April 27 2016.


The 2016 ATVs Only ACU British Quadcross Championships moves from the hard pack of Cusses Gorse to the sand of the Grand Prix track of Desertmartin on 30th April for Round 2 of this closely fought Championship hosted by Quad Racing Ireland.

At round one it was Hillsborough rider Mark McLernon finishing third overall with one race win, behind overall winner reigning Champ Paul Holmes, with George Callaway second, Callaway also winning a race.

Fourth was Navan man, Leon Rodgers on his Kawasaki, Leon has been showing some excellent form at home in 2016, and this confirmed his talent, although hot on his tail in sixth place was Comber veteran, and multi Ulster and British Champion Justin Reid. This despite a race two blow-up that resulted in a DNF, but Justin cannot be ruled out for a top three finish at the Desert, his smooth style and track craft are certain to help.

Saintfields Dean Colhoun was perhaps disappointed with his eighth overall on his new WSP Husqvarna machine. However, it is very early days with the new chassis and as this is the only one in the UK, data is very hard to come by, so it’s a steep learning curve for Team Colhoun.

Reigning Ulster Champion, David Cowan also had a bad day at the office, with a DNF in race two leaving the quiet Banbridge man languishing in 14th place, but with riders like Bailey Edwards and Stefan Murphy behind him, he will take heart that it’s a long season, and Cowan is never a man to give up easily.

Jack Raeburn from Meath also made the trip to Cusses Gorse and he was rewarded with 27th place after two no scores.

In the concurrently run Under 21 Class, Leon Rodgers had three from three to arrive at Desertmartin with a commanding lead over reigning Champion Dean Colhoun, with Bailey Edwards even further adrift, so hard work is needed from the chasing pack.

The newly introduced Veterans Class for over 35’s is currently led by Carl Bunce, with Justin Reid second only six points adrift and Lindsay Duke 19 points behind in third, although Justin may not ride like being a veteran, he is currently enjoying his 24th season of racing!

Contrasting experience and age is demonstrated by the entry of 19 year old Latvian, Domantas Vasnys who caused a sensation at the 2015 Quadcross of Nations in Germany with his speed.

With locals like Michael McAneney and others joining the action along with riders like Sheldon Seal, and Oli Sansom, racing should be as exciting as ever round the famous circuit.

There is a full supporting programme including adult quads, youth quads, and Sidecars to add to the days excitement, with racing starting at 10.30am. The circuit will be signposted from the main Desertmartin/Maghera Road.


Current points:
British Championship: 1 Paul Holmes (Yamaha) 64, 2 George Callaway (Yamaha) 63, 3 Mark McLernon (Honda) 55.

Under 21: 1 Leon Rogers (Kawasaki) 75, 2 Dean Colhoun (WSP Husky) 60, 3 Domantas Vaznys (Yamaha) 52.

Rookie Cup: 1 Domantas Vaznys (Yamaha) 68, 2 Kyle Murphy (Yamaha) 67, 3 Dafydd Davies (KTM) 62.

Vets Cup: 1 Carl Bunce (Suzuki) 69, 2 Justin Reid (Can-Am KMX) 66, 3 Andrew Willcock (KTM) 54.


Pictured: Local favourites Leon Rogers (17), Justin Reid (14) in action last month at Desertmartin in an Ulster Championship roun. Pic: Paul Ervine