Eglington takes first Supermoto Trophy

November 9, 2002 - Mike Eglington, British Supermoto and Endurance racer, took his first trophy in the British Supermoto Championships today in spite of missing his first race.

Eglington, in his first ever Supermoto race and only his second time riding the bike, had a bad start to the day when his Yamaha YZ426 failed to start for the first race.

The practice run went well enough, but disaster struck when Eglington missed his first race. The new Yamaha, literally weeks old, is known to be a hard starter and Eglington experienced this firsthand when it stalled on the starting grid and wouldn't start again.

All hands were on deck trying to help coax the beast back to life with two riders even dismounting to give the struggling Eglington a hand. Frustrated, he had to push the Yam back to his pit and spent another 30 minutes jumping on the kick start.

Nearing exhaustion, Eglington figured his race day was over before it even started when he gave one more almighty kick and the bike started.

Not wanting to take any chances, Eglington put his kit on and road around the car park until the next race started. Just before the race, the bike stalled again, but Eglington got her going with a bump start, and managed to take 13th in the Quarter Final with a fastest lap of 49 seconds.

In the Semi Final, Eglington took another 2 seconds off his lap times. Although he missed the A Final by one place, he took pole position in the 450 Class B Final.

Eglington led for the first 2 laps, but seasoned rider Adam Lewis took a stunning lead of 24 seconds over Eglington, who finished 2nd after knocking another second off his lap times. The result also gives him his first 8 points in the 450 Rookie Championship.

Eglington's next race will be at Brand's Hatch on December 8.
 

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