Midweek dash at the Rhayader Evening MX.
Following on from visiting this event for the last 2 years, I decided earlier in the season to add this race to my schedule and what an event it was.
I entered as a Clubman, running against some quick Vets and with quite a few 450`s on the line, so it was going to be a challenge on my 250f.
The track was pretty slippy, one line & with numerous slates mixed in, so I decided to run handguards for the races.
I went out for 4 laps of timed practice/qualifying and managed to score 2nd quickest in the Clubman & 25th fasted out of the combined Pro, Expert, Clubman & Vets classes, which I was pleased with.
Race 1. Although I got second gate pick, I had a poor start, as the gate was dropped as soon as the 5 second board was turned. Starting from about 9th position, I worked my way through to a 4th place finish.
Race 2. Similar to race one, but eventually finished 5th.
Race 3. A better start and moved through the field quickly, running in 4th place, about half way through, I try to make a pass on the corner before the finish line and because of the low/poor light, I misjudged the corner and crashed. This dropped me down to about 10th place, but I focussed on moving back through the field & finished 5th.
This meant that I was 3 points short of 3rd overall and I wasn`t happy, due to a careless mistake and incorrect goggle selection, but still managed a creditable 4th overall.
What did I learn, the intensity of the event is nothing I`ve experienced before, as there is no chance to rest & compose yourself, due to the reduced race times, but due to my fitness, it didn`t phase me.
Correct goggle selection is crucial, as the setting sunlight and shadows it creates, can & will catch you out.
Many thanks to the NORA CRS Development Team & associate sponsors and our personal sponsors, James E Smith Timber Products, Factory Motocross Graphics & Mission MX for the support.
