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Mixed Fortunes For Mercuria Team At Frome

The picturesque Asham Woods Circuit near Frome in Somerset played host to the 3rd round of the 2007 CCM British MMX Quad Championship on Monday 28th of July. Heavy rain over the weekend threatened to cancel the event, but despite this the track was in perfect condition for the start of the days racing.

Race One

After posting excellent times in the shortened practice session, Joe 2nd fastest and Leon running 6th, both riders bogged down on the line and rounded the first corner mid pack. As the race progressed, the fantastic grip provided by the Goldspeed tyres was being put to good use, Joe gaining five places after three laps and Leon moving up six positions in the same period. Now running 9th and 13th respectively, Joe and Leon continued to push hard around the tight and twisty hardpack circuit, Leon taking the chequered flag for a hard earned 12th place, and Joe moving up another four spots to 5th, despite a mechanical problem slowing his progress for the last half of the race.

Race Two

The second moto provided yet more drama for the Mercuria teammates. After being pushed off the circuit in the second corner, Joe found himself in 20th position at the end of the opening lap, but with the Lonestar / Ohlins suspension working perfectly, Joe was able to scythe his way through the pack, making up an amazing eleven positions to finish 9th. Leon got a fantastic start and was running in 5th for the first third of the race before a huge bump on one of the fast uphill sections caused him to run off the circuit and drop to 14th. Dusting himself off and getting the Yamaha YFZ450 fired up, Leon quickly settled in to his rhythm and made up three places over the remainder of the race, crossing the line after fourteen laps in 11th.

Joe Maessen

I'm obviously disappointed at losing the lead in the championship, but this was one of those days that test your resolve, and I've still finished the day 2nd in the series and only five points behind the leader. The Mercuria GYTR Yamaha YFZ450 was working perfectly around the circuit, the Lonestar / Ohlins suspension doing a fantastic job smoothing out the bumps, and the grip that the Goldspeed tyres provided was amazing. A freak incident in the first race saw the kick-start bung fall out, resulting in my bike losing oil so I had to ease off. The second moto was an uphill battle from the start after being pushed off the circuit in the second corner, but I'm happy with the way I was able to work my way through the pack and my speed was good.

Leon Beda

It's been an up and down day for me. I got an awful start in the first race but was able to use the great handling of the bike to work my way through the pack to finish 12th. The second race was a better start, and I was running in 5th with no pressure from anyone when I moved slightly off line and clipped a huge bump that pushed me off the circuit and off the bike. I managed to get going again and make up a few places but I'm obviously annoyed that it happened in the first place. On the positive side I know my speed is good and I've moved up to 9th in the championship and I know my speed is good.

Results

Race One

Winner - Romain Couprie; 2nd - John Mitchell; 3rd - Paul Winrow; 4th - Jason Macbeth;
5th - Joe Maessen; 6th - William Waggott;…12th - Leon Beda

Race Two

Winner - Roman Couprie; 2nd - John Mitchell; 3rd - Paul Winrow; 4th - Jason Macbeth;
5th - Richard Tordoff; 6th - Chris North;…9th - Joe Maessen;…11th - Leon Beda

Championship Standings (after 3 of 9 rounds)

1st - Jason Macbeth 118; 2nd - Joe Maessen 113; 3rd - John Mitchell 105;
4th - Paul Winrow 93; 5th - William Waggott 83;…9th - Leon Beda 54

I'm very proud to be associated with the Mercuria GYT-R Team Yamaha. We have fantastic backing from Yamaha Motors UK Ltd and a great roster of young and very promising riders.

Our objective for 2006, our first season of competition, is to consolidate our position as a leading UK Quad Racing team.

And if everything goes to plan we'll be genuine Championship contenders in the years to follow.