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CCM Racing returns to the International paddock |
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Monday, 03 March 2008 |
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 s ustained 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 9th 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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