Holmes Dominates and takes the British Championship Title Back

The day started with McLernon leading Holmes by just one point, so the Championship looked set to go to the wire! But third was all to be played for!!

Paul Holmes was totally focussed and on devastating form in the sixth and final round of the British Championship at the ever popular, albeit challenging track at Canada Heights in Kent. He produced a flawless performance in the autumn sunshine to deservedly grab the title back from Ireland’s Mark McLernon, This was the perfect tribute to his Late father who passed away only 10 days prior to the event.The third spot was leapfrogged from a terrific day by Irelands, Leon Rogers to leave both Bunce and Cowan in his wake!

                        Qualifying, and Holmes set the pace in first place with Leon Rogers 0.8 seconds behind and McLernon a close third.

Race 1 and it was 18 year old “king of the holeshots” Dafydd Davies who got off to a flyer and lead Stefan Murphy and Leon Rogers for the first few laps.  Lap 3 saw the change around as Rogers moved to the front with Holmes and Murphy chasing.

But it was behind where the Championship was changing as McLernon had a Mechanical issue towards the end of lap 4 giving him a very untimely DNF and turning his one point lead from the start of the day to a 21 point deficit! Rogers took the win with Holmes 2^nd and Murphy 3^rd.

Race 2 saw another Davies hole shot and as early on as lap 2 Holmes had a commanding lead with McLernon in 2^nd. However, Holmes had his glory put on hold as the race was red flagged due to Blake McCormick having a nasty off.

After the restart it was George Day off the line quickest and he set a good early pace with Holmes and Rogers in pursuit along with youngster Davies and Harry Walker.

By lap 5 Holmes was at the front and more importantly to him McLernon had an off that left him way down the field. McLernon could only recover to 10^th which handed the title to a delighted and emotional Paul Holmes with a race to spare. George Day took a spirited 2^nd and Rogers 3^rd.

On to the final race of the day Race 3, and another Davies hole shot with Holmes and Rogers giving chase. Holmes took over the lead on lap 2 and Davies slipped back to 4^th as Rogers and Bunce moved in to 2^nd and 3^rd.

 

A late surge by Bunce to catch Holmes in the latter stages was not successful as Holmes held on for the win. Elsewhere, Walker got passed Davies and Day and Murphy to grab him his impressive second fourth place finish of the day. An electrical gremlin in race 1 will have eluded him of a podium Position on the day.

On the day: 1^st Paul Holmes (2,1,1), 2^nd Leon Rogers (1,3,3), 3^RD George Day (6,2,6)

2017 Championship: Paul Holmes, 2^nd Mark McLernon, 3^rd Leon Rogers

U21’s on the day 1^st Dafydd Davies, 2^nd Harry Walker, 3^rd James Bevan - With Davies taking the U21 title to 2017 with Bevan 2^nd and Walker 3^rd

Young Blake McCormick suffered a dislocated shoulder and received surgery to re-locate and repair a fracture and has also suffered concussion. He was taken to kings college hospital London and was receiving great attention Sunday evening