Brunell blasts to second Airborne Gunner Supercross Victory!

Thrills, spills, drama and great racing, the Airborne Gunner part 2 had it all and so much more! And, proving that if you promote it well, the crowds will support you, there was also plenty of spectators in attendance to witness the exciting action, all fought out on a track superbly constructed and prepared by the Cusses Gorse MX main man Mr Justin Barclay. The evening’s entertainment provided racing for Clubman, Expert and Pro classes and was completed by a Pro Superpole fast lap and ‘Fox Cool Whip’ competition.

With the Pro class battling it out for the Melvyn Brunell Trophy, it was therefore very fitting that the eventual winner again would be Melvyn’s son Jack Brunell. And, what great form the ASA United GasGas rider was to show, winning all three moto’s and an extra £200 prize fund courtesy of Dirt Hub. In the opening clash, Joe Clayton, Dylan Woodcock and Matt Bayliss proved to be Brunnell’s closest challengers.
After slipping off in moto one, Ashley Greedy led the initial charge in the second clash of the evening before Brunell, Woodcock, Clayton and Matt Bayliss moved through. As Greedy then also grabbed the holeshot in the last race, there was to be early drama as both Woodcock and Bayliss went down on the entrance to turn one. Fighting back, Woodcock eventually earned 5th with Bayliss down in 8th. At the front, the fast, smooth Brunell completed his triple strike with another victory from Clayton, Greedy and Ben Clayton. Having a good evening and continually proving his speed, Joe Clayton then bagged the Pro Superpole with a a time of 33.797 and just a little quicker than Brunnell.

Josh Coleman ripped to victory in the first Experts contest of the evening leading home Riafe Broadley, the winner of the Youth class earlier in the day with Steve Bixby, Ben White and Aaron Ongley next up. In mot two though it didn’t quite go to plan for Coleman, falling twice as Broadley took the honours this time around. In the last one, Coleman then returned to winning ways and with Broadley in 3rd, crucially that meant that the former was the overall victor by just a single point.

After Justin Robinson had won the opening Clubman MX1 moto from Kieron McAvoy and Ryan Johnson, there was to be a dramatic opening to the second clash. With the leading three riders going down on lap one, it left McAvoy clear at the front. However as the contest then developed, Robinson reeled McAvoy in before barging past his rival on the last turn to snatch a dramatic win. With two victories now in the bag, Robinson then looked on course to make it a maximum by leading the final moto. However unfortunately the Yamaha rider was to crash out also requiring medical attention which meant McAvoy was to be crowned the overall victor as Ryan Johnson bagged the race win.

After finishing 3rd in the earlier Youth racing, Charley Irwin then took the opening win in the Clubman MX2 class ahead of Kyle Lane, Mark Atkinson and Josh Talbot. Starting strongly, the second MX2 Clubman clash though did not go to plan for Irwin, falling when disputing the lead with Lane. Remounting, Irwin had to settle for 3rd behind winner Lane and Atkinson. In determined fashion, Irwin was then back on it in the last clash, getting home ahead of Lane. That result though was not enough to prevent Lane from taking the overall victory.

The ‘Airborne Gunner’ event also incorporated racing for the youngest of competitors on their Revvi Electric balance bikes. During the evening session they were all roundly applauded by the crowd who were very appreciative of their efforts. Well done to the Steel Hawk MCC on your support for the stars of the future and also fabulous promotion of what was a very professional event.

Results

Clubman MX1 1 Kieron McAvoy 2 Ryan Johnson 3 Slade Pullin.
Clubman MX2 1 Karl Lane 2 Charley Irwin 3 Mark Atkinson.
Experts 1 Josh Coleman 2 Raife Broadley 3 Steven Bixby.
Pro’s 1 Jack Brunell 2 Joe Clayton 3 Dylan Woodcock.
Pro Superpole 1 Joe Clayton 2 Joe Clayton 3 Matt Bayliss
Fox Cool whip comp – Kyle Lane

For full results of the event go to https://speedhive.mylaps.com/Events/2029765

Report and Pictures by Mike Wood