The final shootout and championship decider at West Meon was a good day. I had already claimed the Veterans championship so no pressure there and only had to finish both races in the A-Group to claim the clubmans title. However, there was also a top 10 finish in the main up for grabs so I had to decide whether to go all out or play it safe and bring it home.

The track was pretty gnarly as usual and hadn't really been graded so was rough before we began. Practise was OK and I did what I needed to do in the qualifier and get into the main with a 4th place finish. The pace felt OK and an adjustment to the front end seemed to be working as the bike was turning much sharper on the tight corners.

For the Vets race I already had the title in the bag but wanted to go out with another win. Got a cracking start and thought I had the holeshot but Rob Whiting came sweeping round the first corner to take the lead followed by Dave Ponting on his mighty CR500. I ate Dave's roost for a lap and then made the pass. Rob had already made a gap and so I focused on my lines and clawed my way back up to Rob. Made the pass late in the race and held on the for win.

The start of the first A-Group race saw me on the most outside gate due to the chaos when lining up for the start. Think a peg system is needed for next season!! Made another flyer and thought I had the holeshot but the race had been red flagged as some riders had hit and destroyed the gate. So we lined up again for a flag start. Made a good jump and was running in third for the first lap. Slipped back a bit as didn't want to take too many risks and brought it home in 10th for some good points in the main.

Final race and another flag start. Got mugged in the first corner this time and so had to fight through. Made some great passes as the bike was turning really well. Fought my way up to about 16th which was good enough to take the Clubmans title and finish 8th overall in the main.

It's been a long, tough season and I'm really pleased to take two championships this year. After the disaster last year and my knee surgery I didn't think I'd be as competitive but consistency has bought me the titles. Big thanks to Dean Caplin who let me ride his 450 after my gearbox broke at Whitings Water. Wouldn't have won without that!! Apart from that the YZ 2smoker hasn't missed a beat and I'll be riding the screamer again next season.

Finally, big thanks to all our sponsors for their continued support throughout the season and big shout out to Paul who has had a torrid season with niggling injuries. Bring on 2009!! See you at the races :)

A cold and windy day at Foxholes but at least the track was dry for a change. I was looking forward to the meeting and have my sights on the championships so wanted to stay on board and bring home a solid result. The track was well graded for practise and so just ripped it up for a few laps. Practised my start with the new Golden Tyre GT240 on the rear and the grip was amazing.

For the qualifier I lined up in the middle and made a good jump out of the gate. I was in 3rd place but the front end washed out on on a polished section on the first lap and I was down. Not good as the heats are only 3 or 4 laps so had to fight hard to ensure a qualifying position. I was really pleased with the race as got back from 20th on the first lap to finish in 4th and qualify for the main.

For the Vets race I just needed to score some points and bring it home. Made another great start but Dave Ponting on his mighty CR500 blasted to the holeshot. I managed to pass Dave on the first lap and pulled a gap on the pack. Rob Whiting closed in on me and finally made the pass. I couldn't stay with him so settled for 2nd place and some good points.

The first A-Race was a bit of a disaster. Made another good start and was in the mix. There was a bottleneck at the first hairpin after the tabletop and so I had to change line but got taken down in the process. So, I was at the back again pretty much dead last. The red mist came down and I rode flat out carving my way through the pack. I caught and passed Paul who was having a battle with another Honda rider and I was closing in on the next gaggle of riders but ditched it in a rut and Paul came back past me. I jumped back on and caught back up to Paul who let me through on the last lap to take the points. Cheers mate!!

The last race of the day and again the Golden Tyre hooked up great giving me a good top 10 position. Paul came flying past me on the first lap and I tucked in behind him. We had a great battle all race long, I couldn't find a way through and Paul wasn't going to open the door this time. Great fun and smiles all round at the end.

One round to go at West Meon in a few weeks.

The last round of the UMX series and I just wanted to have a good fun day. Any hopes of finishing on the podium were gone due to a few missed races but a top 10 finish was still on the cards. The weather was fantastic and the track superbly prepared so a good days racing was ahead.

Practise went OK, the bike felt good and the Golden Tyres were giving loads of grip on the graded track. Qualifying was great. Got a good start and was in the top 5 on the first lap. From there I picked them off one by one and moved into the lead. Allan Warring was closing in on his new Suzuki on the last lap but I held him off and took the win which boosted my confidence going into the first race.

Made an OK start in the first A-race and was in the top 10 on the first lap. Had a few good battles and moved up into 6th place. The leaders were there and I was closing in so the pace was looking good but I started to fade towards the end of the race and made a couple of mistakes. Re-focused and started to close the gap again but it was too late. Finished 6th which was OK as I was close to the leaders at the flag.

The second race and I really wanted to go for it as the first race showed the pace was there to run at the front. Unfortunately, this only lasted the first lap as I ran wide and went through the tapes except there was heavy rope between the posts at this point on the track which I got tangled up in. Had to drag the bike back and untangle the mess. By the time I got going I was dead last and seeing red. Got the hammer down and caught the pack and managed to fight back to finish top 20. Not easy as everyone was flying and the track was tricky to pass on. The annoying thing was I could see the leaders each lap and was able to guage my speed against them. Some laps I was quicker despite having to pass midpack riders!!

Final race of the series and I wanted to go out on a good result. This was ruined at the first corner as I got caught up in the pile up and was dead last again. Raced a good race and finished 17th. All this meant I finished 7th overall in the Junior Championship which was OK considering the missed meetings earlier in the season.

