Supermoto came to Punchestown earlier this month. Patricia Weston reports from the sidelines
The race marshals "attired themselves tremendously well", according to the MC at the Irish Supermoto Championships in Punchestown. The all-male track marshals, or "grid boys", bounced between the racers at the starting line in rolled down overalls, bellies exposed, cajoling and encouraging the motorcycle racers before each race.
Raspy motorcycles and quad bikes raised clouds of dust and smoke as they sped skilfully around the track. Hot dust and the acrid smell of the engines lifted the atmosphere as the sun bore down on the delighted spectators. In contrast gliders and single-engine planes could be seen soaring gracefully and silently overhead.
For the first time the Irish Supermoto Championship came to Ireland on August 3rd. Motorcycle enthusiasts and spectators came out from north and south and Britain to witness this new highly skilled, high-speed form of motorcycle racing.
Supermoto originated in Europe and was brought here by organiser Hugh McEvoy who helped form Supernmoto Ireland. "This is a great success for us now, having our own championship," he says. "With major sponsor we'll now be able to promote some great events and pay good prize money to the fantastic bunch of guys who compete in this spectacular form of motorcycle racing."
It's a highly skilled sport, explains Johnnie Kelly, assistant clerk of the course. "It involves lighter tracks that consist of two-thirds tarmac and one-third loose surface, shale."
Supermoto is an evolved form of Motocross racing. Motocross involves racing on an off-road or dirt surface. The circuit consists entirely of clay and there are usually hills, jumps and other terrain included that demands more gear changes.
There was an opportunity for Motocross riders to try out Supermoto on the day. McEvoy hired out 16 bikes and provided all the gear, so riders could get a one-day licence and give Supermoto a shot. "Plenty of Motocross young lads were trying it out," says Kelly.
The wheels used for Supermoto are smaller and the "slick" tyres have no grip. This means that riders encounter a slippery surface when they get onto the shale part of the track. "The shale cuts a tread into the tyres so they can get a grip," he says. "This requires a certain amount of skill from the racers."
The bikes are predominantly 4-stroke engines. Suspension is better than on a road bike. "The wheel movement is much greater allowing freedom to soak up the bumps," says Kelly. "The length of travel is greater - it's about 14 inches, so riding position is straight."
The Punchestown circuit was quite short because of space restrictions - this helped to keep speeds down. The absence of jumps didn't dampen the spirits of the spectators. "This is terrific crack," said one non-biker spectator. "You can see almost the whole circuit, and the racing is good and cut-throat."
Top racers David Tougher, David McKee, Hilton Hincks and Ivan Kerr were racing on the day. Three-time Supermoto champion Tougher, from Lisburn, Co Antrim - a "good steady rider" according to Johnnie Kelly - admitted to having good fun. He had a tumble in one race but quickly bounced back with a final race win. He now has a 177-point lead in the overall Prestige class.
Racer Ivan Kerr said he was "going all right - it was just a matter of keeping upright." Hilton Hincks, from Waterford, said he had "a good run." Shane McGuinness had "good crack" and was looking forward the road races at Aghadowey the following weekend.
Organiser McEvoy, of Supermoto Ireland, is currently in negotiations with Federation Internationale de Motorcyclettes (FIM) to include Ireland in the European circuit. He's also looking for backing and sponsorship to get the European Circuit to Ireland in 2004 and is in talks with Fáilte Ireland for sponsorship under its sports tourism initiative.