September 3rd, 2025.
Lance Hand and Liam Cater teamed up to contest the main 12-hour Mondial race at the recently-held Pont de Vaux. They rode a lovingly-rebuilt Yamaha Banshee. Their hard efforts were rewarded with the Retro class win.“For us, that result was more just than a race win,” said Hand, “it was a tribute, a comeback, and the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
“We lined up in honour of two men who shaped our quad racing paths; my late grandad, Geoff “Pops” Hand, and Liam’s father, Sean Cater.”
Fittingly, the guys raced aboard Sean’s Banshee - an iconic machine that last competed at the Weston Beach Race in 2023. Mechanical issues that day left the quad with unfinished business which – as the result of many late-night conversations – ignited a decision and passion to rebuild it properly, and to do it justice.
From there on, a two-year project began. Hand took charge of the build in the UK, while Cater shipped parts over from his home in America. The engine was entrusted to Justin Reid who delivered a motor worthy of the occasion, along with invaluable guidance for the team. Little, by little, the Banshee was transformed from a dream into a contender.
For Cater, just making the start line was a victory. Having moved to the States in 2012 to pursue his racing career, he then faced several setbacks spending the last nine years battling serious health challenges. Friends and family were fully aware of the grit it took to not only train and prepare, but to line up at Pont de Vaux again. Cater’s seventh attempt to complete the iconic race had yielded only two previous finishes.
This 2025 edition of the event was different. Not only did Cater finish, but he stood on the top step of the Retro podium alongside his longest-standing racing friend, on a quad built as a living tribute to his father.
“To finish this one was special,” said Cater. “It meant a lot and was a hell of a journey.”
For Hand, the moment was equally powerful. Having been in and out of the quad scene since the early 2000s, he met Cater when they were first racing Yamaha Blasters where their friendship developed. Hand carried a personal ambition to one day build a machine capable of taking on PDV.
“Building a PDV-winning machine was always a big ambition,” said Hand. “To be able to put together such a special build and for the machine to not only finish, but to win the class with my great friend, is an incredible achievement. As a rider and mechanic, I am overwhelmed. I thank my wife Erin for her unwavering support, not just for this event, but for all the racing support that got me here.”
As every racer knows, few successes come easily and without support. The team were quick to thank those who stood alongside them.
Said Hand, “we have been so very lucky to have guidance, support and invaluable advice from so many people and companies. Apologies if we’ve missed any one …
Justin Reid – for the powerhouse motor and team advice
Danny and Paula of Glencree Utilities – for support both on and off the track
Wilson Brother Contracting – for tyres and pit set-up
Griffiths Tool Hire – for the pit tower
Gloop of RipitupFilms – for capturing the story and championing the sport through his work
Staffordshire Quad and Motocross Club - for the team pit wear
Morgan Motorsport - technical support
WP injury performance & education - the best sports physio
4GUNZMX-Midlands - keeping things clean and shiny
Elevation Snow Removal - team support
Dance Ed Tips - international deliveries
OnlyQuads - graphics design and team pit banners
JRC racing - pit crew support
DMS-Repair - parts and spares
Moto Trim - hella comfy and trick seat cover
Pictured [l-r] Erin Hand, Lance Hand, Liam Cater, Olivia Mode-Cater, Gloop Maher
“When the chequered flag fell,” said Hand, “the result was about more than class victory. It was a moment of closure for a machine that deserved to prove itself, a statement of resilience from a rider who has rebuilt himself piece by piece, and a celebration of friendship and family legacy that spanned generations.”
Cater’s wife Olivia Mode-Cater summed it up; “Not every win is about a trophy. Sometimes the biggest victories are measured in how far you’ve come, how hard you’ve fought, and how much you’ve risen. This weekend was that and so much more.”
In closing Hand concluded; “For Britain, for Banshees, and for the memories of Pops and Sean, PDV 2025 will be remembered as something truly special.”