Sinister ATV/mc Accessories sponsored rider - Ben Aston

Dirt on Ben -

Ben first got into Quad Biking through a seasonal job as an ATV leisure instructor, teaching the public how to ride, before escorting them over open farmland. Once he had completed college he left this job for a more prosperous career in the Police force, but after a short while realised just how much he missed riding Quad Bikes. That in mind he bought himself a Suzuki LT-Z400 and leisurely competed in a couple of races during the O.R.E Southwest Endurance season in 2008.

Having enjoyed what I had done I decided to upgrade to the LT-R450 in preparation for the 2009 season, where I would compete in the Novice Class. During this season I won many of my races but due to other commitments failed to compete in 2 of the 10 rounds, putting me in a poor position for a podium finish. These hopes were further dashed when I broke down moments from the end in round 7 due to a mechanical failure.

Despite this I somehow finished the overall Novice Championship for 2008 in 3rd Place, although this would have been 1st had I have competed in all 10 rounds. However I was fortunate enough to be noticed purely from my results by Ken Waring the owner of SINISTER ATV/mc ACCESSORIES.

Ken approached me and after many conversations he kindly offered me a sponsorship deal for 2010 to compete in the Intermediate class with O.R.E Events, and the occasional race with Gravity MX; operating in Devon, Somerset and Dorset.

With the help of SINISTER ATV’S I hope to further advance my riding ability and finish within the top 3 riders of every race. SINISTER ATV’s has been good enough to provide me with all the necessary servicing products to enable me to keep my bike in tip-top condition for the duration of 2010 season, race clothing and ATV decals for the coming season and will provide all necessary upgrades and genuine oem parts at cost price, enabling me to push my bike harder and harder in view of competing to expert standards for 2011.

PLEASE WISH TEAM SINISTER THE BEST OF LUCK FOR 2010 ! ! ! !

Bens Personal information -

Name: Ben Aston

DOB: 16 / 03 / 1990

Home: North Devon

Interests: Quad Riding, Kite Buggying, Skiing / Snowboarding

ATV build / products etc –

Suzuki LT-R450 K7 in Yellow with Sinister decal wrap

Cherry Bomb

Rear Hipers

Maxxis Razr 2s

First ride out of 2010 -

'Despite the clocks going forward during Saturday night I was able to wake up on time to see the sun rise, promising a sunny day in Devon and what looked to be a perfect start to the 2010 O.R.E Southwest Endurance Championship.

As planned, we met Marcuss (my over worked Pit manager) at 7:30am to find he had been up for hours ensuring my Suzuki LTR-450 was in absolutely tip-top condition and ready to be riden hard, proudly flying the flag for TEAM SINISTER. We jumped in the van and set off on the 80 minute journey into Somerset where the skies clouded over, but was dry nonetheless. Finally, the gateway to where the race would be held, was that tractor really there to tow vehicles through the deep mud just to get into the parking field?? Oh Yes It Was!! I knew that from this point onwards I would not be getting any cleaner.

I couldn't wait to open the back doors of that van to find my bike still sat there looking ready to race. For the first time in my racing career I rolled up to an event with a bike that was not only mechanically sound, but also one that looked stunning in its new Sinister ATV/mc Accessories graphic wrap.

Once Marcuss had rolled out my bike and warmed her up it was time for the all important photograph with my valued support team! I dont remember ever having 7 supporters before, I can only guess that is the fame that comes with riding for the best ATV accessory store in the UK?!?!

So we're now on the line for the first time in 5 months, I had forgotten just how nerve-wracking those few moments were and I got chatting to a fellow rider who I discovered was feeling very much the same. Finally the track marshals and event organisers were in place and we all began warming up our engines once more. The noise of 40+ bikes all being revved at the same time is breathtaking and really brings the atmoshere alive for the spectators, who always seem to stand precariously close to the track.

The start would be indicated at the turn of a board and we would set off in order of which class we were riding in - experts first, followed by clubman riders (myself included), then the over 40's, 4x4's, and finally the novice's.

The flag dropped for the first time and the Experts had disappeared down the field and out of sight in what seemed like no time at all, leaving the Clubman riders at the front of the pack. I ensured I was already in first gear with the ignition turned on, ready to fire up and pull away as soon as the board turned to "GO". This had always been my strong point last year in the novice category, only once failing to be first off the line. It was somewhat different this time only managing 4th place for the first lap. However it was nice to be able to sit in the middle of the pack not having to worry about trying to break away. I stayed riding comfortably in 4th position until mid way through the second lap where I managed to creep up into 3rd position during a sneaky overtake on the inside of a wet and slippery corner, thank god I was riding on brand new Razr 2's supplied to me at an unbeatable price and short notice by Sinister ATV/mx Accessories - THANK YOU KENNY!!

