The 2010 British Enduro Sprint Championship got off to a flying start this past weekend when the opening two rounds of the series took place at the spectacular Chavenage Farm circuit in Gloucestershire. Despite terrible weather during the days leading up to the event, come the weekend track conditions were perfect, ensuring great racing action in all classes.
As expected KTM factory riders David Knight and visiting extreme enduro specialist Taddy Blazusiak were the stars of the show as Knight claimed the Elite class win in style on both days with Blazusiak a deserved double runner-up. Completing over one-and-a-half hours of special test racing during the opening day of the championship Knight finished two-and-a-half minutes ahead of Blazusiak have thrilled spectators with his many displays of dominant riding.
As Blazusiak’s one and only planned competitive outing in the UK during ’10 the Pole impressed many with his speed throughout the opening day. Rounding out the Elite class top three on day one was a third KTM rider – Welshman Greg Evans. Round two of the championship saw more thrilling racing from the Elite class riders with Knight again in a class of his own. Overcoming the technical problems that derailed his round one result Daryl Bolter was on superb form during round two on Sunday and pushed Blazusiak every step of the way. At the end of more than one-hour of racing the pair were separated by just six seconds.
As expected it was the Under 23 class that provided much of the weekend’s best racing action. In the ES1 class newly signed Husqvarna rider Alex Rockwell claimed a double class win, storming to the top of the category and looking extremely comfortable doing so. Finishing over five minutes ahead of Joe Deakin and Lewis Belfield on both days ‘Rocky’ showed that he is certainly the rider to beat as far as the Under 23 ES1 title is concerned.
Competition was close at the top of the Under 23 ES2 class on day one with Ollie Moyce placing his Husaberg at the top of the class, just 15 seconds up on Mark Roberts. Third went to Gas Gas rider Ashley Wood. On day two the same three riders finished in the same order at the top of the class with Moyce’s winning margin a slender three seconds.
One of the most impressive performances during the opening rounds of the ’10 BESC series came from Manxman Daniel McCanney. The lone Under 23 ES3 competitor, the enduro newcomer recorded the second overall fastest times behind fellow Manxman Alex Rockwell following impressive and consistent performances on both days.
Irishman Robert Lynn’s return to competition from injury was a successful one as the TM rider topped the Expert ES1 class on both days. In the Expert ES2 class Aaron Poolman placed his Husaberg at the top of the class on both days, enjoying two comfortable wins. Topping the Expert ES3 class on both days was David Grimshaw on his Honda.
The British Enduro Sprint Championship’s next two rounds will take place at Rogers Hill Raceway, close to Bere Regis, Dorset on April 24-25. As part of GMC Events Ltd plans to expand the series the event will include the BESC’s first Sunday-only Clubman class.
John Collins – ACU Trials & Enduro Chairman
‘The opening two rounds of the British Enduro Sprint Championship delivered everything series promoters GMC Events said it would – a great course, great racing, and a great spectacle. It was fantastic to see this new format of enduro racing being so well received by not only the Elite class riders but by all of the competitors. It was clear for all to see just how much work had been put into the event, from the course to the start/finish area to the paddock. All in all it was exactly the start to this exciting, new championship the ACU hoped it would be. If the remaining rounds of the series are anywhere near as exciting, which I am sure they will be, then I am sure the BESC series will grow and grow.’
David Knight – Elite class winner Rnds 1&2 ’10 BESC Series
‘I’ve had a great weekend. I was sure that the weekend would be great practice for me ahead of the start of the Enduro World Championship, and it was. It was the best thing that I could have done. Everything about the event was great – the racing, the social side of things in the paddock, even the weather. Things went perfectly for me during both days. The course was great, a really good mix of different styles of terrain and obstacles. The important thing for me was to keep pushing hard throughout both days, which I did. I had no problems, didn’t make too many mistakes and really enjoyed the event. Winning both days was great, as was meeting so many of the people that came along to watch the event. It was a great event.’
Taddy Blazusiak – Elite class runner-up Rnds 1&2 ’10 BESC Series
‘I really enjoyed myself this weekend. I think like a lot of people I wasn’t exactly sure how the sprint format worked but it was great, really easy to understand and it gave all riders lots of riding time. It was really slippery on the first day and because I haven’t ridden on mud for 12 months it took me a little while to get into it. David was a long way ahead but you have to remember he was on the big bike and is the best rider in the world in those kinds of conditions. I finished the day as runner-up, which I was happy with. During the second day I had a great fight with Daryl Bolter, and I’m pleased I managed to finish second again. We did nearly three hours of special test racing over the weekend, which is fantastic. I think the event was a real success and getting the chance to meet some of my fans in the UK was great. I’d love to come back and do some more BESC events.’
