Here are a few words I have penned for the programme for those not going to be there - still a few places on the grid
The forecast of a Mexican style heatwave for Mallory’s meeting didn’t happen and riders were greeted by a more characteristic UK day, cold and grey. The weather caught leading Aprilia runner and second in the championship Ross Searle #52 out; Ross nipping his machine in practice with a suspected cold seizure. This put a damper on his day as the machine wouldn’t then run properly - Ross finishing with a DNF and a 4th place. Ross’s position in the championship wasn’t threatened as Mark Jordan having finished 2nd in the first race and then just having taken the lead in the second race, decided to exit Devils Elbow in style - a triple salko with back flip. Whilst providing entertainment for the crowd it didn’t do his championship aspirations much good and scared the hell out of Alan Armour who first had to avoid the tumbling rider and then the sliding machine. Alan was, as usual, the cream of the crop, taking two wins to maintain a 100% record in the championship. Steve Pond and Dan Williams showed good speed – not quite challenging for the lead but with Mark Jordan sidelined and Ross Searle working his way up from the back of the grid these two took second and third places. Another Aprilia rider with problems at Mallory was Iain McDonald – having travelled all the way from Scotland his machine threw a chain in the first race which put him on the back of the grid for the second.
Anyway, enough of Mallory, we are at Cadwell this weekend. This beautiful Lincolnshire circuit is Alan Armour’s home turf and he is going to be the man to beat. Last season Alan was untouchable here and it is difficult to see anybody challenging him. Expect to see Alan #4 (RGV) battling with the 400’s for a win in the F400 as his defence of the Grip and Rip sponsored, F400 championship starts in earnest.
The main F250 battle looks like it will be between Steve Pond #173 (RGV), Dan Williams #174 (NSR), Roy Thorpe #362 (NSR), Ross Searle #52 (RS250), Richard Gordon #177 (RS250) and Iain Mcdonald #39 (RS250). Not sure where I would want to put my money – Roy Thorpe, Dan Williams and Steve Pond have experience on their side, but each is still getting to grips with their individual machines particularly the two Honda riders. Roy is back racing after an 11 year break – he suffered machine problems at Mallory but will hopefully have the gremlins sorted and eliminated here at Cadwell. Dan is riding what is effectively a stock road machine – one of the delectable NSR MC28’s. Outright speed is Dan’s problem at the moment as said he was about 15mph down on Steve Pond’s RGV at Mallory. The three Aprilia riders are capable and have the machines but I do think experience will tell in the end. Somewhere in the mix will be a rather volatile Mark Jordan #96 (KR-1S) – judging by his last few races expect to see him anywhere between a hay bale and the podium – at the moment completely unpredictable.
Behind this group, who are battling for the Division I championship, will be the Division II battle. Presently led by our IoM racer Mark Bamford #109 (RGV) with novices Matthew Graves #95 (RGV), Dino Brady #85 (RGV) and Philip Atkin #178 (RS250) hot on his heels. Alan Grindey # 157 on his KR-1S will be joining in the fun and hoping to steal a few points to add to those he collected at Mallory.
