension to our partners who want to come and watch the team race.”
