BMC Racing: EMRA Rd2 - one to remember!

Have just got back from a wet and windy day at Mallory Park, and what a belter round two turned out to be. Both Mike and Leon stuck their BMC Honda's on the front row, again, after an action-packed qualifying session. Leon was on brand new wets that needed running in, and Mike was on an old set that would do well to last the day. Anyway, both got up to speed early on in the session putting in some terrific lap times. But then something happened, Leon lost the front going in to 'Edwinas' after passing Mike down the back straight. Ooops! It was good to see him bounce immediately back up on to his feet to give an 'I'm ok' wave back to base. Thankfully no harm was done. Mike, Rod and the gang quickly sprung in to action and got the bike back in shape ready for race one.

(It's just a bit of mud)

(All hands on deck)

And so to race one. Leon was third on the grid (which shows you how quick his pace was early on in the qualifying session) and Mike was fourth. The start was frantic - Leon had his usual great start, tucking in right behind eventual winner Patrick mills. He kept in touch with Patrick the whole race while having his usual battle with Richard Saunders (who fell midway through the race). He rode a solid and mature race in very tricky conditions bringing the bike home in an excellent 2nd place. Mike was also having fun, he loves these wet conditions, he got closed in at the start but rode hard all the way and climbed up the pack to finish a fantastic 3rd place. And setting the second quickest lap time of the race. Not bad at all! Another 'BMC Racing' podium double.

Race two was even trickier. The track was drying, so tyre choice was tough. There were still a few wet patches about but a dry line was starting to show. But wets were the preferred choice for Mike and Leon. Both got off to great starts, Leon was leading in to 'Gerrards' and held on to the lead until 'Edwinas' where Patrick Mills managed to edge past. Almost a carbon copy of the first race, Leon again kept his head and brought the bike home in second place. But it wasn't without its moments towards the end when the wet tyres became well and truly shot to pieces. Mike again tucked in behind Leon in third place for the whole race, he got held up with back markers which seemed to allow Simon Hedges to catch him. But Mike, realising Simon was right behind him, upped his game on the last two laps with some crowd pleasing moves on the back markers through 'Edwinas'. He also had problems with his tyres, which had the bike moving all over the place, but kept his cool and brought it home for another well deserved third place. Leon now has a healthy lead in the championship with Mike moving up to second. Well done chaps, an excellent days racing.