US return
By TMX Archives on 16th Nov 05
Words by Paul Edmondson Photo by Jonty EdmundsWell I've just got back from the grand old USA where I competed in the final round of the GNCC series. Words by Paul Edmondson Photo by Jonty EdmundsWell I've just got back from the grand old USA where I competed in the final round of the GNCC series. After being away for four years it was nice to go back and see all my old friends - although the event itself was pretty tough.The trip was supported by Paul Rowlands and after a lot of consideration I decided that I should go back and give it a whirl. The real reason I went back to the US was to see how fast the boys are - and I now know that they're pretty fast and that Salminen is his usual dominant and speedy self.The course itself proved to be a great lap with lots of technical sections, very similar to the Ellesmere Fast Eddy but only a little bit longer. It was interesting to see that the courses are very similar to ours other than they managed to create laps that were nearly 30 minutes long.The start - like in most races - is very important and after having a bad pick on the gate due to not competing in the championship I managed to kick the girl into life and round the first corner in second position.I followed Salminen into the woods and he managed to pull about 15 seconds on me on the first lap, 10 on the second lap and kept increasing his lead until he was 40 seconds in front after about an hour and 20 minutes. Bad news for me though was, as I didn't have a fast fill system, I had to resort to the old screw top tank which meant I lost even more time to him at the pit stops.After leaving the first pit I got carried away in one of the wooded sections and ended up parking the CR250 in the middle of a bush but I was soon out of it and on my way. The downside to this is that without my unscheduled diversion I would have ended up in a podium position but fourth isn't so bad. Hopefully next time will be better and all in all it was a great event and it's looking like I'll be doing some more in '06.Speaking of next year my plans are, unfortunately, changing. As a team and rider I can no longer afford to participate in the WEC championship. The costs from the last two seasons have made it difficult to make it work and I feel that next season will be even more expensive.My plan now for '06 will be to concentrate on the UK scene for PAR Honda and also try to do as many GNCC races as possible. I'll also be slowing down on the team front and handing the title sponsor over to Paul at PAR which will enable me to focus purely on my own riding. I feel I've still got a good few years left and while I'm as competitive as I seem to be I will be giving it my all to show that for 36 years of age I ain't bad for an old 'un.Remaining races for this year will be the John Banks BEC and, wait for it, the NEC Supercross where I hope to come home in one piece but we'll see. It will be good to support Gareth Hockey as he puts a lot into our sport.See you next month...