Bring on Hampshire this weekend at Foxholes!!

I hadn't been on the bike since Matterley Basin due to work commitments and a great 2 week holiday in the sun so was really looking forward to the meeting. Last time we rode at Whitings Water earlier in the season my gearbox gave out after practice so I rode Deano's 450 Honda. Couldn't wait to get the YZ out on the track. Practise was OK, the track was well graded and so just ripped it up for three laps.

The qualifier went well. Had a great start and jumped out of the gate. Would have got the holeshot but couldn't keep the front end down. The bike pulled like a train and the Golden Tyre hooked up all the way to the first corner so had to slip the clutch a bit. Rode a good heat and was third for the first few laps. Calmed the pace a bit and was happy to cross the line in 5th.

For the Vets race I noticed that my main rival in the championship, Shaun Brooker was missing so I focused on getting a good start and staying out of trouble. Grabbed the all important holeshot and let it all hang out for the first lap. Was pushed the whole race by Warren Berthiaume. Couldn't shake him off and he was showing me a wheel at every corner. As we came into the back markers in the closing stages I really went for it and managed to get a gap on him and held on for the win. Tough race though and really enjoyed it.

With clubman championship leader Danny Umlandt being sidelined with a shoulder injury from Matterley Basin the door has been opened for the clubman title. Me and Danny had some great battles this year. He was riding really well and was favourite for the title. So,with Danny out and Shaun a no show I just wanted to bring it home and get a result. The fist race was tough as I got swamped on the start and had to battle through the dust from way down. Managed to fight through to finish the race in 12th position which was good enough. Race 2 and I made a much better start. Rolled up to the gate and timed it just right. Was top 5 on the first lap and away from the mid pack dust. Battled hard with Mark Whithers who made a beauty block pass on me but I got him straight back. Finished the race in 8th place which I was really happy with.

Great to be back on the bike and another well organised Hampshire meeting at a fantastic old school motocross track. Loved it!!

Back to the awesome Matterley Basin track for the annual charity bash. Arrived early and walked the track which was in perfect condition. Couldn't wait to get out there and rip it up. Out for practise and after the first lap decided to go for it. Cleared most of the jumps and was flying. The bike felt perfect and the Golden Tyre was hooking up great.

Pulled the holeshot in the qualifier after leaning on Rupert Heaton who was trying to get the inside for the first corner. Lead the first lap but was then passed by Luke Blanchard and Rupert. Luke was away but I stayed with Rupert. He was clearing all the jumps but not making much time as was running wide on the landings and I was able to tuck inside him. We had a great battle. Tony Tunnel joined in and then Rupert ran too wide so Tony and I were through. I finished third and was grinning ear to ear. Great fun!!

The first main race and I made a poor start. Was mid pack and so had to battle through. The pace was really hot and it was difficult to pass people. Still rode a good solid race to finish 14th and really enjoyed it.

Lined up for the last race and while sitting on the line felt my front brake go very spongy. The cylinder was leaking fluid and I had no front stopper. No time to do anything as the 15 second board was up. Had to let them all go off the line as I knew I wouldn't be able to stop at the first corner. So, pretty much dead last. Actually rode a good race and came through the pack. Had great corner speed as I couldn't slow down :) Finished 16th which I was pleased with considering there was 40 on the line.

Awesome day and hat's off to Jamie and the team for putting on such a great event.

A new track, new clutch and new Golden Tyre on the rear so was really looking forward to the meeting. On walking the track things looked great, well graded with some nice jumps and fast flowing sections. Out for practise and a few laps to learn the track. The combination of new clutch and rear tyre was awesome as the bike was flying. The Golden Tyre was fantastic and giving great grip on the slick watered track.

Holeshoted my qualifer and pulled an instant lead with the Golden Tyre launching me out of the gate. Ditched it in a rut on the second lap and slipped back to 7th where I stayed till the flag. Good enough to qualify for the main despite all the Southern Center visitors that had turned up.

Race One and I pulled a monster holeshot. The bike hooked up and launched out of the gate. I had the inside for the first corner and was away. Rode three great laps and pulled a good lead and was feeling comfortable at the front. Long hot race tho and a lack of training recently meant I started to fade and was caught and passed by a few riders. Finished in 7th which was good and even better when the visitors were taken out of the equation as I got 3rd UMX member home.

Race two and I made a mess of the start. Pulled through into the top 15 on the first lap and held position there for the rest of the race as the pace was really hot and it was difficult to pass.

The final race of the day and I made another crap start. Was feeling the heat in the last race and so rode at a comfortable pace within my limit as I didn't want to throw it away. Still got into the top 15. On checking the results at the end of the day I finished 9th overall and was 5th UMX member so was really pleased with that.

Can't wait till the next meeting as it's back to Matterley Basin for the Hampshire Motocross Club charity event. Cool!!! Bring it on!

Paul and I decided to race the Northchapel meeting as it was a cracking day and the track is local to me plus we both wanted some more bike time after the previous meeting. The track was fast, dusty and hardpacked as usual.

Practise was a nightmare as I crashed on the very first corner. DOH!! Then nearlly binned it bigtime on the flat out back straight as they had added a poxy little jump that was more like a severe speed bump. Hit it flat in 4th as I didn't see it till the last minute. Nearlly over the bars, through the ropes and off the track. As I rejoined I saw 2 other riders crash badly on the same section. Then crashed again on the next lap as I got tangled up with another rider. Not a good start to the day!!!

