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March 2nd 2008 saw the new racing season begin for the Shropshire based BMC Racing team. And what a start it was! New rider Leon Jeacock and team boss Mike Dorey rode two fantastic race's in the opening round of the EMRA Formula 400 Championship at Mallory Park. After a lot of hard work over the winter break by Mike and the team in preparing the bikes, it was great to finally see the immaculately turned out BMC Honda's wheeled out for the beginning of a new campaign. All the hard work seemed well rewarded when both riders put themselves on the front row of the grid. Leon, on his maiden voyage for the BMC Racing team, qualified a brilliant second, with Mike just two places down in a fantastic fourth.
(Leon and Mike on their way to front row qualification - photo by Dan Williams)
After a great start to race one Leon found himself lying second early on. But he dug deep and gave chase to leader Simon Hedges. With some smooth and consistent riding Leon's efforts were rewarded on the penultimate lap when he took the lead. He then pulled a gap and claimed a well deserved victory. A fantastic ride! No one was going to beat him! Mike had similar fortunes, finding himself lying third for most of the race until getting passed towards the end of the race to take an excellent fourth place. First and fourth in the first race of the season...not bad at all!
Race two was equally exciting. Leon and Mike both making great starts to find themselves in first and second respectively early on. A fine ride from fellow competitor Richard Saunders saw Leon and Mike relegated to second and third by the end of he race. But finding two BMC riders on the podium on the first day of the season doesn't get much better. Leon now leads the championship with Mike in third place. Well done guys, you did the team proud.
(Leon flying through the 'Bus Stop' in race two - photo by Dan Williams)
(Worn with pride - a big thank you to our new sponsor)
