The NETT Club hosted the second round of the ACU British Sidecarcross championships of 2022 at the Dean Moor track in Cumbria. It was part of the Annual Connor Smith Memorial event run across two days, incorporating the NETT Championship and the Sidecar and Quad British Championships.
Race Report by Tracy Thacker – Images courtesy of John Cook
The track was in great condition, and sunny all weekend but on Sunday the cold wind blew across the hills making it feel much colder.
This week’s battles were between Mark McLernon and Harry Walker who was determined to close the gap at the top of the championship standings.
The first race got underway with an early lead for Murray Graham, Mark McLernon fought past to take the lead, going on to take his first win of the day. From behind Harry Walker fought through to second, with Murray Graham holding third and Oli Sansom close behind. Alfie Walker took a great fifth from Kyle Murphy.
In race two it was Mark McLernon who quickly moved into the lead but this time the competition was strong with Harry Walker working hard to find a way fast in the second half of the race taking his first championship win of the season. Murray Graham was again in good form and tucked into third with Oli Sansom fourth from Alfie Walker. Kyle Murphy was holding sixth until he slowed with a puncture but did well to finish.
In the final championship race of the day Mark McLernon left nothing to chance, leading from the start and taking a second win. There was trouble on bend one with Harry Walker involved in a crash that left him behind as the leaders disappeared into the distance, he was not going to let that slow him and was quickly back on the bike and giving chase. Murray Graham tucked into second with a safe consistent day and enough points to take third overall on the day. Justin Reid took third, and behind Harry Walker cheered on by the large crowd fought past his rivals to tuck into fourth – a great recovery. Chad Beevers took fifth just ahead of Jack Naylor.
With five of six possible race wins Mark McLernon holds the championship lead, Harry Walker is still fighting hard in second with Murray Graham having a great day to move up to third.
Don’t miss round two on Saturday 18 June at Tandragee in Northern Ireland, where the battles continue, with a home track for Mark McLernon his rivals will have to work hard to steal those championship points.
Tracy Thacker Gallery
Results
Standings after 2 rounds
