Hillsborough's Mark McLernon clocking up miles in pursuit of century win tally
Hillsborough’s Mark McLernon returned to action over the opening round of the British Quadcross Championship at Iron Works Moto Park, securing an impressive second overall.
The fast, sweeping track wasn’t one of McLernon’s favourites – but he adapted well, leading all three races from reigning British and European Champion Harry Walker in the early stages before the latter got the better before the chequered flag.
“It wasn’t too bad a weekend, but Harry was just better,” said McLernon. “We had done a lot of work on the chassis after the opening round of the World Championships in France and the DV Racing Yamaha was much better.”
The demanding international schedule continues with McLernon set for a 1,400-mile journey to contest round two of the World Championship in the Czech Republic this weekend, followed by Germany over May 9-10.
He will then return home for round two of the Ulster Championship at Tinker Hill on May 16, where he aims to add to his three Ulster titles and reach a landmark 100 race wins by the end of the season.
Coleraine’s Travis Toye impressed at the Iron Works, winning the under 21s class with 1-1-2 results...he was also second in Experts and 11th overall across the British Motocross Championship.
Lisburn’s Gary Moulds and Paul Horton made a welcome return to the British Sidecar Championship, finishing 12th overall behind reigning champions Brett Wilkinson and Joe Millard. A strong sixth-place finish in race one highlighted their pace, but a mechanical issue ruled them out of race two.
“It was good to be back out again, but I suffered with arm pump due to the lack of bike time,” said Moulds. Jonny Wilson and Andrew Rowan were 18th overall, having finished fifth in the previous day’s Nett Championship round.
Belfast teenager Sophie Ferguson made an outstanding start to her season with a dominant performance at the opening two rounds of the ACU Trial GB Girls Championship at Key Pitts, Devon.
Riding her 125 Beta Evo, Ferguson topped both days to secure overall victory ahead of Sophie Sellers and Rosy Connor, returning home with the red plate.
“It felt good to be back at a championship trial after a long winter,” she said. “I’m happy to start the season with two wins against the best girls in the UK.” Ferguson now targets the next round in May and a possible step up to a 250 machine for the Italian World Championship round in June.
County Tyrone schoolboy Daniel Devine claimed second overall in the BW85 class at round two of the ACU MXGB Youth Championship around Preston Docks.
After qualifying the Arlene’s Mace Newmills GasGas third, Devine surged into the lead in race one, passing Arthur King on lap one and winning by over four seconds – a crash in race two saw him recover to third, before an outstanding charge from last to sixth in the final race secured the podium.
Portadown’s Ethan Gawley was fourth overall, while Jake Sayers and Mason Sheilds finished fourth and seventh in the 65cc class.
MX1 Experts Championship leader Nathan Green will line up on home soil this May Day as round two of the Ulster Solo Motocross Championship heads to Seaforde Moto Parc.
Hosted by Mourne Motorcycle Club, the event is set to feature six competitive classes from 11 o’clock.
Club chairman Billy McLarnin said: “As ever, Norman Green has his Seaforde MotoParc looking perfect and the club wishes to thank all the sponsors who help make this event possible.”