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Classic Walker Fast Eddy's H2O Extreme Classic - 13th August Jonny Walker underlined his return to fitness by winning the inaugural Fast Eddy H2O Extreme Classic near Oswestry this weekend. A cool front blew in some light rain on Friday night but hazy sunshine had dried the course out by the time the riders started their sighting lap at 9.00am. Each rider was then given the option of a qualifying lap to improve their starting position. Jonny Walker (RedBull KTM) took full advantage of the option by setting the fastest time and taking the number one spot. Paul Bolton (Eurotek KTM) was 2nd and Tom Sagar (MRS Sherco) was 3rd. Billy Bolt (Eurotek KTM) crashed in qualifying and damaged his throttle but he still managed to finish 4th.
The main two and a half hour race started at 12 noon. Clerk of the course Paul Edmondson dropped the green flag and Jonny Walker took the holeshot whipping up a cloud of thick dust that sand blasted the following pack, The Fast Eddy team had laid out a superb course with a fine mix of challenges for the riders and entertainment for the spectators. There was lots of 5th gear action before the entry disappeared into the dark Satanic firs where fallen tree trunks and rock gardens awaited them. Billy Bolt took some time out to use one of the tree for some impromptu helmet product testing. Last section of the lap were a series of heartbreaking climbs and descents, At the end of the first lap Jonny Walker had established a 30 second lead over Paul Bolton with Tom Sagar in 3rd and a slightly dazed Billy Bolt in 4th. The pattern of the race had been set, Dean Seddon had a good start in the Expert class closely followed by Ben Wibberley and Brad Williams. Jonny Walker went on to win the first H2O Extreme with 11 laps and Paul Bolton was the runner up. The 2 riders had lapped the rest of the field. Tom Sagar manfully wrestled the big 450 over everything the course builders could throw at him but it took it's toll and a revitalised Billy Bolt pipped him to the third step of the podium on the last lap. Jonny Walker "It's been an awesome day at the Fast Eddy X-Treme Classic and it feels even better to win it too! I'm really happy with how things came together. My aim was just get some race miles up so to also claim the victory is a nice little bonus too. The race was almost perfect for me. I got the holeshot and felt good straight away. Everything sort of clicked, my riding was flowing and by lap three I’d pulled a lead of about three minutes over Paul Bolton. After that I just sort of enjoyed the race. The track was a lot of fun so hats off to the guys for it. “I was conscious of my leg but it never caused me any problems. I think we're there now with regards the injury and now it’s just a matter of finding those good race feelings again. Huge thanks to everyone sticking by me as we get things back on track. It means a lot!"
Billy Bolt " That was a tough day at the office , I crashed heavy in qualification , i'm not sure what really happened but a ended up hurting my back and shoulder quite bad . So the main race was never going to be too easy for me , unfortunately during lap one I crashed even harder and more damage done !! so it was I case of just toughing the race out and trying to reach the finish which I was so glad to see. We stayed behind after the race to try and make some bike setting adjustments and we made some good progress , every event we learn something new and become better prepared for the future. "
Keelan Hancock finished 5th and he won the Expert class. Brad Williams and Ben Wibberley followed him home in 2nd and 3rd. Andrew Reeves was the Best Vet. Mick Boam was the runner up and Mark Kirby was 3rd. Lee Hattersley won the Clubman class, Ryan Bevan was runner up and Ryan Armitage was 3rd. Tom Widd in 17th was the Best Youth. Matthias Sallin was 2nd and 13 year old Suff Sella on an 85cc was 3rd, Suff had traveled from Israel to train with Paul Bolton.
Next year H2O will be integrated into the ACU Fast Eddy Extreme series and it will be a welcome addition. |