It seemed I was chasing number 117 for ages trying to find a way through into 2nd position but when he managed to slip past a 4x4 rider just before a narrow wooded path I knew I was back to having 4th place on my tail. Slowly but surely I began gaining ground again and before I knew it I was back behind 117 and pressuring him to move aside and let me though, managing to sneak past as he messed up and veered off the track briefly. My arms were becoming more and more achy and the timing was unfortunate as my fuel light decided to show its ugly face causing me to divert into the pitts to refuel half way through the 2.5hour race, leaving 117 to cruise on past once more.

Marcuss refuelled my bike and cleaned off the muddy handlebar grips whilst I indulged in a can of red bull, and rested my arms, which were becoming ever weaker! The stop went like clockwork and I was back out on the track in under 2 minutes. Unfortunately I didn't notice whether 117 was carrying a long range endurance tank or not so was none the wiser as to wether he would also have to stop at some stage for a drop of fuel. With this uncertainty in mind I rode hard to catch him up again.

OH NO, DISASTER STRIKES and my fuel line ruptures half way around the track allowing most of my freshly added fuel to flee from the bike, running down my leg and into my boots. I taped up the pipe with insulation tape to slow the leak and alerted a marshal who showed me the quickest way back to the pitts. I could feel a burning sensation in my legs and feet from the fuel and to the amusment of alot of people stripped down to my boxers in the pitts whilst one of my supporters ran back to the van to get my towel and jeans. It was a premature end to the first round and obviously not the way I would have liked to begin the season.

A few lessons learnt and a few quid later the quad will be back up and running for the first grasstrack race I have ever competed in next Sunday at St Erme in Cornwall.

Lets hope the ground dries out a bit by then'

Ben Aston.

O.R.E 2010 Round 2 – Bruton         WINNER

Typically, I arrived at the track in time for a something to eat before signing on for the race, giving me plenty of energy for the 2.5hour endurance battle. No fewer than 8 supporters joined me in order to support Team Sinister, and my effort to recover from the disappointing mechanical failure I suffered in round 1.

I got off to a poor start and going into the first corner was in last place. However slowly but surely throughout the first lap I picked off one rider at a time in order to reach 7^th position. For ages I seemed to be following a group of 4 riders, desperately trying to find a way past and getting more and more frustrated with the speeds I was being held back to. Eventually, on a steep downhill slope I made a breakthrough, overtaking all 4 riders including the rider that had been holding us up.

It was a hair-raising moment as I found myself reaching the bottom of the hill quicker than expected and in the direction of a prickly looking gorse bush. However I somehow slowed down in time for the sharp right-hander, and I had successfully reached 3^rd position. I finally felt that I was making good progress again and I had a clear track ahead for the remainder of the 1^st lap.

For the next few laps I concentrated on gaining as much ground as I could in order to catch up with the remaining 2 riders that were ahead of me. I don’t know at what point I found them as I had began to lap slower riders in the mean time, but judging by the speeds at which I was travelling they wouldn’t have been in front for too long; the speedometer clocking a maximum of 92MPH on the only stretch of open field there was.

The majority of the track was narrow and bumpy, although there was also a rather fast flowing motocross track with a couple of small jumps. By the end of the race the track became very dusty, and at times it was necessary to back off slightly from the rider in front for a clear view of where I was going. After the race I was absolutely exhausted and already beginning to ache. However I was sure that I had ridden a good race and was determined to find the results sheet in order to confirm my position.

As expected I was the WINNER, and by approximately 6 minutes too ! ! !

In order to ensure I achieve such an impressive result next time I feel the upgrade I would benefit most from would be a system to take out some of the vibration. Kenny at Sinister ATV/mc Accessories has agreed to provide this to me as a sponsored rider. I will let you all know how the product performs after the next race.

Thankyou again Sinister ATV/mc Accessories for your continued support.

O.R.E Round 3 - Axminster

As soon as I arrived at this track it was apparent that my gearing was completely wrong, nonetheless I got off to a good start and was in 3^rd position as we headed down the field towards a huge puddle in the first gateway. I managed to get through whilst staying nearly dry which was a relief on such a cold morning. The track was tight and technical and a great deal of caution was needed to weave accurately through the narrow, tree-lined tracks. It was very much a race where if the rider in front met woodwork, the whole track became blocked, causing riders to back-up quickly. I continued to ride hard for the first few laps and although I dropped back to 5^th after a small detour from the track, 1^st place was still well within sight.