Qualifying was much better as pulled a great start and lead for a bit. Finished where I needed to and things were looking much better.

In the first race I pulled the holeshot and was away for the first lap. Got passed and held second for a while and then slipped back a few places as the clutch started slipping badly. Great!!. We were in the back markers and I passed several riders including some on the deck so wasn't sure where I finished. Was going to call it a day after the race so went to check where I had finished and to my surprise had got 3rd place. This spurred me on so I whipped out the clutch, shuffled all the plates and rebuilt for the next race.

Race two and nearlly flipped it off the line. What a difference. Good solid race and finished 7th and the clutch seemed to be holding up.

The final race and got another good start. Battled at the sharp end for a while and then the clutch started to slip again. Still held on and finished the race 5th giving me 4th overall on the day which I was really pleased with.

Only got the bike back the week before the meeting so no racing since Whitings Water. NDX Motorcycles did a brilliant job of completely stripping and rebuilding the knackered gearbox so the bike was fully serviced and ready to go.. Haven't ridden at Cusses Gorse for a few seasons and so walked the track as soon as I arrived and saw things had changed a bit with some new big jumps.

Work commitments again meant I had to be at Gatwick on Monday morning at 7am so was a little tentative going into practise. On the second lap I decided to go for it and hit all the jumps and cleared them all so was feeling good and found a good rythm by the end of the session. The bike felt awesome, even more so since I hadn't riden for a month!

Qualifying went OK. Got mugged off the start but managed to come through to a qualifying position. Nearly finished the day early as I hit one of the huge tripples, dabbed the back brake to drop the front but she stalled in the air and I dropped like a stone. Scary moment!!

The Vets race was great and it was good to see the return of Rob Whiting on the line. Rob grabbed the holeshot followed by Shaun Brooker and I was in third. Followed the two leaders for a lap and Shaun made the pass on Rob and started to pull away. I managed to pass Rob on the third lap and set about catching Shaun. Caught up to him and took and inside line on a sweeping right hander to take the lead. Pressed on for a couple of laps and gapped Shaun and then controlled the race from there to the flag.

The two A-group races were a different story. Got a rubbish start in the first race and struggled mid pack. There was a gaggle of riders in front of me but I couldn't pass them as we were all on a similar pace. A good start is so important as everyone in the A-Group is really quick and it was clear there were a few riders who had spent a lot of time at Cusses. Still managed a top 15 so that was OK.

The second race and I had a much better start running in third for the first half lap. Slipped back as the race progressed and then came up short on one of the jumps and nearly binned it. Then caught my foot in a rut and tweaked my right knee so decided to roll off a bit as I'd rather finish the day in one piece and make the plane on Monday morning rather than spening some more time in Salisbury A&E. Good fun had and looking forward to the next meeting.

Before I start getting the book of excuses out, what a fantastic meeting this was at an awesome track. Well prepared and the meeting ran perfectly. Big shout out to Jamie and the team!!

Unfortunately, my day didn't go to plan. I was laid up all week with manflu and so still feeling pretty groggy in the heat on Sunday morning. Still, I was determined to get on with it and rip it up. This only lasted for one lap of practise though. The track looked great and the bike felt awesome until I grabbed second gear and all I got was a nasty grinding sound. Pulled third and the same again. Gearbox was done and I only had 1st and 4th. Rubbish!!! So, straight back to the pits and jumped on Paul's bike for a couple of practise laps. Then it was a case of trying to find a bike for the meeting. Fortunately for me I was parked next to Dean Caplin so I asked him if I could ride his Honda 450. No problem, he said. Cool!!! Huge shout out to Deano for that, really appreciated!! Owe you big time!!

So, off to practise on a 450. This was all new as the last time I raced a fourbanger was back in 2004 when I had a YZF426. Things have changed since then. First thing was that I had to figure out how to start it as I couldn't get it going on the line. Finally fired it up after some instruction from Rupert Heaton and was ready for the off. Pulled an awesome start and rode a steady race trying to get used to the bike. Totally different to the 250 screamer. Did OK and managed to hold a qualifying position inside the top 10.

In the Vets race I pulled another great start, the 450 was awesome out of the gate on the slick grass. Was getting more confident and running in third place for a while until I stalled it coming down one of the hills. Panic set in as I desperately tried to start it. Finally got it going but had lost a load of time. Pushed on and fought back through to 7th place so at least scored some valuable points.

The first A-group race and ripped the holeshot. Paul Cannon slipped through on the second corner and from there I struggled to maintain position. Slipped back through the field and ended up in 16th place which was OK but I was completely knackered trying to hold on to the 450 plus the groggy manflu was still causing problems in the heat.

The final race and I pulled a huge holeshot. Was away and lead for half a lap. Didn't last long as one by one the pack came passed me. Finished 16th again so at least scored points thanks to Dean, cheers again mate!!

Well, not much to report as the meeting was a total disaster. The rain that was forecast never came leaving a baked and dusty track. The organisers cancelled the meeting after lunch in the interest of rider safety due to the dust. This could have easily been avoided if a bowser was on site to sprinkle a bit of water on the fast bits between races. Poor show really for a major meeting at what was an OK track.

Practise and Qualifying went OK and it was good to have to learn a new track for a change. Got a cracking start in the qualifier and held on to second for the first lap. Then started to make a few mistakes and due to a lack of confidence in the front started slipping back down the field. Held onto to finish in 7th and qualify for the A-Group.

