James takes Fred Clarke Merit Award

QUEENSBURGH’S motorcycle racing superstar, James Egan, was awarded the Fred Clarke Merit Award in the British Superstock 1000 class in the second round of the British Superbike Series at Outon Park, last week.

After reaching the top class in South Africa, James moved to the British Superbike Series, which is the biggest and most competitive domestic motorcycle championship and has become the world’s stepping stone to the World Championship. The British Superstock 1000 class is the most hotly contested championship in the world.

On 1000cc superbikes, it’s just one level below the premier class so is extremely competitive with around 60 of the world’s top upcoming riders entering each weekend, with only 40 qualifying for the main race, and only 15 scoring points.

“There is an award called Fred Clarke’s Merit Award in each race which goes to the rider of the day based on their race performance, and fortunately it came home with us last weekend!”

“We had a tough weekend when our qualifying went badly, seeing me start the race in 27th place, get up to 18th by lap 1. We got to the Hislop Chicane where two riders collided right in front of me, both going down in the middle of the track, making me hit the brakes and swerve hard to avoid the tumbling Ducati and its disgruntled rider on the track, setting myself and a few others involved back to 25th. I now had to start my hard work all over again!

“The bike really came to me during the race and I felt confident in it’s handling so I could push harder to make up positions. I really enjoyed getting to ride hard and stick some good hard passes throughout the race, taking us up a few places each lap before I get to the front of the pack fighting for 17th and started my chase on the top 12 group with 16th place in sight. I put my head down and tried my hardest to close down the gap with 4 laps to go, but this was to be cut short as the red flag came out with two laps to go, meaning a crash has stopped the race early – heal up quick Victor Cox who ran off and took a bit of a knock to the tyre wall!

“It’s really good to be recognised for my efforts on track and I’m so happy to receive the award. Even though the position isn’t where I wanted to be, I loved the race and the challenge that was thrown at me. We will be aiming higher for the next race at the Snetterton Circuit on 15 June.