KTM ATV Rider Holmes Wins Again At Action Packed Finale

Promoted by the NORA-MX club at the hillside circuit on the banks of the River Thames, the challenging natural terrain venue provided some spectacular racing action for the ninth and final round of the series that entertained the large crowd in attendance.
 
Making his first British Championship appearance as the recently crowned 2009 European Quad Champion, Holmes delivered yet another text book performance to post fastest lap in timed qualification before charging through from 3rd in both races for a 1 - 2 scorecard and the overall win. 

Coming in to the meeting in 3rd position with an eleven point deficit to make up, Holmes pace was unrivalled for the majority of the weekend, taking fastest lap in the opening moto as he laid claim to 2nd in the series and also taking the Under-21 British Title for an unprecedented third year  in a row. 

Speaking after the event, a delighted Holmes said, "Today has been absolutely fantastic, and to come away with 2nd in the series having turned an eleven point deficit in to a sixteen point margin in my favour was awesome.  This circuit is not the easiest to pass on so I knew a good start would be crucial, but with the KTM 505 SX pulling really strong off the lin e I gated inside the top three and was able to move to the front in both races.  It's been a really good year and I think we've shown just how potent the KTM SX is in only it's first year, so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank KTM, Team KTM UK, all our valued sponsors, my mum and dad and anyone else who has helped throughout the year, thank you all for your help and support in making this possible."

 
Still on a high after taking his best ever European Championship result with an outstanding 5th overall in Germany the previous weekend, team-mate James Hellewell once again showed maturity and skills beyond his eighteen years to finish his first year at this level in 20th position, Hellewell securing automatic qualification for the 2010 series and the highest placed "rookie"! 

Overcoming a disadvantaged second row start to fight through to 13th in the opening race, Hellewell had his second outing end somewhat prematurely in spectacular fashion after getting tagged from behind on the opening lap, the resulting crash terminally damaging the twist throttle and forcing Hellewell to settle for 17th overall on the day. 

"It's definitely not the way that I would have liked to end the year" commented Hellewell afterwards, "but to finish inside the top twenty in my first year is fantastic.  I struggled to get a good time in practice as I'd set my ride hei ght a little high, but with a few changes in the interval we got a really good race set-up and after gating mid-pack I was able to find a good rhythm and work my way through.  I got a better start in the last race, but unfortunately I got clipped on the opening lap and the resulting damage left the throttle sticking at times which we were unable to sort out trackside.  All in all it's been a really good year and the Team KTM UK 505 SX has been an awesome bike to ride.  I'd like to thank KTM, everyone at Team KTM UK and all our friends and family who worked really hard in the background to get us where we are, and last but not least all our sponsors for their fantastic products and support throughout the year."
 
Holmes now travels to Jauer, Germany to represent Great Britain in the inaugural UEM Quadcross Of European Nations this coming weekend the 26th and 27th of September, while Hellewell takes a well earned rest before focusing his attention on preparations for the infamous Weston International Beach Race on the 10th and 11th of October.
 
Race One
1st - Paul Holmes (Team KTM UK)
2nd - Paul Winrow (Honda)
3rd - Leon Beda (Yamaha)
4th - Stefan Murphy (Honda)
5th - John Mitchell (Yamaha)
13th - James Hellewell (Team KTM UK)  
 
Race Two
1st - John Mitchell (Yamaha)
2nd - Paul Holmes (Team KTM UK)
3rd - Jason Macbeth (Honda)
4th - Stefan Murphy (Honda)
5th - Carl Bunce (Suzuki)
 
Championship Standings (Final)
1st - Paul Winrow 387
2nd - Paul Holmes (Team KTM UK) 334
3rd - Jason Macbeth 318
4th - Stefan Murphy 257
5th - Carl Bunce 244
6th - Leon Beda 241
20th - James Hellewell (Team KTM UK) 63