Made a few subtle changes to the front end for the first race. Pulled another good start and was in the leading pack on the first lap in about 6th place. The racing was intense on a track that was super quick in places and real technical in others. Made some passes and lost some places and so was still running 6th until I tried a new line round the outside of a left hander. Railed the soft berm but the front dug in and caught a post that didn't move spitting me off. Jumped back on and pulled the bike out but lost a few places. Next lap was the last and so I had again thrown away some valuable points in the closing stages. Was really fired up for the second race but it never happened. Looking forward to this weekend as another new track and I'm sure Jamie will have a bowser on hand.

After a scorching day on Saturday things were looking good for Binstead. It was a perfect morning and on walking the track things looked great as the circuit had been well prepared. This didn't last long though as it chucked down for practise. Thunder and lightning with heavy rain soon turned the track into a mud bath. I really struggled in practise on the greasy track as the rear tyre was done. So switched wheels for the spare which had a split new Pirelli Scorpion fitted.

What a difference!! Awesome start and tucked in behind Rupert Heaton off the start. Followed him for a few laps and then got passed by a kwacker. Held on for third which was good and confidence levels were high with the new rear hooking up great.

Next race was the vets and I lined up on the outside to get a sweeping entry to the first corner. Got a good jump out of the gate but Trevor Sheppard was on the inside of me and difted wide in the first corner taking me with him. So, I was in fourth and getting completely filled in from the three in front. Rode a banzai first lap with limited vision and pushed through into the lead. Then cleared my goggles and checked out. Things were going great until mid race and the back end started snaking all over the place. The curse of the Binstead puncture had struck. So, had to drop the pace and pray for the last lap flag. Two laps later and Jamie finally stuck out the flag. The chasing pack was closing in but I managed to keep it together and took the flag for the win. Back to the pits for a quick tube change ready for the first main race.

Took another outside gate for the start but again was pushed wide. There was a pile up but I managed to avoid things and got going in about 15th place so not great. Pressed on hard and had a great battle with Mark Withers, Danny Umlandt and a ktm. We were banging bars the whole race and passing riders all the way. Managed to fight through to finish the race 8th which was great.

Race 2 and I chose a different gate nearer the inside. Paul lined up next to me and got a better jump when the gate dropped (holeshot king that he is). Next thing and I was on the deck, Paul's rear end had stepped out coming through the gate forcing him to drift in front of me. I jumped on the brakes but nowhere to go. Clipped his back wheel and I was down. Got back on and fired up the YZ spitting feathers. Flew into the first corner and grabbed the brakes but the front lever wasn't there. Ran off the track as I couldn't make the corner. The lever bracket had slipped on the bars and was pointing straight down. So bashed it back into place with a few swift kicks, fired her up again and blasted after the pack with the red mist definitely on. I must have been 45 seconds behind the pack and so rode like a nutter for three laps, just me and the track. I was flying and could see that my pace was that of the leaders as the gap was the same each lap. Caught the pack and the pace slowed as I had to pick my way through. Some awesome passes and I managed to get up to 16th by the flag. Wish the race had been another 10 laps as I was really on it. Paul didn't know what had happened and was genuinely gutted (as i was). Still, sh*t happens and no hard feelings!! Got 11th overall in the main so not too bad considering.
UMX this weekend on a new track for me so looking forward to that. Just hope the rain stays away for a change.

Back to Foxholes and prayers were answered as the rain stayed away and we had a nice dry track for a change. Foxholes is a favourite and despite the looming work commitments I was determined to go for it.

Practise went well. I was in the first group and the track was really loose with no lines which was great fun just ripping it up.

Qualifying went as planned as I pulled a great holeshot and a comfortable lead after the first lap. I got caught mid race as I was loosing a lot of time through the whoops as I was being too cautious. Decided to go for the seat bounce to double out but didn't quite clear it and landed hard twisting my right knee. The knee braces did their job but flash backs to Swanmore so rolled off a bit and lost the lead. Held on for second but knew I needed to get that section sorted for the main.

Race one and I lined up next to Paul, the holeshot king. Got a great start and Paul and I were neck and neck into the first corner. I had the line and grabbed the lead. Head down and flat out held the lead for half a lap until Ady Cowshall made an aggressive but fair block pass. Next lap I lost second to Paul Cannon and then caught a huge flint braking down hill which threw me off. Jumped back on and kept it running but had lost a load of places such is the pace of the A-Group. I fought back though and managed to pass a few in the closing laps finishing in sixth place which was a great result considering I had been off the bike.

Race two and Paul and I chose the same gates again. Paul ripped the holeshot and I was about third into the first corner. From there it was full on and great battles. Paul was ahead of me so I focused on staying with him and fending off Danny Umlandt who's kwacker was on my case the whole race. Paul dropped it in a slow corner with the front end washing out so I slipped through. Danny got passed me mid race after some real close bar to bar stuff so I concentrated on keeping it smooth and keeping ahead of Paul who recovered quickly after his off. I kept it upright finishing 6th again.

The final race and another great start and I was in the leading group on the first lap. Paul then came passed me on a fast polished section and was flying. I couldn't stay with him this time and so focused on my own race. A few laps later and I saw Paul on the deck not moving with the bike on top of him. I was gonna stop and help but the marshalls and first aiders were rushing down the hill so I picked up the pace again and pressed on. Lost a heap of time and Danny's kwacker was all ove me again for the rest of the race. We had a great battle and I just managed to hold him off to the flag. Another 6th place I think so should be on for a good overall result.

