Paul Holmes in 2nd place – 2016 British Championship standings
Holmes commented after the days racing and gave an update on the Championship so far:
“Despite being frustrated about the last 2 rounds, I am still happy to be out racing and lucky to be here. I actually sustained a big injury to my knee whilst racing in America between rounds 3 and 4 and was forced to take a lot of time away from the quad to ensure my knee recovered properly. Unfortunately the healing process has suffered as a result of riding these last couple of rounds. I really gave it all I had these past 2 weekends but luck just wasn’t on my side on more than one occasion. I am looking forward to this short break and hopefully my knee will be stronger and I can come back focused and ready for the final races I have this year. Thank you goes out to the team again who have done an amazing job under the circumstances. Thank you also to my family, friends and very supportive sponsors who keep me on track every week, it’s much appreciated!”
Round 4: Pontrillas, England (17th July 2016)
Round 4 of the 2016 ATV’s Only British Quad Championship was held at the hard packed, exceedingly dusty Pontrilas MX venue in the south of England. Three time British Champion, Paul Holmes entered round 4 with a lead in the series and despite working through a knee injury sustained whilst training recently, he managed to salvage 5th place overall.
Race 1: After a hold up into the first corner, Holmes found himself down the pack with a lot of ground to make up on his rivals. With track conditions extremely dangerous due to dust, Holmes had to settle for 6th place at the finish line.
Race 2: Dangerous dry and dusty conditions turned into dangerous wet and slippery conditions after organisers watered the hard pack track excessively just before the gate drop. With track conditions like ice, the inevitable pile up happened in which Holmes unfortunately got caught up in on lap 1 despite trying everything he could to stay clear or the carnage. After setting off near last, 15th place was all Holmes could salvage at the chequered flag after a collision with another rider on the last lap whilst was passing for 10th place.
Race 3: Determined to put the previous bad luck behind him, Holmes got a much better start but struggled with his damaged knee. He finished in 4th place after a very hard fought race.
Round 5: Dean Moor, England (24th July 2016)
Just one week after round 5, the HOLMES Racing crew headed north to Cumbria to tackle the hard pack hillside venue of Dean Moor MX park for the Connor Smith Memorial race which hosted round 5 of this years Championship. With little rest and recovery time between rounds, Holmes did what he could to keep the championship alive and despite giving it 110% as always, 2 small crashes meant Holmes slipped to 2nd place in the 2016 Championship.
Race 1: Pulling a great start, Holmes was tucked in behind 2 of his closest championship rivals into turn 1. Wet and muddy conditions due to a lot of overnight rain left the very fast track very one-liney and almost impossible to pass. Despite posting the fastest lap of the race, it was the crash Holmes had at the half way point trying to pass for 2nd place which cost him a podium spot as he dropped down the pack to eventually salvage 7th place.
Race 2: Another top 4 start gave Holmes a good chance at a good result, but a 6 way rider battle, resulting in almost no passes all race, Holmes had to settle for 3rd place at the finish line.
Race 3: Holmes rounded the first turn in 5th place and quickly made a move into 3rd before turn 3 but again with almost impossible passing opportunities. Holmes battled all race long showing great grit and determination but a costly attempt to pass on the last lap dropped Holmes from 3rd to 8th and made a dent in the Championship standings.
Holmes has 10 weeks until the next round of the National series and he will be continuing his physiotherapy treatment to improve his knee strength and will be working hard to get his fitness levels back to 100% for the final round of the British Championship at Canada Heights.
For more info check out – www.holmes-racing.com
