Dirt 3-2-1 Endurocross Doncaster, Great Britain
By TMX Archives on 3rd Aug 10
Dougie Lampkin made a winning return to his extreme enduro career when he took top honours at the second edition of the Dirt 3-2-1 event staged at the impressive FatCat Motoparc near Doncaster. After a hectic run of duty at the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship thethirty-four year old dusted off his trusty Beta 450 4T, which Dougie had lastridden back in early June at the famous Erzberg extreme enduro.
Despite his total lack of bike time on his enduro machineLampkin was soon back in the groove as he eased his way around the technical anddemanding endurocross course that makes up part of the FatCat Motoparc facility.Although Dougie was soon showing his class over the logs, rocks and tyres thenewly extended section of the track that included a tabletop jump was causingthe veteran campaigner a few problems. "Jumping is definitely not my specialityand something I have not fully mastered yet. I thought there was a saying..if wewere meant to fly, then we would have been fitted with wings." Joked Dougie whowas thoroughly enjoying the relaxed nature of the event.
Liningup against the likes of ex MXGP rider Gordon Crockard and last year's Dirt 3-2-1winner Ben Hemingway, Dougie was under no illusion that he was in for an easynight of racing. Looking to play it safe in his qualifying heat, Lampkin slottedin behind Crockard as the pack made the dash into the first turn and continuedto follow the Irishman as the pair made their way through the opening MX sectionof the course.
Lampkin was soon to hit the front as they moved into the moretechnical part of the track and without pushing too hard Dougie created acomfortable advantage over Crockard and the rest of the field over the cominglaps to qualify easily for the main final later in the evening.
It was a very similar story for the ex multi FIM Trial WorldChampion during the final, with Lampkin initially tucking in behind Crockardthrough the first few turns before then making his move to take control of therace from the front. In truth Dougie's victory was never in doubt as he rapidlyopened up a healthy gap and only had to fight off one challenge from the hardcharging Johny Walker part way through the race.
"I have really enjoyed myself and winning has been a extrabonus" Explained Dougie.
"Normally I am always under pressure when I ride, but I camehere to have some fun and to support Martin(Craven) who owns FatCat Motoparc inthis event. I am a regular visitor to his track at certain points in the year,so it is nice to be able to do something in return."
"I wasn't too sure if the bike was going to start when I pulledit out of the workshop earlier this week, as it has been a bit un-loved sinceErzberg because we have had so many World trials on the bounce. It was good tobe back in enduro mode, as we now have a few weeks break until our nextcompetition." Lampkin concluded.