Good day had and the good news is that Paul is OK. Hampshire Club at Binstead next weekend, can't wait!!

MUD!!! A cracking day but the heavy rain on Friday and Saturday had turned the track into a bog. The layout was again changed to cut out some off the really bad sections but I knew from first looks that it was going to be a matter of survival.

Practise was horrbile! The mud was really deep and soft resulting in the bike becoming completely bogged. No lines, just bog.

Qualifying went OK in that I managed to get away reasonably well and didn't get filled in till the second corner. Two laps and the race was over and I had survived in third place to qualify for the main.

The Vets race went OK. Got an OK start and was third after the first few corners. Pressed on and picked some good ruts to take the lead on the first lap. Rode a couple of steady laps in the deep ruts but got caught by Shaun Brooker who flew past me. Couldn't stay with him so settled for second.

By the time the I went to the line for the first A-Group race the track was looking a bit better as the quads had scooped a lot of the mud off the main line and the sun had baked the track all morning. This meant a faster track but only one real line to choose. The ruts were now really deep and baked hard in the sun. Got a great start and was in the top five into the first corner which was a choice of 15 ruts. Picked one but got a bit crossed threaded and lost a load of places. The second corner was no better as a rider got completely cross rutted in front of me and I had nowhere to go. Pulled out of the rut and got going again well down the field. Pushed hard and came back through the pack to finish the race in 11th place.

Race 2 and I really focused on the start. Got a great jump and was neck and neck into the first corner. Came out of the second corner in third and held that for the first lap. Then got passed by a few and slipped back to 7th place. Had a great battle with Paul Spacagna for most of the race until I made a little mistake and caught a rut on the penultimate lap. Dropped the bike and lost two places. Finished the race in 9th which gave me 10th overall. Fairly happy with things considering the conditions but another silly mistake cost me valuable places. West Meon next weekend so hopefully can keep it all together.

From Owslebury straight to Swanmore and more snow and soupy mud in the morning. The track had been graded and was super smooth but then the snow and sleet came making the track really slick, so much so that the organisers changed the layout as loads of riders were getting stuck on the big hill.

Practise was tough as I couldn't find any grip. The rear tyre was done so back to the pits and changed the wheel as my spare had a spanking new Pirelli Scorpion from NDX.

Qualifying went as planned and the difference the new tyre made was amazing!! If you haven't tried a Scorpion yet contact NDX and get one on, they are awesome!! Pulled a great start but ran a bit wide letting Rupert Heaton through. Tucked in behind him and rode a good first lap still getting to grips with the new tyre. Paul came passed me on an absolute tear. Stayed with him for a bit but he was flying. Race done and qualified comfortably for the main.

The Vets race couldn't have gone any better. Pulled the holeshot (just) and rode a banzai couple of laps to pull a good lead. From there I controlled the race and comfortably took the win. The bike feels really dialed in and I'm loving the 2-stroke.

A nasty accident in the B-Group meant a long delay for our first race. Big shout out to Ian Brown who broke some ribs so I hope to see you back in action soon!! When the race got going I pulled another good start and was 5th on the first lap. Paul Spacagna got past me and I stuck with him for most of the race in 6th place. Got passed by a couple of riders in the closing stages but held on for 8th place which was a great result. Really happy with how things are going, fitness is good and the bike is a screamer. Bring on the next race!!

Was looking forward to this meeting as the Owslebury track is always good fun and I was hoping to improve on the last UMX meeting where work pressure was really playing on my mind. A long weekend ahead and no stress so balls out was the order of the day.

Conditions were really gnarly in the morning and the track was real slick and soupy. Practise went well considering the blizzard and soup, reminded me of back in the day racing with my bro in the Scottish Championships at Pathcondie in Fife in the deep snow.

Qualifying went well as I got a good start and held 2nd to the flag. Bike felt awesome and was finding some good lines and grip so looking forward to the main.

The first A-Group race and I was really fired up on the line. Pulled a great start but got bogged down in the deep mud on the start and the 450 tractors pulled passed me on the hill. Was inside the top ten and rode some great laps to break the pack and focus on the leading group in 5th place. Managed to quickly bridge the gap and I was on the leaders. I knew my pace was good and was in with a shout as I had caught them so set about making an attack. Didn't last long though as we were in the back markers. Approaching the table top I caught a tail ender so went to the right so not to follow his line. Bad move as he ditched it on the table top and fell right leaving me with nowhere to go. Picked myself up but lost 4 places so pressed on but finished 9th. Gutted really as I know a top 5 was on the cards.

Race 2 and I made another good start. Was in 4th place and with the leaders. Settled in and started trying some new lines in an effort to make the pass but then a small mistake in one of the deep ruts and the front dug in pole volting me over the bars. Winded me pretty bad and by the time I got going again I was well down the field. Well pi**ed off and the red mist came down. Rode like a mad man and forced my way back up to finish 11th which was OK but again I knew I had thrown it all away.

Didn't go to the line for race three as the heavens opened and so decided to drop this race. Bring on the next meeting!!

The weather held again for the first round of the UMX series at Swanmore which makes a change as it nearly always rains there. The track was pretty beaten up when we arrived and it was clear it hadn't been graded for a while so we knew it was going to be a tough day's racing, especially with the sidecars ripping things up. On top of this, my new job seems to be taking over as I have to fly to Geneva today (Monday) for three days and then onto Germany for two days so I couldn't afford to make any mistakes. Don't think any injury would have gone down well especially as I was meeting my boss at Heathrow Monday lunchtime (the joy of being a software consultant!!). So with this playing on my mind I knew a cautious approach to the day was needed and I couldn't let it all hang out.

