Grit, goals and when's the next one?

28 March, 2002 - Mike Eglington, British Supermoto and Endurance Championship racer, finished 9th in his first British 450 Rookie Supermoto Championship.

Mike's goals were to improve his Supermoto riding skills, to race in an "A" final and to place in the top 10 of the rookie championship. Having never ridden the discipline before and having only ridden the Yamaha YZ426 once before entering the competition, he achieved all his goals and is looking forward to the next series.

Mike said, "It was a good challenge. I went out there to enjoy myself, learned some new skills and proved to myself that it's never too late to start something new."

As the series moved forward, Mike developed more confidence in the bike and riding on the dirt, something he hadn't done for over 20 years. He took 3 trophy positions at Lydden (2nd "B" Final), Snetterton (1st "C" Final) and Pembrey (3rd "B" Final) and met his goal of racing in the "A" Final at Angelsey. "I considered racing in the "A" final a great achievement," said Mike. "But I never want to lose sight of enjoying myself. At the end of the day, if I end up last and I've enjoyed myself, that's better than being 10th and frustrated. Being 1st and frustrated is OK, but it's more important to enjoy myself, which I did."

Mike finished by saying: "Thanks to all the organisers, marshals, scroots and everyone that put all that effort into the series. I'd especially like to thank my partner, Kailah, for all her support and running around looking after me. My racing is good for her as it gets her heart going and she gets to powder me down afterwards! It's nice to have somebody to share it all with."

Mike will be racing in the NoraSport National Supermoto Championships which begin at Cadwell Park on March 22.
 

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