Extreme Dreams!
By TMX Archives on 16th Mar 06
What a busy month with some good results and a lot of fun. What a busy month with some good results and a lot of fun. First off was a trip to Italy to ride in the Hell's Gate race - I had been warned that this race was pretty brutal and when you hear that from Knighter you know there could be a potential problem. Anyway, he was right but after a long hard race I ended up third overall.The trip was made more enjoyable by not only the daddy (Justin) but his team of Truro man, Lambo man and the other man (don't know his name). Anyway, must say that they are a great group of lads and were on top form throughout the three days - hopefully they will all be back next year to help us in this event.Also helping me a lot at Hell's Gate was Steve Plain who had spent a lot of time sorting out my lights after The Tough One disaster. Following a lot of testing and some decent lights from Trail Tech we finally got a set-up that would keep me lit properly. I think I will do more of these events as Knighter's said the Ezberg race in Austria is out of this world and maybe harder than Hell's Gate so it seems like we will have to do it!Other things that have been going on this month include some local MX racing at Wilden Lane where I finally managed to win and relieve Tom of 60. These events have been great preparation for the up-and-coming season as racing MX certainly helps with your speed and conditioning.Next point of call was the first round of the BEC at Breckland. It was a one-day race with a totally new special test and the event was going to be quite tight on time as the old boys from down there like to see us racing flat-out all day through the forest. The event itself went pretty smooth and the bike ran with no problems, the end result being second to you know who and victory in the E2 class.However, the old boys had to give us more time on the final check point which meant more riders cleaned it than should have! But it was good trying to pass everyone and good experience for my forthcoming three-hour races. Which brings me nicely onto the big news this month...Finally the boys from the US have got back to me and we have agreed to go GNCC racing as many times as possible this season. The deal has enabled me to fly, race and fly home which is what I want to do. We've got good support from American Honda who will help out by giving me a special bike to race on so at the moment I am pretty pleased that it has all come together as people are not aware how difficult it is to get deals at the moment.Speaking of deals, everything is going good with the PAR Honda team and we are celebrating the arrival of young Jason Thomas (Rat Boy) back onto the team. However, more important for me is the arrival of his dad Jeremy who's a top cook and entertainer! And I must say well done to all the lads as I know they all put 100 per cent in at the first race.Just to let you all know that Whibley will not be part of the team this year as we couldn't agree terms on a contract that would benefit both parties. But I'm pleased to see he has a deal in the US where he will be racing Hondas - I wish him all the best.Right, time is very tight and we have been very busy in the shop but I will be leaving that behind and focusing on racing. I think it will be good to go back to the US as the off-road scene is certainly on the up and also there are more high-profile events over there than ever before. When back in England I will be trying to do as many WOR and Putoline Fast Eddy Races as possible so I can keep fit and strong to try and catch Mr Salminen in the GNCCs.Finally this month I must say a big thank you to Putoline, Michelin, MD and Rush Racing for sticking with the Fast Eddys - the first round is on April 30 and I hope to see you all there...Words by Paul Edmondson Photo by Jonty Edmunds