British Youth Nationals heads to Desertmartin
By TMX Archives on 18th May 17
This weekend, round three of the Thor British Youth Nationals takes place at Desertmartin in Northern Ireland. Competing at the world renowned GP venue is sure to be one the series highlights for many, it also marks the half way point in this years championship.
In Junior 65cc, series leader Wal Beaney (SJP Moto) and second placed Ollie Colmer (Judd Racing) have totally dominated proceedings.
Between them they've claimed every single race win so far, and head to head there hasn't been too much to choose between them.
It's fair to say Colmer has had some bad luck, he'll certainly be hoping that turns around as Beaney is already 61 points clear in the standings.
Finley Evans and Roan Delaney are locked in a battle for series third, just five points covers them as Keelan Hope and Fin Wilson round out the top six. Looking at the championship standings from third, down to McKenzie Marshall in ninth place, the points situation in the 65's is tight, there could be lots of movement.
With the round one Small-wheel 85cc victor Charlie Heyman picking up a busted wrist at round two, Alfie Jones and Vinnie Guthrie will be flat out for the series lead.
At the end of round two it was Jones who emerged with the championship advantage, he's just four points in front of Guthrie. Both guys excel in deep sandy conditions so it should be an absolute thriller. Raife Broadley will be hoping to apply some pressure on the leaders from his current third place standing, he's 30 points adrift of the top spot.
In striking distance of Broadley, Bailey Johnston and Oliver Barr hold series fourth and fifth respectively, they also have a good chance of rising up the rankings.
In Big-wheel 85cc Dominic Lancett (KJS Racing) has been firing well in all his National series this year. His record in the BYN reads, seven wins and three second place finishes from ten races run. That's some start to his campaign, and he has a 54-point advantage over Team Green runner Bobby Bruce. Building on his round two show where he grabbed the runner up award, Bruce will be looking for his maiden race win in this years series.
Sitting third in the points, Cullen Scott was a race winner at round one, round two was disappointing for him, so he'll be looking to improve. Kyle McNichol is in series fourth, and he took a race win at Brampton last time out and he's another who will definitely threaten for a podium finish. Others who might end up on the end of meeting box include, Lewis Wood (SJP Moto), Louie Kessell and James Smith. Also look out for possible big performances coming from home grown talent in the shape of Irishmen Ben Kennedy and Jack Galvin.
Dominating the 125cc class, Rossi Beard (Putoline Husqvarna) and Calum Mitchell (KTM) have so far proved to be the ones to beat. Beard is a seven times race winner thus far with Mitchell hitting three wins. Beard is 16-points to the good over Mitchell at the top of the standings with Cab Screens Husky pilot Josh Peters 55 points off top spot.
With a good showing in NI, it's possible both Drew Anderson and Sam Nunn (Lings Husqvarna), currently fourth and fifth respectively, could challenge Peters for third in the series.
The sixth place runner in the championship, Ike Carter (MBO Power), is unfortunately out with a broken wrist. He's hoping for a round four or five return to action.
In the top of the shop Youth Open championship, Howard Wainwright (Redline Honda UK) has an 11-point lead over (HCR Putoline Apico Yamaha) campaigner Tom Grimshaw. Sitting 32 points away from leading is third placed Jed Etchells, and while Wainwright has never competed at Desertmartin, Etchells is usually something of a sand maestro.
With Wainwright, Grimshaw and Etchells scooping all the race wins so far it's highly likely the round three victor will be one of the trio. If it's not to be a podium show for any of the afore mentioned, look out for Ben Clark (Honda UK), Aaron Lee Hanson, Harry Kimber (HCR Apico Yamaha), and Joe Cadwallader (Husqvarna).
