Sunday 9th September.

To say that I was shocked at what we had achieved in such a short amount of time would have been an understatement; my amazement prolonged by the way all the various pieces of the jigsaw seemed to fall into place. A jigsaw made up of 4 main players and a common goal that had not changed in the 11 months since it was set it. Each of us believing that we could and would get there somehow and the most important part is we knew we could do it.

Now the odds were against us, at the start we had no bike, no mechanic no idea how to run a race team but what we did have however, was a great rider that was ready for a new challenge, and a team that all had the right attitude to work well under pressure, oh! And not forgetting the buckets of passion to achieve what we all believed in.

The goal was a simple one “to win the 2007 British Supermono Championship” and I’m very pleased to be able to say that on Sunday 9th September at Mallory Park that’s just what we did.

We entered the weekend 60 points clear from the second place rider Nick Chadwick (East West Racing), us with 133 point at him with 73, with 25 point up for grabs for each of the next 3 races it was still possible for us to be beaten, and that was not an option.

So with the weather giving us a break we looked forward to a bright race and arriving on Saturday evening set about prepping and checking everything, because we believe that often the races are won in the workshop before the bike makes it onto the track. The original 426cc Tigcraft Minimono would be our choice of bike at Mallory as we knew that it suited Glen and most of the track. We made are way to the track for the 8 Minute practice session and after no hitches there it was time for a new set of Dunlop slicks ready for timed practice. In that session we did a 58.32 which placed us 2nd along side Alex Hutchinson #77 (Smith’s Brothers) on pole with an impressive 56.78.

It really was great to see “Hutch” back on form after such an unlucky year and praise must go to Gary and Mick Smith for there unwavering enthusiasm and determination. Our nearest rival was Nick Chadwick #6 of East West Racing on his KTM 600cc machine and he would start the race on the front row of the grid also.

At 1.40pm the grid was set and as all the bikes lined up after the sighting lap Nick Chadwick was seen trying to start his bike in the pit lane, but he seemed to be having problems and he would be too late to join the grid, the red lights faded into darkness and they were go go go!

A disaster happened on the grid, Scott Richardson #99 appeared to have a problem with his bike and Ash Norrington #23 unfortunately went straight into him and landed flat on his back in the middle of the track. The race was red flagged and after some clearing up we all had to re-stat our bikes and keep our fingers crossed for a good clean race. By this time Nick Chadwick had managed to sort his clutch out and would be able to join the grid.

The race was re-started and after 3 laps the positions didn’t change for what was mostly an uneventful race. I have to say well done to Alex Hutchinson whom road a faultless race, smooth and steady he went from start to finish, ended up taking 1st place and deservedly so, Glen taking 2nd and Michael Payne making his first podium of the season with 3rd.

The only disappointment came for Daniel Rosamond #50 (Tigcraft) who had a spill during timed practice and ended up tossing the bike 20ft in the air unluckily for him walking away with a broken wrist.

This 2nd place result meant only one thing, we had won the 2007 Championship and boy had we done it in style, with the points we had just collected no one could beat us and the title was ours, our lead could be maintained without even racing at Cadwell Park next month. When you look at the cost and potential risk of a full weekends racing and then think that its already in the bag you should start to consider calling it a day and not attending, but when you take stock and and think about it there is only one sensible decision, and that is to attend Cadwell and support the race series, all the guys who run it, and all the other competitors that have put in so much effort and will be racing with no chance of any silverware.

Although we have had a small team all year consisting of Glen English the rider assisted by his Uncle Jimmy, myself (Lee Andrews) and team principal Joe McBurnie we have had the unquestionable support of many people whom without their help we would not be where we are now. We would like to say a special thank you to Phil Daw (Neatafan) for his kindness in lending the team a spare bike, the 450cc Tigcraft Minimono along with his wealth of experience and advice. Mike “Spike” Edwards for his constant support advice and helpful tips delivered always in his relaxed and professional manner. Clayton Williams (WILL Power Racing) for the engine tuning and re-builds which have helped us to finish the year without any DNF’s.

Acknowledgement and recognition must also be given to Dave Pearce of Tigcraft for creating such a superb racing chassis. The whole team where in no doubt at the beginning that the Tigcraft Minimono would be our choice of bike to win the championship. Team sponsors Joe McBurnie and DesignDataManager.com are especially pleased as the bike we started the season on winning at Brands and took the championship on at Mallory was the original 426cc Minimono pioneered and developed by Dave Pearce (Tigcraft) and Phil Daw (Neatafan). Not just a world class racing machine but a work of art!

So with no pressure at Cadwell all we can do as a team is enjoy our last weekend of racing before pondering on what we are going to do next year. To just repeat the same achievements again is not an option. We must do something were we are achieving or learning that involves a new challenge.

“We look forward to Cadwell and would like to thank Glen English for all his efforts and congratulate him on becoming a Champion once again; he has raced like a true champion all year and demonstrated that there is no “i” in Team, thank you Glen!” (Joe McBurnie and the Team).

Lee Andrews Scorpion-DART Racing