Meara sets sights on Belfast podium
By Team TMX on 25th Jan 17
Irish MX2 champion Jason Meara starts this weekends Belfast rounds of the 2017 Arenacross Tour as the crowd favourite but hes also a hot tip to snatch his first podium of the series.
In his rookie AX season the 19-year-old has come close to a top-three finish twice and is aiming to finally make it onto the box in front of his home fans.
"I'm most looking forward to getting out in the arena at Belfast as I'll have lots of family and friends there,” he said. "I try to improve every week and the best way I can thank everyone for their support is to get on the podium so that's my aim.”
Meara rolled up at the series opener in Manchester earlier this month with no team back-up but, using outdoor suspension settings, still managed to grab fourth in the Pro Lites class and then followed this up with a fifth in Glasgow.
His form was quickly recognised and he was rewarded with a ride with Team RFX St Blazey MX. Although the team use Suzuki machinery, Meara is sticking with what he knows – in his case a 250F KTM.
"There's enough for me to get to grips with as it is – and I mean that quite literally!”
Familiarity didn't help him last time out in Birmingham where, after taking fifth in the opening final, he crashed out dramatically but despite this DNF he still sits fifth in the standings.
After starting the series as a privateer, Meara's enjoying being part of one of the series' biggest teams.
"It's been a massive boost, not just to get the recognition from one of the top teams but to be a part of a great crew who all work together. Everyone pulls their weight.
"The team's Pro riders are indoor racing specialists Cedric Soubeyras and Angelo Pellegrini. They've been really helpful and, of course, with an Irish boy in the mix we're truly international!”
This weekend's event at the SSE Arena is a double-header with round four on Friday and round five on Saturday. Tickets are still available for both nights by calling the arena box office on 028 9073 9074 or via the website www.ssearenabelfast.com
n For more AX information and results go
to www.arenacrossuk.com.
