Martin Barr relishing return to Hawkstone track

For Ballyclare’s Martin Barr - who is entering his 15th adult season - and his BRT KTM team it will be the first race on the outdoor scene.

Barr battled with Josh Gilbert all through the 2019 season in the MX Nationals MX2 Championship before breaking a collar bone and having to settle for second but he is determined that 2020 will be different as he steps up in to the MX1 class.

This year the BRT KTM team have added another name to the line-up with Ballyclare teenager 18-year-old Jak Henderson making his debut in the amateur MX2 class.

“It’s a big step up for me, I’ve been riding well over the past few weeks in training and I can’t wait to get out there and race,” said Henderson. “Hopefully, I can transfer my training form in to my racing and get the results I know I am capable of.”

Joining Barr in the MX1 class will be Loughbrickland’s Jason Meara on Phoenix Tools Apico Kawasaki while, in the MX2 class, Glenoe’s Glenn McCormick will be hoping to put the Unique Fit Out Husqvarna on the podium.

“After a pretty crazy and weird year we are eventually getting to go racing,” said Barr. “Having the first round of any championship in mid-July is something that has never been heard of before.

“It’s something I’m looking forward to and hopefully everything goes to plan.

“The MX Nationals crew have been doing a lot of work behind the scene and I’m sure they had to jump over a lot of hurdles to make it possible.

“So I’m hoping for their sake that no last minute hitches happen that force them pull the event.

“Over the last few weeks I’ve really stepped up my training and motos and the bike is working fantastic, so I can’t wait to get racing.

“With it being such a short season there is no time to break yourself in so we have to hit the ground running and be on it from the word go.

“Hawkstone though is one of my favourite tracks and I’m ready so we will see how things pan out.”

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