Whilst slowly picking off one rider at a time I suffered a puncture in my front left tyre, slowing me down for the remainder of that lap before reaching the pits. Much to my relief though the Sinister ATv/mc Accessories pit crew were on hand and my wheel was changed in what can only be compared to F1 timing. I refuelled at the same time to save the need to stop again later on in the race, however this left me about 2 hours of solid riding without so much as 1 minute to catch my breath - this was surely showing towards the end of the race.

I was very disappointed to learn that I finished in 4^th position, gaining just 42 points. Moreover the race winner was already at the top of the table, meaning that he is running away with the championship. On a brighter note however, today’s result was enough to move me into 4^th position and I am now just 1 point from 3^rd and 7 from 2^nd. A good result in Round 4 on 18^th July should bring me well within the top 3.

O.R.E Southwest Championship Round 4 - Allercott Farm

It was to be my third time racing at Allercott Farm near Minehead and I arrived with only the win in mind. Whilst setting up, my support team advised me to take it steady for the first lap and then pace myself until the end. I disagreed with that and told them that I would take it flat out the first lap and if it went horribly wrong anywhere then I’d know where to slow it down next time round. I also discovered that we were racing alongside the AQA British Championship too, doubling the number of riders and taking it to the 3-hour mark.

I got off to a cracking start despite lining up on the second row of the Clubman group and flew past my fellow competitors on the first two corners to gain the lead through the woods. This gives such an advantage because it is near impossible to overtake on the narrow tree lined tracks so you can either gain valuable distance or go as slow as you like without risking being overtaken. Of course, I opted for the distance.

Upon leaving the woods you are faced with a few open fields, giving a great view of a large amount of the course. It suddenly dawned on me how close I was getting to the Expert riders and this gave me the determination I needed to push up and mingle with their group. Sitting behind an expert rider is a great learning curve with regard to the best lines to ride and what the maximum speed is.

All was going smoothly until the field before last where what by all accounts was a small jump took me by surprise. I got a couple feet of air before landing lob-sided on my bike and bouncing right back off, I got my right foot caught in the Nerf Bars at the same time and ended up being dragged for approximately 100yds before struggling free 20yds before a wire fence. I though for a moment I was going to hit the fence and appear as mincemeat on the other side. Undeterred I got right back to my feet and ran back to my bike, loosing no more than 20 seconds. Best of all this was all done in front of the Photographer, Please see pics on my rider profile at www.sinisteratvaccessories.co.uk.

The biggest hurdle I had to overcome this race was the fact that we were racing for an extra 30 minutes to normal. I didn’t realise how much this would affect me but I was slowing down considerable and becoming less and less in control of my bike towards the end. It only worked out at an extra 3 laps but for the next 3 days I could hardly walk. Nonetheless I was over the moon to find that I had won another race on behalf of Sinister ATV/mx Accessories Ltd.

Bens Calendar -
 

March 28th -    O.R.E Southwest Championship Round 1 (Wellington, Somerset)

April 4th -         Cornwall Solo Grass Track  Round 1 (St Erme, Cornwall)

April 17th -       O.R.E Southwest Championship Round 2 (Bruton, Somerset)

May 9th -          O.R.E Southwest Championship Round 3 (Unconfirmed Venue)

June 12th -      O.R.E 6hr Challenge  (Unconfirmed Venue)

July 18th -        O.R.E Southwest Championship Round 4 (Unconfirmed Venue)

19th Sept -       O.R.E Southwest Championship Round 5 (Unconfirmed Venue)

3rd October -    Cornwall Solo Grass Track Round 2 (St Erme, Cornwall)

30th October -    O.R.E Southwest Championship  Round 6 (Unconfirmed Venue)

Please note not all the above dates are confirmed and will often be subject to weather conditions. Most Dates may also be added so please keep checking back.

Sinister ATV/mc Accessories sponsored rider - Jonathan 'jack' Dennan

Dirt on Jonathan -

I started riding quad bikes in 2002 on a Yamaha Banshee, and competed in my first race in 2003 on the same bike. After some years gaining experience in race craft, I began to work my way up through the ranks on the enduro racing scene. In 2006 I entered my first ‘quadcross’ race in the novice class, not really knowing what to expect.

That day was one of the best days racing in my life, taking 2^nd overall on the day. Having taken to ‘quadcross’ like a duck to water, I was moved up to the intermediate class where I contested the rest of the season, eventually finishing 3^rd overall. In 2007 I was moved up into the pro class which was where my luck turned, a combination of bike problems and injuries ended my season very early. I am hoping that in 2010, with the support of Sinister ATV/mc Accessories, Dennis at D.Morgan plc and everyone else behind the scenes, my luck will return and the trophies will come flooding back!!

