BMC Racing: EMRA Rd6 - Race Of The Year!

Well, here we are...the final round of the season. The time of year when some of the top BSB riders turn up to play, this year seeing the likes of Tom Sykes, Karl Harris and Glen Richards battling it out. It's also the time of year when all the hard work throughout the season comes to fruition for all the club teams involved. And last weekend's 'Race Of The Year' lived up to all expectations.

Most of the BMC team set-up camp on the Friday...and what a set-up it was! A truly superb hospitality suite complete with endless amounts of food and hot beverages, topped off with our very own BMC Racing cake. Well done Tracey, Rod and the gang for that!

So, how did BMC Racing get on? Well, going in to the event, Leon needed only a couple of points in the Formula 400 event to clinch the title. Mike had already secured a magnificent 3rd place finish overall, which is a great result as there was some pretty stiff competition this year! In the 600 Superstocks Leon was lying 2nd, and needing a good result over Sam Middlemas to clinch an amazing double championship on two separate bikes - something that had never been done before in the EMRA club championships. There was a lot of excitement and anticipation around the paddock!

Qualifying went well. In the 600's Leon confidently put the R6 fifth on the grid to head up row two and near championship rival Sam Middlemas...the race was sure to be dramatic! The 400's were put together with the Roadstocks (600 and 1000cc machines) and guess who stuck their 400 on the front row? Correct, Mr Leon Jeacock! Superb! James was the 3rd fastest F400, Mike 5th, Freddy 7th, Gordon 8th and I was 9th.

First up were the 600 Superstocks (race 7). Most of us were watching down at Edwina's. The excitement was building. All 32 riders came round for their sighting lap, when all of a sudden a bike goes down as they tipped in to the left hander...it was Sam Middlemas! We couldn't believe it! He quickly got back up and followed the pack round to the grid. But amazingly he pulled in next time round on the warm-up lap shaking his head. So all Leon had to do was bring it home comfortably and the title was his. And that's exactly what he did...but not without a few hair-raising moves through the back markers I can tell you...but then, once a racer, always a racer! Leon actually rode a very mature race bringing home the R6 in a terrific 5th place. LEON JEACOCK, EMRA 600 SUPERSTOCK CHAMPION 2008!

One down, one to go. And so to race 10...the start of the 400's was hectic...a sea of 600 and 1000cc machines! This didn't put Leon off though, making his usual rapid start to become the leading 400 rider for most of the race. He got caught towards the end of the race, after being held up by the backmarkers, by season long championship rival Richard Saunders, who took the victory by a fraction of a second. But Leon rode sensibly, and his 2nd place finish was plenty good enough for the Formula 400 championship, and history was made! LEON JEACOCK, DOUBLE EMRA CHAMPION! The first time EVER anyone had done such a thing on two separate machines. Amazing! Very well done Leon! Mike rode an excellent 4th place, but had nothing to prove as the 3rd place overall was his already. James came a terrific 5th, Freddy 6th, Gordon 9th and I came 10th. I do have to mention that the F400 grid was massively depleted this time out - there was in fact just ten in the pack. But we all managed to beat some of the Roadstocks (1000s, 600s and 400s)...so everyone was happy at the end of the day!

It's been a terrific season...the best one yet! The way the team has worked together throughout the year has been a joy. The double championship is no less than everyone involved deserves. All the hard work and talent that runs through the whole team is second to none! Well done everyone, I for one can't wait for the end of season celebration on November 8th.

There is a huge list of people to thank. A list that deserves to get it's very own entry on the blog...so that's what I'll do later. In the meantime I'd just like to thank everyone involved for the help and support over the season...it wouldn't have been as good without you!

Here's a film that captures the days fun and celebrations: