Double for Wayne and Graham
By TMX Archives on 16th Jan 08
MULTI-motocross champion Wayne Garrett and his team-mate, Graeme Irwin, did the double at the highly successful Irish Racer awards function, writes DERMOT JAMES. Garrett, a plasterer from Comber, swept the boards with four domestic titles to win the off-road rider of the year award.
At the annual black-tie bash in Belfast he was up against quality rivals like Martin Barr, Keith Farmer and Gordon Crockard.
"It has been a memorable year,” confessed Garrett. "This latest award has really made it all worthwhile.”
"So far as the coming season is concerned, I want a crack at the main British Championship but I would also hope to defend my four domestic titles.”
"Again, I'll be riding for Philip McCullough's Moto One team with continued support from electrical contractor, Ian Spratt, who is a long-time family friend.”
15-year-old Carrickfergus schoolboy Graeme Irwin lifted the ‘Young Rider of the Year' award. The competition was fierce and included Nikki Coates, Josh Elliott and Jamie Hamilton – all tarmac specialists.
Irwin won the British Youth Championship and is clearly a chip off the old block – his dad Alan was a prominent road-racer. Young Irwin has now set his sights on the British Adult championship.
"I'll be concentrating on the MX2 class.” explained Irwin who will be up against Ballyclare's Martin Barr (Dixon-Yamaha) and the Scottish youngster Shaun Simpson (Wulfsport KTM).
Back to the awards night and McCullough's Moto-One team was short-listed for the team trophy which, for the fourth time in five years, went to TAS Suzuki.
McCullough has been a staunch supporter of KTM machinery but, so far as 2008 is concerned, he is switching from orange to yellow and that means both Garrett and Irwin will be riding Suzuki.