Sunday saw the Dirt Store ACU British Motocross Championship opening round take place at Lyng in Norfolk, where Josh Vail and the SJP Moto team were looking for a strong start to the season.
Words by SJP Moto – Images courtesy of ImageRich Media
Coming into the opening round, Josh was in great form after moving up from the Big Wheel 85cc at the end of last year, having taken a top 10 in the result EMX125 and a double race wins at the opening round of the Fastest 40 MX.
Heavy overnight rain made for a tricky start to the day as the rain continued during Qualifying. Josh set a fast lap early in the session to put him second fastest in the session and although he tried to set several fast laps later in the session, he was unable to improve on his time.
In the opening race of the day, Josh made a good jump out of the gate, but got boxed in as he went up the start straight and rounded the first turn outside the top 10. Josh quickly set about moving forward and was soon into the top 5, but at the end of the third lap, Josh had to stop for fresh goggles and dropped to seventh, before rejoining the race and pushing his way forward to finish in third and the second 125cc rider across the line.
Going into the second race Josh was looking for a better start and changed his starting position and gained a much better start. Josh quickly moved into third place once again and would remain there for the duration of the race and crossed the line as the second-placed 125.
The two second-place finishes gave Josh second overall, as the championship heads into the next round at Canada Heights, where he will be joined by the team’s Big Wheel 85cc rider Harvey Collins.
Leighton Haigh ‘Conditions were very challenging at Lyng for Josh on the 125, but he rode solidly in both races and showed that he had good pace to come from behind and make a number of passes. With the wet conditions all day it was important for the Championship to finish both races and bring the bike home. Second overall was a good start to the season and shows the great form that Josh is in at the moment.’
SJP Moto Team Round Up
Away from Lyng, the rest of the SJP Moto team have all been competing in different events and getting ready for the season ahead. Jayden Haigh has been competing in a few local events and claiming some race wins but is due to have an operation on his hand shortly to fix an existing injury, while Enduro rider Jacob Potts is also due to have an operation on his leg and ankle.
Female rider Libby Chatburn has been contesting the AMCA British Girls Championship and took second overall at the opening round and third overall at the second round, as well as fourth overall at the opening round of the Acerbis Nationals.
On the Big Wheel 85, Harvey Collins returned from his training camp in Spain to contest the first round of the NPC at Oakhanger and claimed fourth overall along with contesting a few local races to prepare for the opening round of the British Championship at Canada Heights.
Leo Wilson has been contesting the Bridgestone Masters took pole at the first round, along with a race win and claimed fourth overall on the day and is looking to move up the standings at the next round.