Practise went ok and confirmed how bad the track was. Now I'm not one to complain but the track was really bad for the first round of what is a major MX series. Anyway, onto the qualifier and I nailed the start. Ran third for the first lap and then moved into second where I stayed till the flag so things were looking OK.

The first A-Group race and I was mid pack off the start and really struggled from there. Had a tough race and couldn't fight for position as I didn't want bin it so was feeling a bit disheartened at the end of the race. Was top 15 but really hoping for top 5. The only positive was that my fitness is great and no arm pump!!

Race 2 saw a much better start as I was in the top 5 despite have a crap gate on the inside. Felt more confident and found a few new lines but the race was red flagged after a nasty accident in the bomb hole. So we lined up for the restart and again I had an inside gate. Nailed the drop again and was right up there on the first lap. Dropped a few places though as I had some hairy moments on the rough stuff so had to roll off (must catch plane tomorrow). Got back into it as riders around me were starting to fade so this encouraged me to press on and I managed to pick a few off. Think I finished inside the top 10 so was feeling a bit better about things.

The last race and I lined up of the very outside to get the sweeping line into the first corner. I was really fired up and felt I could holeshot from here after the last two starts. Didn't happen though as I went too early and smashed into the gate full bore. The front wheel was jammed in so by the time I got going was dead last and the length of the start straight behind. Caught the pack and picked a few off but the race was already done.

Put it in the van and go home!! In one piece though so will be on the flight to Geneva and keeping the new boss happy!! A shout out to Paul who had a solid day finishing top 10.

Another cracking day for round 2 of the championships at West Meon albeit a bit frosty and icy in places. Was really looking forward to the day after last weekend as have really got the bug again. The programme was alterted to send the quads out first so we had a long wait until things got going. Finally went for practise and soon realised that the ground was still brick hard and very slippy in quite a few sections. The sun was shining down and the track could only get better.

The qualifier went OK but I really struggled to get the YZ off the line as she just spun up when I dumped the clutch. Managed to get away in the top 10 and had an OK ride tip toeing my way round the icy patches to finish in about 7th place.

Lined up for the vets race and decided to roll the start which worked much better as I gated about 4th. Passed a couple of riders on the first lap and set out after the fast starting Dave Ponting who had already made a break. Took a few laps to reel him in but eventually caught him and made a block pass coming back down the first hill. From there I pushed on trying not to loose it on the slippy stuff and took the flag for the win.

Made another good start in the first A-Group race and was about third into the first corner. Got passed by a few but held on to finish the race in 9th which was a real improvement on last weekend. The new YZ feels awesome and was hooking up well where it wasn't frozen solid.

Race 2 and I was hoping for a good finish and a top 10 overall. Got away OK and was top 15 so had a bit of work to do. Got my head down and found some new lines which helped me pass a few riders. I was then linning up a pass on a kawasaki rider and railed the outside of a left hander as he went in tight. I came out of the corner with loads more speed but he drifted across the track in front of me and blocked the pass. I had nowhere to go and tangled with his back wheel. Next thing i'm on the deck. Jumped back on and the front end was badly twisted. Got going and tried to make up for the mistake. Caught back up to the group I had been battling with and then stalled it in my efforts to outbrake. Next lap was the last so the result was not what I had hoped for. Still, a great days racing again and back home in one piece.

A big thanks to NDX-motorcycles for all their support. Check out their webite for the latest ONeal race gear!!

New season, new bike and new knees! Racing again at last!! Sunday was a cracking day for the first round of the Hampshire Motocross Championships at Foxholes and it was great to see all the old faces in the pits. I haven't raced for a while so it was a bit of a wake up call as to how quick everyone was going but I had a good day and stayed on board which is the main thing. The knees held up well and fitness was great so looking good for the season ahead.

Qualifier was tough as I was last out of the gate. Totally missed the drop so had a banzai first lap to get into the top 10. Think I finished the race in 7th which was good enough for the main.

As I am now officially a veteran :) I decided to join the old boys in the Vets race. Got mugged on the start again but pushed through to third on the first lap behind Dave Ponting. Managed to pass him and then set about catching the leader who was away. With a clear track I put in some good laps and managed to close him down. The last lap flag came out and I was right on him. We were starting to lap riders so it was tricky to make a pass stick. I pushed real hard but Martin Cole rode a great last lap and I couldn't get him. I crossed the line second by a bike length. Good race and big grin all the way, especially over the table top!!

The A-Group was real quick. Again I struggled with the starts and so was burried in the pack for both races. The first race was OK but was tough as I had such a bad start. Think I finished around 20th so was a bit dissapointed. Still had a lot of fun though. Race 2 was slightly better as I got away in the top 10 but a few mistakes in the ruts in the fading light saw me slip back a few places. Held on for a top 15 finish and ended up 16th overall on the day. Can't wait till next weekend!!

I couldn't resist the urge to race so rode the South Hants meeting at Binstead a few weeks ago and had a great day in the modern solo class. Finished 2nd in the first race and 3rd in the second race and was on for a great overall only to get a puncture in the last race forcing me to retire. The old YZ was flying though.

I've since traded in my trusty old stroker for a newer one. Now got an 06 YZ250 and can't wait to race it. Won't be for a while though as my knees are finally getting done on the 6th December. Can't wait as they are both giving me grief still and it's really frustrating. Hopefully this surgery sort them and I'll be good to go soon.

