James Mackrel in race brace at Desertmartin

Belfast rider James Mackrel, riding a 450 Yamaha, was the overall winner of the Grade ‘A’ MX1 on Saturday with two wins from two starts on the very fast track.

“I had to borrow the bike for the meeting as my own Yamaha had a mechanical issue,” he said.

“I used qualifying to get the feel for the bike then in race one made a good start from the gate lying second into Turn 1 before passing Gary Gibson for the lead on lap two. I just made a gap and held it to the flag.”

An awful start in race two left Mackrel a bit of work to do as he was down in tenth into the first corner.

“I worked hard for that one,” aded the 32-year-old. “It wasn’t until the last lap that I managed to get past Gary (Gibson) at the Canyon Hill.

“It was a good day but I had to miss out the final race as my shoulder became too painful. Hopefully my next outing will be the final round of the MX Nationals at Fat Cats at the start of October.”

Glenn McCormick was out on the 450 Unique fit out Husqvarna, finishing second behind Mackrel in the opening race before winning the final race to finish second overall.

“In the opening race I came from a long way back after a poor start to catch James (Mackrel) but I had left it too late to challenge for the win, then I ran wide a couple of laps into the second race and nearly crashed, but saved it,” he said.

“James hit me and broke my front mudguard. It was strange riding without it and I brought it home in fourth.

“It was good to get the win in the final race as it sets me up nice for this weekend’s Bridgestone Battle Cross meeting at Cusses Gorse where I will be out on the 450 again.”

Gary Gibson had a good weekend claiming third overall on Saturday and winning two races on Sunday.

Jordanstown’s Matthew Beattie was unbeaten over the weekend winning all six races in the B/W 85 class.

He said: “I didn’t get the best starts in all my races but when I came through the pack I always pulled out a good lead.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend’s Bridgestone Battle Cross meeting. The last time I was there I struggled a bit as I’m not used to riding on real hard pack tracks but as this will be my last season on the 85 before stepping up to the 125 I’ll give it a real good go.”

In the S/W 85 class Cole McCullough was in top form winning two races on Saturday and all three on Sunday.

Ballyclare’s Charley Irwin is getting the hang of the Discount Beds 125 Yamaha, finishing second overall on Saturday and going one better on Sunday to take first overall.

“I was happy with second overall on Saturday as the track was dry and very fast,” he said.

“I couldn’t get the Yamaha off the gate but I made a better start in race three when the track was a lot rougher which suited me. On Sunday after the overnight rain the track was in great shape and I was more confident.

“In race one I hadn’t the best start but pushed on for second behind Reece Ross. I got past the 250 quickly in race two and rode steady to the flag for the win and in the third outing Reece pulled away, but he fell off at the ‘Horseshoe’ allowing me to get past for the win. I’m learning every race on the 125 and really enjoying it.”

Schoolboy Alfie Herron was another to have a perfect weekend winning all six races in the 65cc class.