MOTORCYCLING: Magheramorne teenager Scott lives the dream at German MotoGP

With five podiums from his last six races, Maghermorne youngster Scott Swann found himself in action at the German MotoGP at the weekend.
Scott Swann pictured with Eugene Laverty at the German MotoGP.  INLT 29-657-CONScott Swann pictured with Eugene Laverty at the German MotoGP.  INLT 29-657-CON
Scott Swann pictured with Eugene Laverty at the German MotoGP. INLT 29-657-CON

The teenager accepted an invite to ride the respective German and Dutch KTM Championship race at Sachsenring.

It was a big ask for Scott, but he did himself proud qualifying 25th out of 43 riders on the grid at the tight and twisty German Grand Prix circuit.

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During the race the 13-year-old was dicing just outside the points in 18th place on lap ten, but was pushed off the track at the ultra-fast left-hander at the top of the Waterfall section of the circuit.

After hitting a back-marker who was touring, he crashed out, thankfully unhurt as he was flat out in top gear at the time.

The blonde-haired youngster said afterwards: “I was angry and very disappointed but before the crash I took another second off my lap time, which I got down to a respectable one minute and 43 second lap.

“You know I was riding with guys, some who had beards,” smiled the fresh-faced Carrickfergus College student.

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“It’s a pity as I think I could have ended up with some points, but that’s racing. I got to meet a lot of nice people and got to spend some time with Eugene Laverty who gave me some good advice.

“The guy who I collided with apologised in the KTM camp afterwards. I’d love to stay here and race again but it’s back to British championship in a couple of weeks and I want to keep chasing that first win, even though I know Aaron Wright is going to be hard to beat.

“I still can’t thank everyone enough for making this happen this season and never did I ever think I’d be racing in the same paddock at Valentino Rossi.

“It’s been an amazing experience. It’s the best track I have ever ridden.”

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Concluding, Scott and his father Mike Swann said collectively: “Huge thanks to Team#109; Paul Tobin and David Hurley for the amazing opportunity, experience and a fantastic weekend.

“And of course to all our other loyal sponsors who have made Scott’s dream become a reality this season.”

IRWIN AND BARR HAVE TOUGH DAY AT BLAXHALL

Buildbase Honda Racing’s Graeme Irwin just missed out on a podium finish at round six of the Maxxis British Motocross Championship supported by Pro Clean at Blaxhall at the weekend.

The Carrick rider had a third and fourth place finish in the Suffolk sand on his CRF450R to take fourth overall on the day just behind team-mate Kristian Whatley.

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“All-in- all it wasn’t a bad day,” he said. “There are a lot of positives. The track was quite difficult.

“It got really rough and choppy and I don’t think I found the lines, today was just not my day.

“In race one I got the hole shot and led for the opening two laps but both Tommy Searle and Jake Nicholls got past then the race was red flagged after 14 minutes and the result was called.

“I had the pace and I’m sure I would have got back to second at least but that’s racing. In the second moto I never found my rhythm.

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“I’m still fourth in the championship but I lost some points to Jake [Nicholls] which isn’t very good. It’s going to be difficult but I still want to be third so I need to keep working hard and I’ll be strong.”

Doagh’s Martin Barr was the team’s sole MX2 rider and the local rider had a tough day on his CRF250R after a series of crashes and bad starts.

“I’m disappointed,” said Martin. “It’s been very poor. In race one I didn’t make such a good start and on the first lap two riders crashed in front of me and I got caught up on both of them.

“Then on the second or third lap I crashed and the bike landed on top of me and I couldn’t get it off.

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“It took forever and I completed that lap in 34th and had a lot of work to do to get back to 17th which was pretty poor to be honest.

“I had another bad start in the second one and gave myself a lot of work to do but I got back to sixth at the end after being 18 th on lap one, but no excuses.

“It was me today, I just didn’t ride very good. Although I’ve dropped to fourth in the championship I’ve not given up.

“There are two round of the championship left and I’m going to go away and regroup. It’s not over yet, just a lot harder.”

ENDUROCROSS returns to glenarm for festival

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Jordan Scott and Stuart Edmonds will feature in the Premier Class at this year’s Dalriada Festival EnduroCross in Glenarm on Thursday, June 21.

A packed race schedule that includes Premier, Clubman and Veteran Classes will take to the purpose built EnduroCross circuit at the site of Glenarm’s Old Quarry.

The circuit itself has undergone some improvements from 2015 with a number of track obstacles being revamped and a brand new log based, table top style jump constructed earlier in the week.

It was British Motocross Championship rider, Graeme Irwin who took victory last time out in impressive fashion but with Irwin unable to attend Thursday’s event, another British Championship rider in Stuart Edmonds will be hoping to adapt to EnduroCross in a similar fashion.

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Dublin-based Edmonds (CCM Electraction TM) will have his work cut out though with a hungry Jordan Scott lining up alongside him in the HTM Off Road Premier Class. Scott shone back in 2013 at the first ever EnduroCross in Ireland where he took the overall victory against tough competition.

In 2014 he unfortunately crashed out of the event when battling with Gordon Crockard but in 2015, Scott raced to a brilliant second place behind Irwin despite carrying an injury.

With both Scott and Edmonds both at full fitness, this event is sure to provide some superb racing between the two, but we must not forget about the other premier riders out to steal the show.

Harold Crawford just about pipped Darren Grills for third in a fantastic battle in 2015 but Grills has shown some great form so far this year and is expected to push for a podium.

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An excellent night of racing is in store with free practice sessions getting underway at 6pm, while racing is planned to kick-off at 6.45pm.

Spectators should arrive in time for racing and can make use of the free public marina car park adjacent to the Dickeystown Road venue for parking.

Admission is priced at just £5 per adult with children under 14 years of age admitted free.

A race day programme is provided with admission while stocks last and catering facilities will be available on site.

More information is available at www.carrickfergusmcc.co.uk

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