Irwin and Barr shine at MX of Nations

Carrick’s Irwin was overall seventh in the MX2 class on the MBO Multi Tech Yamaha and was delighted. “It was an awesome experience,” he said. “I just wish I’d had more luck.”

He was referring to his massive crash in race two, resulting in a pretty nasty back injury. Graeme lost almost 30 seconds but still fought back to 22nd at the finish.

In his opening race he finished 23rd despite crashing at the halfway point. “I came back strong in race one despite the tumble so I was happy with my riding,” said the 20-year-old.

Doagh’s Martin Barr was also happy with his weekend’s work on the Tyco Suzuki. In free practice he was sixth-fastest and in his qualifying heat he was right on the pace with 11th.

In his opening race he was fourth away, but had dropped to 13th by the finish.

“I was real happy with the finish as all the riders in front of me were regular grand prix riders,” said Martin. “I was really looking forward to the second moto but it just didn’t happen. I lost the back brake early in the race,” added the rider who managed ninth overall in the MX1 class.

Both men were due to be in action at this weekend’s final round of the British championship at Little Silver, Exeter.