CCM Racing returns to the International paddock
Thirty five years since they first made their initial impact
on the off road racing scene, CCM made its long and eagerly
awaited return to the International motocross paddock at Hawkstone
Park for the now famous pre season invitation meeting. The
Bolton based motorcycle manufacturer, whose radical aluminium
bonded chassis machine is a World first in the motocross field,
arrived at the sandy Shropshire venue just five weeks after
the ambitious project made its initial test.
Thousands of patriotic race fans took the opportunity to
view the CMX450 in the flesh for the first time and were not
disappointed at this brilliant piece of British engineering.
Eurosport’s very own Jack Burnicle played the role of
master of ceremonies as the team’s two new young riders,
key personnel and nostalgic heroes were unveiled in front
of the assembled media and a large public gathering.
Fresh from a strong qualifying performance, despite the immense
pressure and attention caused by the occasion, Oliver Sandiford-Smith
opened the proceedings by confirming his goals for the forthcoming
season. Sandiford-Smith is currently CCM’s lone campaigner,
with the team’s youngest member Richie Worrall still
recovering from an injury sustained during the team’s
recent overseas test. The good news for the Lancashired base
squad is that Worrall revealed that he should be back in the
saddle a lot sooner than had been expected, with his doctor
delighted at the speed at which the break is healing.
Austin Clews, son of CCM’s original founder Alan Clews,
reinforced just how delighted the company was to be back in
the paddock and thanked the team’s many loyal sponsors
and supporters for playing their part in bringing a British
bike back into the main arena. The scale and depth of CCM’s
great racing history and appeal was illustrated perfectly
with ex works riders John Banks, Jimmy Aird and Norman Barrow,
plus WSB champion Carl Fogarty all being on hand to witness
the start of another important chapter for one of Britain’s
last remaining bike makers.
Out on the track, the competition was as fierce as expected,
with the MX1 class packed with over twenty Grand Prix regulars
all looking to get their 2008 campaigns underway in some style.
Sandiford-Smith made a good start in the first race, to take
his place in the top fifteen as the pack rounded the initial
few turns. However two minor crashes would see Oliver slip
down the order over the thirteen lap encounter, to cross the
line in a slightly disappointing 29th place.
Looking a touch more relaxed, Sandiford-Smith recorded a
much-improved 21st position in the second moto, to only just
narrowly miss out on a place in the Grand Finale. This brought
the action to a close on a day when CCM took its first big
step towards re-capturing the glory of the golden era when
the small British company became renowned for giving its huge
Japanese rivals a real run for their money.
Results:
Moto One MX1: 1. Ken de Dycker 2. Steve Ramon 3. Marc de Reuver….29.
Oliver Sandiford-Smith
Moto Two MX1: 1. Marc de Reuver 2. Josh Coppins 3. Steve Ramon
….21. Oliver Sandiford-Smith
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