BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP CRUNCH TIME


September 29 2016.


Sunday sees the final round of the ATV’s Only British Quad Championship at Canada Heights in Kent, and the action promises to be hard-fought with four riders still in with a mathematical chance of taking the prestigious ACU title.


Realistically though it’s a two-horse race between series leader Mark McLernon from Hillsborough in Northern Ireland and Harrogate’s Paul Holmes, who have been locked in a titanic battle throughout the six round series.

In the first half of the series, 28-year-old Holmes, the current title holder and three-times a British Champion, looked to be on course to retain his title after wins at the opening round at Cusses Gorse in April and a devastating maximum at round three at Fat Cats.

However, McLernon, who took victory in the second round at his home track of Desertmartin, has turned the tables in recent months with victory at round four at Pontrilas and then round five at Dean Moor.

That has left 21-year-old McLernon leading by 36 points, and with 75 points available from Sunday’s three 20-minute plus two lap races, he could theoretically clinch the title in race one. Don’t bet against the highly experienced Holmes, an ex-European champion, taking it to the wire though!

Two other riders – Justin Reid from Comber in Northern Ireland and Reading’s Carl Bunce – have a very remote chance of taking the title if total disaster befalls the leaders. However, the pair are more likely to be focused on their titanic battle for the final podium spot. Former British Champion Reid, now one of the veterans of the series at 38, holds just a five-point advantage over 30-year-old Bunce, a multiple runner-up in the series.

Fifth in the points standing is 21-year-old Leon Rogers from Navan in the Republic of Ireland, following a heat winner at the last round at Dean Moor. However, his priority will be clinching the Willcock Holeformers Under 21 British Championship, which he leads by 46 points. The only man who can overhaul him is fellow 21-year-old, Luke Cooper from Beddau in Wales, also a heat winner this year.

The battle for third in the Under 21 looks set to be a good one though, with just 15 points separating a trio of 17-year-olds; Dafydd Davies, who has already been crowned the Rookie of the Year, plus Harry Walker and James Bevan.

Sunday's action also features several Wildcard riders. The Wildcards best placed to cause an upset are likely to be Dutchman, Marc de Vries, who was fifth in this year’s European Championship, and the sixth placed finisher, Zdenek Polacek, from the Czech Republic.

Canada Heights in Kent (BR8 8DZ) is just a few miles off junction three of the M25. Spectator entry is £10 per person. The event also features the final round of the ACU British Sidecar Championship, plus solo support.

Pictured: Mark McLernon (left) and Paul Holmes will battle for the title on Sunday
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