Natterjack 05

(REME) Natterjack Enduro 2005

Report from Campbell Chatham

Natterjack British Enduro Championship 2005

Scottish Riders Report

Chris Hay had a successful return to the British Championship with a strong performance to 2nd overall, following several injuries this year. Chris used this non Championship points round to stage his comeback and although he was disappointed not to win he feels back in the hunt at the top level once more. Chris won three tests outright and equalled Simon Wakely on another two other tests. Unfortunately a fall in one of the enduro tests ended his challenge for the win. Chris is looking forward to the John Banks Enduro in November, Chris has always enjoyed this sand event which he hopes will set him up for the 2006 Championship.

Richard Hay made the long journey down from Aberdeen with his family to compete in this event. Richard would have preferred a lighter two stroke for the twisting enduro tests, despite this he put up an excellent performance to finish seventh overall. There had been heavy rain for two days before the event which made the going slippery and there were a few deep puddles to make things interesting. Even 'Iron Man' Richard found the whooped out 52 minute loop heavy going.

Ricky Mair rode brilliantly despite a problem with his bike which as good as finished his challenge in the first test on day one. Ricky had fitted a new engine for this event and it was causing problems at the start. He had to work on the bike in the first test as it was not running well at first costing him time on the course. Ricky continued despite this and finished day one in 12th place. On Sunday he had a much better day and set some cracking times on the tests.

Although this round did not count towards the Championship for the Premier Class it did count for the Experts and the Clubmen. Paul Chatham's goal was to keep himself in the hunt for the E1 Championship and maintain a podium position in the Clubman class overall. Paul achieved these goals by finishing second overall in the Clubman Class behind E1 Championship leader Ashley Wood. Paul was third on Saturday behind Over 40 and Clubman Championship leader Graeme Naismith by just 0.4 seconds.He pulled this back on Sunday to take second place overall by just 1.5 seconds. The John Banks Enduro in November will be an exciting conclusion to a long season.

Graeme Naismith has all but tied up the Clubman Championship with third place overall, needing only to finish in the points to take the win. Graeme has had a great season and he has finished in the top three at every event. It was not all plain sailing as Graeme found the long 52 minute check hard, but he was still looking at his best in the sand quarry motocross test.

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