Well, I raced at Owslebury a few weeks ago and really enjoyed the revised layout. Rode a great qualifier taking the holeshot and leading for the first few laps. Got passed mid race and finished second which really fired me up for the first heat as I knew my pace was good.

Made a good start in the first race and was in the top five but a few mistakes saw me slip back early in the race. I then found some new lines and a good rythym and really started to push. I was carving my way back to the front until I caught a rut and tweaked my knee again. This was not good as I immediately backed off and lost a load of places plus the confidence was gone. After that I decided enough is enough and to hang up my boots until I get my knees done.

Since then, I've had a series of MRI scans on both knees which showed patella ligament damage in the left knee and torn cartalidge in the right. So, I'm now just waiting for a date to get both done. Rehab should be quick as the surgery is fairly minor so I hope to start training hard again asap.

Paul and I rode at Northchapel last weekend to get some bike time. I hadn't riden since Matterley so was looking forward to the meeting plus I always go well at Northchapel. Qualified for the A-Group even after ditching it on the first corner battling with Rob Whiting for the holeshot. In the first A-group race I made a great start and was in second place at the end of the first lap just behind the leader. I stuck with him for a lap and then Lee Foyle came past me. I stayed with the leaders for another couple of laps and then began to fade and lost my third place on the last lap. Still finished fourth which was great. Race 2 saw another good start but the pace this time seemed much hotter and I struggled to keep my third place. I slipped back a few places and then battled hard with Paul for the rest of the race. I think I finished 7th. We both decided not to do the final race as the dust was making things really dangerours. Still a good practise session had.

Owslebury this weekend which will probably be my last race meeting this year as both knees are giving me grief so I need further surgery. I hope to go under the knife this month so I can start training again with the focus now on the start of next season.

Matterley Basin!! Enough said! What a cool weekend. Didn't have a chance to ride the bike before the meeting so was unsure how the knee would hold up. Practise was a bit daunting but was soon attacking the track and trying the jumps. Cleared a few and my pace felt good so was well up for it.

Qualifying went great as I pulled a beauty holeshot and lead for most of the first lap. I got passed as I wasn't clearing some of the big doubles as I didn't want to damage the knee again. Held on to second for a couple of laps and then rolled off to settle for fifth place and qualified for the A-Group.

There was a huge delay before the first race due to some accidents in other classes and then the charity auction. I lined up on the inside and pulled another great start and was top 5 round the first corner. I was running well inside the top ten until the second last lap where I dropped it in a slow corner that had been heavily watered during the interval. Lost a few places and think I finished around 14th which was OK considering the length of time off the bike.

In the last race I mistimed the start and was burried in the pack. There was a nasty crash on the second lap and the race was red flagged so I had another chance. The restart was much better and pulled a great start leading up the start straight. Went into the first corner a bit hot, ran wide and dropped to about tenth. Had a good solid race and finished 11th which was great.

A steady comeback and an amazing experience to ride the Basin. Won't be racing again for a while as my left knee needs some attention now so am going for surgery to get that sorted first. Hopefully things will be sorted by September and I can get back into racing again properly and start preparing for next season.

This was it! The big one we had been waiting for. We arrived at the circuit on Saturday afternoon and walked the track which was absolutely awesome and perfectly prepared. Qualifying started at 9am on a glorious Sunday morning. We had 5 minutes of practice followed by a 12 minute timed session to post the best lap. Only 2 laps to learn the track before the timing began. Not easy but the track was so good I was soon clearing all the huge jumps and step ups. Timed qualification was a new thing for me so I went flat out for a couple of laps and then backed off to cool down and study the lines. The last lap flag came out and I really went for it. A cracking lap was completely ruined by me stalling it in the deep sand 3 corners from home. Gutted!! Missed the cut for the main championship race by only 2 seconds and I knew if I hadn't stalled it I would have qualified. So it was the support race for me.

Race 1 - 44 riders lined up on the concrete start line. I had qualified 7th so was able to pick a good gate in the middle. The gate dropped and I got a flyer of a holeshot up the hill. Blasted round the first corner and was away. Rode what was probably one of the best laps of my life as I finished the first lap with a four second lead. I pushed hard on lap 2 but the track was really demanding and I was already starting to feel the heat. I had to back off a bit otherwise I was going to have an accident. I got caught and passed by a few riders but managed to hold on and finish in 7th place which was great.

Race 2 was a different story. Took a similar gate and focused on the start but got mugged on the start and was mid pack in the dust into the first corner. I then got tangled up in someone else's accident a few corners later and lost more places. A few corners later and another rider ditched in front of me. I had to stop, drag the bike out of the rut and get going again well down the field. I pushed hard but the pace was really hot and I struggled to make places. I then had to retire from the race as I jarred my right leg really badly blasting round a right hander. My knee (the one I have just had surgery on) was in agony and I couldn't continue. Race over and no chance of starting the last race as I could hardly walk.

My knee has now swollen like a balloon and I am really concerned I have damaged the new ligament. I have an appointment with my knee specialist next week so hopefully things will be OK. If not then this could be the end of my season before it has really begun. I'm really gutted for myself, Paul and the team and can only hope that there is no major damage.

After missing the first UMX round due to my knee surgery I was looking forward to the meeting and determined to try and find the consistent pace I had at the end of last season. I took it easy in practice as my confidence was lacking as again I found the front end washing out. Qualifying was a different story as I got an excellent start and was second for the first lap. I took the lead on lap 2 and pushed hard to take the win.

