After a strong podium last time out, SR75 Suzuki built on this success with Sam Dyer taking overall victory at the final round in London’s Wembley Stadium.
After the morning sessions, Dyer was in a strong position to take a dream overall championship podium with two AX Futures Finals to go, the pressure was on. Returning Luke Oldfield on the other hand came into this final round with nothing to lose which made for some different lines during the timed morning sessions as he really stepped up his game and raced the track to record a time only a couple of seconds behind some of the pro-class riders.
Oldfield built on this performance and qualified strongly, making the evening finale thanks to a fighting performance aboard his RMZ450 - taking it to the field of more experienced riders. Heading into the evening finals and with a solid start on his RMZ250 Dyer put himself in a good position for a podium result, battling through to second early in the race and beginning to chase down the leader and overall podium rival Jake Farrelly. Unfortunately, the early gap that was pulled proved just too much to gain back, but second place was a solid result and a springboard for the finale.
The finale saw Dyer get off to a fantastic start where he battled on lap one to keep the championship leader in sight. The leader had been a step above all day and it was great that Dyer was able to keep him in sight to take another second-place finish. Two podium finishes meant that he took the overall victory for this final round, which was a brilliant achievement based on where he began the Arencross UK series. Oldfield played his own part in a brilliant final evening of racing bringing home a fantastic ninth place in the finale after a tough action-packed race.
Geoff Walker, SR75 team owner said, “Honestly this is a great feeling and a fantastic story - taking Sam as a complete novice in this kind of racing with zero national level racing experience in Motocross, never mind Arenacross and watching him develop through to this achievement is very pleasing. To achieve this victory and 3rd overall in the AX Futures ACU British Championship is brilliant.”
“Luke stepped up this weekend after a few knocks and really showed a massive determination to ride with some really quality guys out there. The most pleasing part of Luke’s weekend was seeing him push himself and the bike more to drop his lap times and look a little looser. Luke really did step-up a level and with more time and bike fitness as the year progresses, we can look forward to a lot of fun with these guys. A massive thanks as always to Tony and Wayne in the pits, Suzuki GB and Triwater Ltd for everything they do and of course all of our team partners who give us the support to do what we do with smiles on our faces on the best equipment possible.”
Dyer was delighted with his weekend's work, “I am so happy I just can’t really describe the feeling. To race this series and to win the finale in London is unreal. I seriously don’t know what to say. My bike and everyone involved in this have been brilliant. I have learnt so much in only a few weeks and it has been amazing to be surrounded by so much experience and knowledge in the SR75 SUZUKI Team. Thanks to everyone involved and I can’t wait for more experiences like this, I still can’t believe it!”
Teammate Oldfield, “Oh boy that was wild. What a rush, I came here determined to make that final and it felt good to feel like I belonged on track at this level. There are some great riders out there. My bike was amazing and of course it is awesome riding for the team. It’s tough but I enjoy it with the fun we have mixed with the pressure to improve each time. Thanks as always to the team and everyone involved to give us the best. I can’t wait for next year!”