It has been a superb year for Oxfordshire based Steve Moody of Dilligaf Racing! After snapping up a bargain Honda CBF600 FX for £800, and a van for just £300 to get the bike, team and equipment to Mallory Park for every round of the 2014 EMRA Pre-Injection Championship, Steve has officially been crowned series champion after the final two races of the season this weekend. Not only that, Steve maintained his 100% winning record on Continental, which has seen him come out on top in some close battles with 2013 champion Jon Skelson all year long to take 10 race wins out of 10 in his maiden season.
Just a few weeks ago Steve returned from his first visit to the Manx GP in 5 years, where he earned a coveted silver replica trophy for his excellent performance, and both he and the Dilligaf team were keen to get the final round of their 2014 EMRA season underway. With 8 wins out of 8 so far, Steve led the series on a maximum 120 points, but thanks to a cancelled round earlier in the season triple points were up for grabs this weekend meaning things could change dramatically. Add to that a host of new riders on the grid to make this the biggest turnout of the season so far, and it was going to be a superb weekend of racing!
During qualifying Steve put in a superb 58.64s lap to take pole, but still commented commented on how slow it felt riding around Mallory Park after the full throttle experience of the Manx GP just weeks earlier. However, the starting place on the gird was all that mattered.
The first race saw Steve (pictured above. Credit to RSB Robster Racepics) get off to a flying start from pole position, but with the ContiRaceAttack Comp shod Honda CBF600 FX going well two riders collided and the race was stopped. At the re-start, Steve failed to get the start he wanted and soon found himself chasing Jon Skelson for the class lead. A fierce battle ensued, as Skelson and Moody passed the two front riders to lead the field and fight for vital triple championship points. On lap six, Steve was able to pull a superb overtake at Edwina’s but could only get a bike length in front. Chasing the lead, Skelson high sided at Gerard’s whilst taking a wide line for an overtake, leading to another red flag. With a 57.577s fastest lap time, Steve took the win and the championship title but still had his 100% record to defend in the final race.
Due to his blow to the head, Skelson was absent for the final race but smiling on from the side-lines to cheer on his adversary as Steve got another flying start. He stamped his authority on the series with another fastest lap of 57.397 to take the win, and maintain a 100% winning record on Continental race tyres this season.
Following the race Team Manager Elaine sent UK Brand Manager Graham Matcham this message:
“I would firstly like to thank you for your race support for this very successful 2014 race season with the outstanding tyres you have provided Steve. The ContiRaceAttack tyres have proved outstanding on track, road racing at the worlds toughest road race circuit, and on the road, displaying their durability as well as flexibility.”
A huge congratulations to Steve and team, who have had a fantastic maiden season with a 100% winning record, championship title and silver ManxGP replica to show for it proving that Continental race tyres are more than up to the challenge. Bring on 2015!
