Desert storm!
By TMX Archives on 14th Jul 05
While the rest of Ireland was basking in sunshine it was true to say that the storm clouds gathered around Desertmartin. While the rest of Ireland was basking in sunshine it was true to say that the storm clouds gathered around Desertmartin. And although the threatening storm didn't materialise the sound of the big four-strokes provided plenty of thunder.As anticipated the big three - Crock Star, Lyons and McCullough - didn't make the start gate. Yes, McCullough is riding but his focus is on winning an Irish championship this year - that and the fact that his hand wouldn't have lasted 30 minutes around the Desert at such a pace kept him off the track.But the local fans had plenty to cheer about with 11 Irish riders qualifying and six going on to take championship points on the day.In the MX1 class Martin Barr produced his best performance to date, breaking into that elusive top 10 will help open the doors for the next step in Martin's journey.In this sport you have to expect the unexpected and Tommy Merton has changed the colour of his machine. No longer sporting yellow it was announced that Tommy would ride a DG Williamson Yamaha and ride it he did. Simply put that was the best I've ever seen Tommy race! The fire was fully lit and 10th overall was more than the few people that know what he's actually capable of expected.Mike Sinton surprised a few as the GOMX/Russell's rider got the best start of his life and was looking settled in eighth position until Cooperman used him as a berm. Still, the ever-smiling Mike went home a happy pup after surviving the first corner pile-up in moto two and charging back through the field from last to 18th.Defending Ulster MX2 champ Neil McKeown raced 18-14 on the day and his Moto-One Kawasaki never missed a beat.In the MX2 class Robert Hamilton delivered another lesson in starting. The 17-year-old GOMX/Russell's Honda pilot gated alongside the factory stars then rode the pace at the front and recorded two 10th place finishes. "I was busted after 20 minutes," reckoned Rob. "I trained for 30-minute motos but you can't replicate race conditions during a practice session - the adrenaline factor changes everything."Richard McKeown had a pair of points scoring rides. A crash in moto two fired up the TAS Suzuki man who blitzed his way from 38th to 16th at the flag.Others made the grade too - Davy Gorman and Stuart Edmonds enjoyed the experience although mechanical issues came into play while Luke Wilde made up for crashing out of qualification by winning the support races in fine style.By the time this issue hits the shelves the press launch will have taken place for the Desertmartin GP on September 17 - and it's great news that the powers-that-be have put aside their differences and come to an agreement for the benefit of the sport allowing the Grand Prix of Ireland to take place.The Irish championship has reached the halfway mark and yet again the MX2 class that has produced no less than five race winners. At the recent Seaforde round Philip McCullough shared moto wins with Wayne Garrett and Robert Hamilton. Early series leader Hamilton missed a round with a shoulder injury but is getting back into the title hunt with the battle coming down to a four-man race - Ricky McKeown, Steele, McCullough and Hamilton.The MX1 class is starting to look like a family affair as Neil and Richard McKeown are in a commanding position running 1-2 while Mike Sinton's still third. Sinton crashed badly at Seaforde - injuring his leg - and was unable to finish the second moto. But in typical motocross fashion the Tandragee man dropped a painkiller, strapped on an ice pack and raced the final moto of the day to try and salvage a few points.Alistair McClintock showed that married life does not signal the end of a successful motocross career by grabbing the holeshot on his TM Ireland machine.Round two of the Polisport SX Challenge at Tandragee proved popular as the blistering sun and a bumper crowd helped make the riders lift their game.Series leader Neil McKeown won a moto as did Steele and Garrett with Steeler taking the Rushmere Shopping Centre dash-for-cash and lifting the lion's share of the prize fund.Stephen Russell - Team Ireland's MXdN manager - will again have a difficult job choosing a team. The big three have the experience but all are carrying an injury. For sure Crockard will be back racing and will automatically be the team leader if he's fit but the argument is going to be around whether or when we give the young guys a chance.Martin Barr has shown he's going to make it and deserves a shot, young Hammy can lift his game on demand and gating well against some of the fastest guys in the world has got to help.We'll take a closer look at the possible des Nations candidates next month...Words by Stevie Mills Photo by Sutty