Bolt and Brightmore secure SuperEnduro world titles in Newcastle
By Team TMX on 4th Mar 24
Billy Bolt secured his fourth FIM SuperEnduro world title with a dominant performance in front of his home crowd at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. The 26-year-old Brit swept the Akrapovic Superpole and all three Prestige Finals to end the season on a high despite wrapping up the title at the start of the night with the three points paid for his Superpole win putting him out of the reach of Jonny Walker.
Bolt, has been struggling with a knee injury since round three of the championship back in January but after a few so-so rounds, hit dominant form for the last two rounds of the championship leaving Walker and the rest in his wake.
The Paul Edmondson-designed course in the sold-out Ultilita Arena was a little quicker and more flowing than what we’ve seen in previous rounds which made for some frenetic racing. However, despite the change in circumstances, the outcome was similar with Bolt taking all three wins with Walker being his biggest threat. That said, mistakes from the Cumbrian Beta rider left the way clear for Mani Lettenbichler to finish in the runner-up spot in races two and three although Walker took second spot on the podium both on the night and in the final series standings. Behind, third-placed Lettenbichler, came Brits Mitchell Brightmore and Will Hoare who both put in huge efforts for the Newcastle crowd.
The final series standings saw all four Brits in the top five with Bolt on top, Walker, Second, Lettenbichler third, Hoare fourth and Brightmore fifth having broken clear of Dominik Olszowy who was a safe sixth.
But the night, and championship, belonged to Bolt. “I’ve always dreamed of racing in front of my hometown,” said Billy at the end of a barmy night in Newcastle. “So, to come here tonight and not only win but clinch the world championship for a fourth time is mind-blowing. I grew up in Newcastle, it’s my home, so I can’t thank everyone enough for coming out like this to support me. I’m glad we’ve been able to put on a show for them too. The track got tougher as the night went on. It was hard not to make a mistake. Overall, it’s been a challenging season, especially with my injury midway but thanks to my team we’ve won the championship. We’ll celebrate tonight!”
Ashton Brightmore also had plenty to celebrate too as he wrapped up the SuperEnduro title his older brother Mitch had won the year prior. The Buxton battler came into the season finale with a healthy championship lead over Suff Sella and dominated the first two races to secure the title. A steady fourth in the third was enough for him to claim the GP win too over Sella (who won race three) and Hungary’s Roland Liszka. A strong ride for Kendal’s Burts Crayston – including leading race two – saw him end the night seventh overall.
“It really means a lot to win this title,” admitted an emotional Ashton afterwards. “It hasn’t sunk in yet but at the same time, I’m absolutely buzzing. Winning it a year after my brother is special, as a family we work really hard, and to follow in Mitch’s footsteps is so great. It’s going to be interesting to fight it out in Prestige next year! It won’t be easy and I have a lot to learn but I’m always up for a challenge!”
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Billy Bolt and Mitch Brightmore - 2023 SuperEnduro world champions
Battling Brits Billy Bolt and Mitch Brightmore take 2023 SuperEnduro world titles in Polish showdown