Elkin targets another upset on north coast
MACCLESFIELD'S Christian Elkin caused a sensation at last year's Kennedy International North West 200 as he held off the experienced John McGuinness to clinch a stunning international victory on his Triangle debut.
The 27-year-old stormed into the lead of the 250 race in 2007 after overhauling Darren Burns, but as McGuinness began to rein him in on his Padgetts Honda, few spectators around the nine-mile Portstewart-Coleraine-Portrush circuit would have backed the relatively unknown newcomer to put one over on the wily TT hero as they set off on the final lap.
McGuinness must surely have felt he had the measure of his inexperienced opponent by comparison, but as they banged elbows in the charge along the spectacular Coast Road section of the breathtaking North West 200 circuit Elkin, far from being in awe of the calibre of the rider with whom he was disputing the lead of the race, rose to the challenge to cause the biggest shock of the day as he held on to clinch the victory by 0.38 seconds.
Almost one year on, Elkin is preparing to defend his 250 crown riding a Honda for Barton Bike Sport and also harbours ambitions of upsetting the applecart once again as he eyes a top finish in the Superstock race.
“I wasn’t expecting to win on my debut to be honest. I was just looking to get a few laps in and see how I got on and pace myself in the race and see how things went and luckily for me they went really well,” he said.
“I’d never swung my leg over a 250 before and I’d never ridden that particular bike, so to beat John McGuinness was a memorable achievement for me and I’m looking forward to it this year.
“I’m hoping to branch out a little bit this time at the North West. I’m racing the 250 again for Barton Bike Sport and a new Kawasaki ZX10-R for Motorcycle Centre Stockport in the Superstock and Superbike races.
“I hope to run up front in the Superstock race, but I’m riding my Superstock bike in the Superbike race so I don’t see how I can break into the top ten on a Superstock bike,” he added.
Elkin plans to ride in the Lightweight TT race this year, which will be held on the Billown circuit on the Isle of Man. He will also make his debut at the Ulster Grand Prix in the two-stroke class.
“The North West 200 was the first road race I ever competed in, but this year I’m going to compete at the Ulster Grand Prix and the TT at Billown, because all three 250 races are part of a small mini-series called the King of the Roads, so I’m looking forward to that.
“I’m riding in the British Superstock Championship this year, so I will be well used to the Superstock bike at the North West, although I’ll have to hold on a bit tighter than I did on the 250!
“I rode a 600 at the North West last year and the 250 felt like a walk in the park in comparison, without meaning to blow my own trumpet. It felt like a moped – although I’m not saying if you fell off it wouldn’t hurt!
“Obviously as a rider you’d rather have a good day weather-wise because it’s better for everyone concerned, but to be honest I’d be just as happy riding in the wet as I would in the dry.”
Following Elkin’s unexpected 250 success in 2007, his progress this time round will be more heavily scrutinised as he tackles the Superstock class, which has in recent years been dominated by brilliant Kiwi Bruce Anstey.
Perhaps expectations have been raised too high in the wake of his incredible debut, but while Elkin will find the task of making an impact in the Superstock race a considerably tougher nut to crack, few will be prepared to totally write off his chances after the commendable manner of his victory when the odds were stacked against him last May.
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Weather for Belfast
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
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Wind direction: South
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