FRONT ROW GB AND EDMONDSON RACING TOGETHER AT WOR BADEN HALL

Stan Watt of Front Row GB made the early Sunday morning journey to Stone, Staffordshire for the Wirral Off-Road Hare and Hounds Event at Baden Hall.



Once Stan had arrived at Edmondson Racing, he and Derrick Edmondson set out on the 30 minute journey to the event location.




On arrival it became apparent the course was not going to be as open and flowing as had been originally anticipated, with a number of tight and twisty woodland sections that would be accentuated by the previous day's thunderstorms. The woodland sections were linked by short but fast grass areas incorporating a number of sharp drops and climbs onto treacherously slippery asphalt road crossings.



Stan was entered into the 3hr main Open class and Derrick the 2hr over 40's group. Starting 5 minutes apart, Stan was first away in desperately greasy conditions and within a few minutes, had his first of a few crashes on the first lap, when his KTM690 jumped into neutral entering a grassy corner, dumping the front. This was to happen 4 times on the first lap, causing no damage but making Stan slow his momentum until the course cut up over the next few laps.



Derrick had similar difficulties with the conditions but was going well, staying near the front of his class and had caught Stan within the first 30 minutes. The pair rode nose to tail for almost an hour before Derrick was able to make a pass after Stan yet again lost the front entering a corner and hitting neutral by mistake.

At the 1hr 30 mark, Stan went to pass Derrick over one of the road crossings and was highsided, landing heavily, twisting the forks in the yokes. Stan had to take considerable time straightening the steering, losing a whole lap to Derrick and the rest of the competition. With the pair back riding closely to each other, Derrick was to pull off after his 2 hour limit and Stan would continue for the additional hour.



By this stage the course had cut up well and the sun continued to dry the ground, eventually allowing excellent grip. Both Derrick and Stan we suitably impressed with the KTM690s even on such a demanding course fuelled by the wet weather and conditions.



Derrick was to finish 7th in the over 40's class and Stan 16th overall. A good result considering the course, conditions and losing a full lap. The 690s performed well on a course not suited to their design andcontinue to prove their potential for a variety of racing theatres.

FRGB

Initial Route Released for Dakar 2010

On the occasion of the two presentations in Buenos Aires and Santiago, the organisers of the Dakar have unveiled the main parts of the course of the 32nd edition that will take off on the 2nd of January in Buenos Aires.

After a first experience in South America, the variety of the territories and terrain, the intensity of the challenge taken on by the competitors and the enthusiasm of the crowd have convinced both the authorities of the two countries and the head of the rally to renew the adventure.In 2010, Argentina and Chile will jointly celebrate the bicentenary of their independence: the Dakar will have the honour of starting these celebrations.

The tracks discovered in Argentina and Chile during the 2009 edition represent for the teams of the rally an invitation to continue exploring. In terms of sport, the potential of these territories offer exalting perspectives: by heading to new regions, the 2010 Dakar will offer an intense and renewed challenge.

The experience of a first edition in South America having revealed some constraints in terms of terrain, several changes have been decided in order to ensure security and equity between the competitors. With more dune crossings and off-piste navigation as well as stages and mileage shared between the two countries, this 2010 event will seduce the amateurs of difficulty.

FRGB

Good Return for Stan

Stan Watt had a good return to 'competition' this weekend at round 1 of the Southern Counties Enduro Championship.

Just 9 days after knee surgery Stan set about getting back into some riding fitness at the 3hr Hare and Hounds event at Inside Park, Dorset. The choice of weapon would not be to everyone's preference as he put the new KTM690 Enduro R on the start line.

With a strong field of championship and expert riders, the intention was for Stan to put in a steady 3 hours, check out the capability of the 690R, preserve his left knee and not let the red mist take control.

Stan was well impressed with the KTM690 R and with some further minor modifications, believes it is a bike with some excellent potential for a varity of riding. The course was around a 20 minute lap with a good variation of terrain. Although primarily flat, the loop was relentless with no areas to ease off or rest,ranging from fast sweeping corners to tight tree lined tracks. The lap was flowing yet contained enough technical areas to keep everyone concentrating. Good effort to Gary Warr of SCEC and all those that helped him put the event together.

Stan's knee held up well and this would appear he will be contining to get back into returning some riding fitness with the next excursion at Rogershill Raceway on 4th March.

Stan finished 32nd overall from over 200 starters and 13th in the championship class. Hopefully Stan will be getting back to full fitness by the Snow Run in Wales on 12th April.

FRGB