Inside job!
By TMX Archives on 9th Dec 05
Words by Stevie Mills Photo by SuttyNow That's Entertainment! Bikes, babes and back-flips were the key words on the pre-event posters and boy did Mr Bates and his crew deliver or what!The mixture of high class international supercross racing Words by Stevie Mills Photo by SuttyNow That's Entertainment! Bikes, babes and back-flips were the key words on the pre-event posters and boy did Mr Bates and his crew deliver or what!The mixture of high class international supercross racing blended with one slice of pro/celebrity minibikes, two parts freestyle and a sprinkling of future youth stars really hit the spot. Check out Hung-Sutty's full-on report and pictures in this issue of DBR. Keen as mustard, the big man was out in the trenches both nights risking life and limb to bring you the best shots possible (he does take a fine shot - SL).I myself risked the health of my liver by visiting the Embo Racing box on Saturday night - good to see you big man and I hope you didn't need your puncture repair kit this year.From our side of the pond one young man in particular made a lot of new fans at the Odyssey. Martin Barr capped off what has been a fantastic season with a stellar performance in front of a sell-out crowd. The Bike-it/Dixon rider bolted out of the gate all weekend and running with some of the world's finest supercross riders will give Barr even more confidence as he aims for a full season of British champs and GPs in 2006.In his penultimate outing aboard Yamaha GC showed form - his speed was good enough for second place in one moto but he was involved in several incidents which hindered his progress.Riding the full track on 10 inch wheels brought with it some problems for the riders and a truckload of laughs for the spectators as the pro/celebrity minibike race got underway. Andrew 'O'Show' O'Brien may just have found his vocation in life as he battled with eventual winner - and former world champ - Jamie Dobb.Many of the top Tarmac guys let it all hang out with Michael Laverty being the fastest of the slick brigade - was it down to his skill or the Holeshot-prepped Monster brand mini-racer?And speaking of champions, Ulster champ Simon Reid showed the determination that's fast becoming his trademark. His dad Brian was a nervous wreck as he watched Simon attack the full supercross circuit on his KTM 65.The only downside to the entire Odyssey experience was the weather and anybody who had the misfortune to mechanic outside was instantly turned into a Smurf - that's blue in colour. Matt Bates seemed to have everything covered but the weather so come on man, pick it up for next year and book a little November sunshine.By now the Christmas trees will be lighting up every house - in fact, the Griswald Christmas house decoration challenge will move up another gear. The national power grid will struggle to keep up with the increasing demand from the ever-competitive urban male who's determined to have the brightest garden on the planet.Last year our neighbours' house was lit up like an airport runway which as you can imagine caused a few sleepless nights as the odd 747 buzzed overhead awaiting clearance to land. Junior will receive his new power beast come the 25th and the talk around the table will be of the forthcoming campaign and just how we can spend more money developing the latest offering from Japan. One wonders just when the factories will get it right?I can't believe just how quickly time flies by as the New Year is fast approaching and 2005 will be remembered for many things - some which touched and changed lives forever. While motorcycling has always been my passion it could not go unmentioned that Ireland witnessed the passing of a legend.George Best was an icon who had more natural talent than he needed to run rings around some of the best players in the world. Some may see George as a victim, others a hero, for me somewhere in-between is the truth. George may not have lived long enough to receive his letter from the Queen but he packed more into his life than pretty much anybody. I never had the pleasure of meeting him personally but the tributes and stories that have appeared in the media give a reason to smile for he was truly a great character.As you eat your turkey, open presents and celebrate Christmas take a moment to reflect on the year gone by. As I say a new year brings with it a new start. From all at DBR we wish you a happy, prosperous and peaceful 2006...