David Knight has claimed a second victory in the 2012 British Enduro Championship, this time topping the two-day Helmsley Enduro in North Yorkshire. Securing a double win at the opening round of the series in Mid-Wales in mid February, Knight again mastered wet and muddy conditions at the BEC’s most northerly event to remain unbeaten in the championship so far.
Despite hopes of a drier event the second round of the BEC proved to be much like the first with cold, wet weather during the first day of competition making for two days of tough competition. With snow falling at times it was Knight who took an early lead on day one, topping the first of the four special tests. Going on to win the remaining three tests, David ended the day close to one-minute ahead of his nearest challenger, Danny McCanney, with Tom Sagar third.
Day two saw a break in the weather and a shorter day of three laps with three special tests. Knight was again the rider to beat, comfortably winning the opening test. Increasing his winning margin on the second special test, David saved his best until last and topped the event’s final test by 24 seconds. With overall victories at both the first and second rounds of the 2012 BEC series Knight holds a strong lead in the championship standings.
Second overall on day one and third overall on day two went to Gas Gas mounted Danny McCanney (pictured above). In conditions that are well suited to both Knight and day one’s third placed rider Tom Sagar, McCanney delivered a strong performance aboard his 300cc Gas Gas. Switching places on day two Sagar moved into the runner-up position on his 450cc Honda, ahead of McCanney in third, also topping the Enduro 2 class on both days.
Extreme enduro star Graham Jarvis made a one-off outing in the Helmsley BEC event, finishing eighth on both days. Following a fast start to the first day’s racing Graham wasn’t able to maintain his pace but nonetheless secured two well-deserved top 10 results.
A number of riders failed to go the distance during the two, some suffering mechanical problems others injuries. Jonny Walker placed fifth on day one but having hit his head on a tree branch as the event neared its close was forced to make a hospital visit that night. Diagnosed as suffering with concussion he opted not to start day two.
David Knight: ‘Despite the wet conditions I enjoyed the event. The test, and the course, was pretty rough and rutted but the test rode ok. There was a hard, stony base to most of the test so although it was hard work it was ok. I just rode smooth, with my feet up most of the way. Generally everything went well during the two days. I had a small problem with my rear brake near the end of the first day but apart from that all went well. I was pleased with the way I rode. My test times were consistent and I managed to win by a good amount on each lap. It would have been nice if the weather was better on day one but getting two more wins is the important thing. After two rounds of the championship I’ve had four day wins, so I’m pleased about that.’
Danny McCanney: ‘That was a tough two days. The course was a real challenge, very slippery everywhere, with never ending roots, some tricky off cambers – very technical – and it was a long tightly timed lap. You really had to be on top of your game the whole time. It was also tough in the conditions to attack the test, the best way to a fast time was to ride with pace and stay smooth. In all, it was everything that my EC300 Racing is good at, the 300cc two-stroke is ideal in these conditions. The tougher it is the better my bike gets. I’m very happy with my results. David is a tough man to beat any day and this was a good course for Tom as well, so I was really pleased to beat him on day one.’
Day 1 – Championship class overall
1. David Knight (KTM) 26.06; 2. Danny McCanney (Gas Gas) 26.59; 3. Tom Sagar (Honda) 27.09; 4. Jordan Rose (TM) 27.15; 5. Jonny Walker (KTM) 27.15; 6. Alex Rockwell (Husaberg) 27.32; 7. Paul Edmondson (Honda) 27.38; 8. Graham Jarvis (Husaberg) 27.58; 9. Jamie Lewis (Husqvarna) 28.09; 10. Lee Edmondson (KTM) 28.12…
Day 2 – Championship class overall
1. David Knight (KTM) 19.31.6; 2. Tom Sagar (Honda) 20.09.3; 3. Danny McCanney (Gas Gas) 20.22.9; 4. Jordan Rose (TM) 20.49.1; 5. Jamie Lewis (Husqvarna) 20.55.5; 6. Paul Edmondson (Honda) 21.04.6; 7. Lee Edmondson (KTM) 21.10.4; 8. Graham Jarvis (Husaberg) 21.11.5; 9. Jack Rowland (Husqvarna) 21.12.6; 10. Ashley Wood (KTM) 21.26.7…
Results attached below...
