East Kent BMX Club Race Report - Round 3

Source: Alan Humphreys | Images: Olly Small | Posted: 4th March 2009 

What a difference a month makes to the weather and the fortunes of the East Kent BMX Club meetings after February's driving snow to March's light breeze and clear skies. Yum's! catering were on hand to help provide sustenance to the riders and quite a few spectators were present to see what was going on. Thirty eight riders registered to take part in the Club's race meeting at the Broomfield track on 1st March including a number of first-timers. The Club were pleased to have the Monster Energy drink monster-truck in attendance with stickers and posters for the youngsters and their energy drinks for the older ones. Five riders contested the 8 and Under category with moto wins shared between Josh Wong from Peckham BMX Club, and local riders Ben Hodgson and Elliot Craig. Josh won the fourth race but overall victory went to Ben Hodgson for his consistent placings throughout.

Above: Action from the 17+ race

A full gate of eight riders in 9-12 years saw Newington's Ethan Godden dominate the group from Broomfield's Joel Lockhart, now riding in the team colours of Tibbs Cycles of Canterbury his sponsors for 2009. Only four riders in 13-16 years but again the race wins were spread between Brad Kerr, Maidstone's Owen Baxter and Herne Bay's Lewis Dackcombe. Owen flew the flag for Tibbs Cycles as well and took overall victory after winning the fourth race.

Above: Cruiser class - Gary Godden heading Roy Binks and Phil Beer

The Cruiser class had eleven entries and were supplemented by a couple of very quick mountain-bikers who dominated their motos but were beaten in the A Final by Gary Godden and Whitstable's Roy Binks. MTBers Lee Wight and Gareth Parr were the placemen in an exciting race to the finish.

Above: The Cruiser podium - Gary Godden flanked by Roy Binks (left) and Lee Wight (right)

In the 17+ category there were nine riders including two visitors from BADBMX Club at Dagenham and Bexhill's Pete Lavender. It was Pete who showed the way home in the A Final ahead of Whitstable's Russ Parsons and another Tibbs Cycles rider, Dan Pullen to conclude a great day's racing.

The final round of the South Winter Series takes place on 15th March at Gosport and a number of the Club's riders will be hoping to wrest the coveted Series first places on the day. East Kent BMX Club are planning to start their regular Wednesday night practice sessions from 8th April and interested parties should check their website at www.eastkentbmx.co.uk for details.