DIRT 3-2-1- ENDUROCROSS
By TMX Archives on 23rd Jul 09
THE inaugural Dirt 3-2-1 Endurocross event, staged at the FatCat Motoparc on Saturday evening, proved to be a huge success and without a doubt has paved the way forward for this exciting new development on the extreme enduro theme. The superb course is the brainchild of FatCat boss Martin Craven and all his work with earth, rocks, logs, concrete pipes and tyres plus a table-top and double jump was praised by riders and spectators alike. Lap time was only around a minute or so for the fast guys but such is the intensity required to actually race round this obstacle-packed track that even the fittest were gasping - to the surprise of some - after the five lap qualifiers!
A genuine top-quality entry had assembled with factory Sherco extreme rider and multi British trials champ Graham Jarvis, on the all-new 250 model, and 12 times World Trials champ Dougie Lampkin on the meaty 450 Beta, expected to figure strongly.
But there was plenty of likely opposition headed by Paul Bolton, the brothers Hemingway, Ben and Dan (all KTM mounted) and the unpredictable Andy Cripps and his Kawasaki. Stir in veterans Mark Jackson and Martin Craven himself plus motocross challenger Neil Flockhart, on his fiery 450 Honda MXer, and there was plenty of scope for fireworks.
The evening kick-off promised plenty of atmosphere with a monster crowd keen to see how the riders would cope with the course. And after a brief practice session we soon found out!
The five lap Qualifiers were short, sharp and run at a furious pace. Dougie Lampkin showed that he was up for the chase with a win in the opening qualifier, chased by Dan Hemingway, while Ben Hemmo proved fast and fit in the second qualifier. And there was plenty of promise shown by the likes of Jarvis, Bolton and surprise Cumbrian challenger Richard Ellwood who looked well capable of providing an upset.
Before the eight lap Grand Final though the Clubman final had to be settled and fair play to all the lads who took part. These non-Pros gave it all they had and despite getting pretty knackered as they enthustastically tackled the demanding obstacles they put up an impressive show. Craig Parkes eventually proved to have the legs on the opposition and took first place from Chris Salt and Scott Smith.
With dusk falling as the Pro class lined-up at the start gate the floodlights were switched on to add to the atmosphere and as the gate dropped it was Richard Ellwood who raced out front where he held his own for several laps before gradually tiring and dropping back. This left Ben Hemingway out front being chased hard by Paul Bolton with old trials adversaries Lampkin and Jarvis
battling hard together a few second adrift. To see these two veteran trials riders going for it over the motocross doubles was something to behold! But it all went wrong for Doug after he clashed with Jarvis and the Beta rider went down hard. "And then I struggled to start the bike because I'd removed the electric start to save weight!” exclaimed Doug.
Jarvis then set off in pursuit of the leaders and although he overhauled Dan Hemingway Graham couldn't make any inroads on the leaders. In fact, Ben and Bolts just seemed to go faster and faster as the eight laps were reeled-off. As they entered the final lap, Bolts was right on Ben's wheel, just waiting for a mistake but Hemmo took the pressure well and just managed to keep Paul at bay to cross the line and claim the £500 first prize.
"That was brilliant, I really enjoyed that!” exclaimed Ben. Bolts was gracious in defeat and said, "That was a really good race, I was trying hard but fair play to Ben, he rode really well and just never gave me a chance to pass.”
MICHELIN DIRT 3-2-1 ENDUROCROSS
FatCat Moto Park, nr Doncaster
PRO: 1 Ben Hemingway, 2 Paul Bolton , 3 Graham Jarvis, 4 Dan Hemingway, 5 Dougie Lampkin, 6 Lee Sampson, 7 Mark Jackson , 8 David Myers, 9 Neil Flockhart, 10 Paul Smith, 11 Geoff Walker, 12 Martin Craven.
CLUBMAN: 1 Craig Parkes, 2 Chris Salt, 3 Scott Smith, 4 Andres Cook, 5 Sam Turner, 6 Ben Hamilton, 7 Simon Hancock, 8 Darren Cohen.
Ben Hemingway picks his way through the boulders on his way to an historic first victory - Not to mention a cool £500 for his effort.