Mark McLernon recovers from Lithuania 'upside down' crash woe to move on up in World Championship
Mark McLernon delivered another determined performance to move into second place across the World Quadcross Championship after overcoming an opening-race crash on a dramatic weekend of racing.
Competing on the demanding sandy circuit at Anyksciai in Lithuania, McLernon demonstrated impressive pace from the outset.
After opting for larger wheels in qualifying, a decision that proved to be the right one, he secured second place behind Kevin Saar, who would go on to be crowned world champion.
In the opening race, McLernon claimed the holeshot and immediately took control of the field, leading confidently through the opening three laps. However, his hopes of victory were dashed when forced off the circuit in a heavy crash.
The incident left the Ulster rider upside down and dropped him to 17th, seemingly ending any hopes of a strong result. Refusing to give in, he launched an impressive recovery, producing a series of determined overtakes to climb back to fifth by the chequered flag.
He said: "I got the holeshot and led for about three laps...I ended up upside down and back in 17th, so to come back to fifth wasn't too bad."
The day's second race proved a much calmer affair. After starting around fourth, McLernon quickly moved into third and towards another podium finish.
The weekend also proved significant in the championship standings. One of McLernon's closest rivals, Patrick Turrini, was forced to retire after suffering another crash in race one that left him with injuries to his ribs and wrist. Turrini was unable to start the second race and later travelled to hospital for treatment.
McLernon now enjoys a 31-point lead over Turrini in third place, leaving him firmly on course to secure the championship runner-up position heading into the final round in the Netherlands in six weeks’ time.
Local riders delivered strong performances in round five of the Scottish Championship at Clayshant.
In the Pro MX1 class, Loughbrickland’s Jason Meara qualified second fastest before claiming fifth, third and fourth, finishing fourth overall on the Moto-Cycle Yamaha. Ballyclare’s Charley Irwin continued his recent form, finishing fifth overall after securing two fifth-place finishes and a sixth on the Discount Beds Honda.
In the Pro MX2 class, Glenoe’s Glenn McCormick finished second overall behind Charlie Heyman. The Chambers KTM rider was third in qualifying, then third in his opening race, followed by two second places. Jack Meara, on his Moto-Cycle Yamaha, finished fifth overall after securing fourth, fifth and seventh in his three races. Ross Graham, Rory Cultra and Bradlee Walker completed an all-local Grade ‘C’ podium.
Round five of the Pavers Cave Ulster Youth Championship at Seaforde saw Mason Shields wrap up the Junior 65 title with three wins, while Elliot Lynd went unbeaten in the 65 Cadets class. Logan Nicholl completed a hat-trick in the Automatics, with Daniel Devine and Bradley Thompson also claiming three victories in the B/W85 and S/W85 classes. Robert Sweeney won the 125 Intermediate class, while Jay Robinson took the honours in the 250 section.