John Mitchell Wins British
Quad MX Championship
Team ATV World / Yamaha new #1
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British
Quad MX Champion
ATV World's John Mitchell |
United Kingdom (10/13/06) –
After the dramatic events at Drumclog two weeks ago,
John Mitchell only needed 10 points out of an available
50 to win the 2006 Honda QRA ACU British Quad MX Championship.
He was taking no chances; this weekend was all about
winning the championship.
The venue was at Waggadon Farm, located deep in the
Devonshire countryside. Due to heavy rain it looked
like a mud bath on Sunday morning but by 10am the rain
had stopped for an hour and the sun crept out from behind
the clouds.
John took it steady in the qualification stages, aware
that he only needed to finish 12 th or above in the
first race to become champion. The heavy rain had made
the track feel like an ice rink, which resulted in difficult
riding conditions. Race one took place in the afternoon
and started with a tangle in the first corner involving
about eight riders.
From there Paul Winrow led the chasing pack of Jason
Macbeth and Willy Waggot. With such a slippery track,
John decided to just go steady and bag the points. He
kept out of people’s way and cleared the line
in seventh place. But this wasn’t important as
he had secured the number one position and achieved
another milestone in what has been a masterful display
of riding this season. John was mobbed by well wishers
who ventured onto the muddy track to congratulate the
new champion.
When John got back to the ATV World pits he was greeted
by fellow riders, supporters and of course the ATV World
team, all wearing the traditional “see you jimmy”
hats. Some looking better than others! In another great
gesture of sportsmanship, Paul Winrow presented John
with a signed number one plate inscribed with the hopeful
message “only on loan”; he then put on his
hat and joined the crowd that had gathered to toast
John for his successful season.
With the championship top three decided, the riders
lined up for the final race of the season. It was Paul
who took the lead as everybody battled for good overtaking
places. The track was very slick and 1 liney, making
it almost impossible to pass. This made it even more
incredible to watch as John surged through the leading
pack and caught Paul up to battle for first and second.
Unfortunately, John sustained his only puncture throughout
the whole season on the remaining few laps and dropped
back to finish fourth.
After the podium celebrations from the final race were
completed, it was the official award ceremony for the
top three. Jason Macbeth taking third place, Paul Winrow
in second and Team ATV World / Yamaha’s John Mitchell…
the new number one!
This year John has smashed many records and gone on
to win the championship despite having one round cancelled.
The ATV World Yamaha YFZ450 has been flawless with no
DNF’s. This outstanding machine has proven its
true reliability and durability.
John thanked all his fans, sponsors, family, team
and in particular Martin Fletcher and Ian Malpas of
ATV World who have been with him throughout the 2006
season.
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