Confidence restored I couldn't wait for the first race. Got another great start and thought I had the holeshot but a few riders, including Paul slipped past in the first corners. Had a great race and battled hard with a gaggle of riders. Made a few passes and held on for a seventh place finish that I was pleased with.

For race 2 I lined up next to Paul (the Holeshot King). We both got away well and I tucked in behind Paul in fifth place. We had a great race together and I followed Paul for most of the race trying to find the clean pass but couldn't. He eventually opened the door and let me through to set the pace for the remaining laps. We finished 5th and 6th, had fun and had a lot to talk about afterwards.

Race 3 was cancelled due to an accident in the sidecar race and then another crash in the expert race which was a shame as I wanted to get out there and consolidate my result. Finished the meeting 5th overall which was great and has set me up for the first round of the DEP challenge at Canada Heights this weekend.

After my lack of bike time and slightly disappointing comeback race at Foxholes the week before I was still lacking some confidence going into the meeting. The track was fast and dusty and the pace real hot as usual. Qualifying went well as I nearly took the holeshot and slipped into 3rd place at the first corner. This set me up for a good race where I rode consistently to easily finish top 20 and qualify for the main MX1 races.

The first race I got a reasonable peg and took a good gate. I absolutely nailed the start and was again leading up the start straight into the first corner but there were a few riders on the inside so I tucked into about fifth place. I held position for the first lap but then started to lose a place a lap to the big guns. The race went well with no mistakes and I came home in 13th which was OK.

Race 2 was a bit of a nightmare as I got mugged off the start which made things really difficult. Buried in the pack the dust was kicking up and visibility not good. I raced hard but couldn't make up for the time lost at the start as everyone was running a similar pace so finished just inside the top 20.

Race 3 was even worse as I tried to jump the start but went too early and smacked into the gate. Not good as I was nearly last into the first corner after pulling the bike out of the gate. The race was tough and I struggled to get into a rhythm so rode my own race. Not sure where I finished but did enough to get an overall inside the top 20 and qualify for the super final at the end of the day. I was pretty knackered (need more bike time) so decided to sit out the final race of the day rather than throw it down the track. Hats off to Paul for racing the super final and finishing in 12th place only a few days after he knocked himself out at Foxholes.

Finally decided to give it a go at Foxholes. Hadn't been on the bike since November so was really looking forward to it but was also really nervous. It was freezing cold at Foxholes as usual and the track was motorway smooth and super hard pack. Practise went great and even though I hadn't ridden for four months my pace felt good. I only lasted a few laps though as got bad cramp in my leg where my knee braces were too tight from me being a bit paranoid. Back to the pits for an adjustment and I was ready for the qualifier.

The qualifier heat went really well as I blasted the holeshot and lead for the first couple of laps. Rupert Heaton thundered past on his 450 Honda and was away. I then battled hard with Tony Tunnell who got passed on the last lap to leave me in third place. The bike felt awesome and I hadn't lost any of my pace so was confident for the next races.

The 250 shootout was next and I lined up next to team mate Paul. The gate dropped and I fired up the start straight to almost grab the holeshot but Lee Foyle and Jon Ashby were inside of me so I tucked into third place. Paul then dived past me on the inside of the next corner and we blasted down the top straight together. Paul then got things seriously wrong on the kicker jump and I watched him fly over the handlebars and wipe out in a major way. The race was red flagged and Paul taken to hospital. The restart saw me grab another great start and I was running in third for a while but the bike started making a weird noise and there was lots of vibration at full throttle. I decided to pull out rather than cause any damage or have an accident. Turns out some of the engine mounts had come loose.

Lined up for the first A-Final and made another great start. Was running in the top six on the first lap but my lack of bike time showed as I started to slip back through the field. I ended up finishing in 14 th place which was OK considering the super hot pace.

The final race of the day saw another great start on the YZ and I was running well inside the top 10. Things were going much better and I was holding my position in about 8 th place until I lost the front end breaking on the polished down hill section and crashed heavily. I banged my head pretty hard and then couldn't get the bike going again so decided to call it a day. Not the best comeback with me binning it and Paul ending up in hospital but we're both OK and ready for the next meeting.

26/02/2007 Gutted! Watching the opening races of the season from the side lines is really frustrating and I'm itching to get back on the bike. I haven't riden since the meeting at West Meon back in November and am getting serious withdrawals. The knee feels good and I've been in the gym every day cycling and have now started running again so things are going well. I've an appointment with my surgeon tomorrow so hopefully will get the all clear and can think about going practising in the next few weeks. My bike is now finally ready to go after being stripped to the frame and rebuilt and it looks awesome. Click here for full details and pictures. Can't wait to get back out there and rip it up!!

08/01/2007 Not good news as we head into the new season. My right knee has been causing me problems since the Swanmore meeting last year where I badly twisted it landing from the bombhole jump. I have seen a specialist knee surgeon today who informs me that the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is badly torn requiring reconstructive surgery. This was not the news I wanted to hear so close to the start of the new season.

I'm booked in for an operation on Thursday this week to have the ACL ligament replaced with new tendon material grafted from my hamstring. I am still hoping to be riding again before the first round of the Hampshire series but need to be realistic in that if my knee is not ready I won't be able to race. I want to make sure I'm fully recovered before riding again as I don't want to jeopardise the UMX and DEP series we are also contesting this season.

So, I'm still hoping to be at Foxholes on the 4th February as a rider and not a specatator but I will know more this time next week.