For 2010, my main objective is to stay healthy and injury free. I know if I can achieve this the results will follow. I will be competing in quadcross events all over the country promoting Sinister ATV/mc Accessories and hope to repay Kenny with some trophies for the shop for all the hard work and dedication he has put in. Also riding for Sinister ATV/mc Accessories are my team mates Ben Aston & Liam Cater. Ben has not been racing as long as myself, but has great potential after a successful first season racing. I hope to race in some team events and get out training on the bike with him. With Ben, Liam and myself doing the work on the track, there is only one direction Sinister ATV Accessories is heading............ to the top!!

With the season fast approaching, training and preparations are well underway for the first round of the NORA MX championship in Wroxton, near Oxford on March 14^th. However, with the typical English weather tracks are closed and bike time is minimal.

Let’s hope for some warm, dry weather before the season starts to make for some enjoyable racing!!

Jonathans personal information -

Nickname : Jack

Age : 20 ( born Chester)

Schooling : 9 GCSE’s at ‘a’ grade 3 A levels ( Maths, English Lit, Biology)

Currently studying Management and marketing at Manchester University

Favourite food : Paella

Favourite drink : Ribena

Favourite music : Dub-step / Drum and bass

TRX450r specifications -

Lonestar dc-4 arms
PEPshocks
Lonestar +2 axel
Lonestar swingarm with outlaw linkage
Lonestar +2 stem
Renthal quadracer bars
Danger UK / Sinister graphic wrap
Akrapovic exhaust
IMS classic bumper
X Factor nerf bars
J&N seat cover

First ride out of 2010 -

Ride - XC Lazer Quad XC Championship - Round 1 -  7th March

The first round of the ride-xc championship was held at Abram, and with the bad weather they did a brilliant job in preparing a 5 mile course consisting of fast outfield sections, bogs, an mx track and a few technical wooded sections.

Having been off the bike for 7months after a crash, the aim of the day was to get time on the bike in preparation for round 1 of the Nora MX championship and ultimately stay safe! The first hour of the race I found it hard to get into a rhythm and due to this suffer from some arm pump, which was not helped by the freezing water littered round the track. However, with the goal being bike time I stayed out and battled through.

At the hour mark I got the call to pit for some fuel, dry gloves, clean goggles and a few words of encouragement. This was when it all clicked. The second hour my lap times dropped and I started to pick off some riders. The arm-pump vanished and the confidence returned. At the end of it all I finished in 7^th place in clubman, but the biggest result was the preparation for Nora on the 14^th of March!!

Round One Nora MX - Wroxton -

This was a highly anticipated first round of the season in Wroxton, Oxfordshire. The track was in lovely condition and the sun was high in the sky, conditions couldn’t have been any better. Having not raced motocross in over 2yrs the excitement was high and with the SATV trx450r fuelled up it was set to be a good day. Practice went well with me using it just to get used to the track and pick up some good lines.

Race one was great, I got a great jump of the start and made it to the first corner in around 12 place. By the end of the first lap I had made some good passes and was running in 6^th. I consolidated my place and was in touch with the front pack. At around half race distance my grip came off, so rather than pushing too hard and risking a crash I rode the race out comfortably in 6^th. At the end of the race I felt good on the bike and was looking forward to race two.

Unfortunately the grip in race one was not the end of my bad luck for the day. In race two, I had a great start running in 4^th when on the fifth corner while trying for the pass on 3^rd, the 3^rd placed rider’s rear wheel fell off in front of me, picking the bike and throwing me into the track fencing. With the adrenalin pumping I tried to rejoin the race but the front tyre had been ripped off the rim forcing me to retire back to the pits. My right side was cut up and bruised but I was determined to go out in race three for the track time in a race environment.

Race 3 was not much better unfortunately. Whilst running in 7^th place the steering stem came out as an unforeseen side effect of the earlier crash forcing me to cruise round and take the chequered flag.

Whilst the results do not do the weekend justice, there are many positives to take away from it. Having been away from motocross for a while I was right back on the pace and with more bike time will be right up with the front boys and hopefully be able to pick up some podiums. I also met my team mate Liam Cater for the first time who had a great days racing in the expert class. With the round 2 and 3 taking place on the first weekend of April there is some work to do on the bike and a lot of training to do !!!

Round 2 Nora MX - Dropped.

Round 3 Nora MX – Mepal.

Having missed Round 2 of the championship, both excitement and expectation was high coming into Round 3.  Upon arrival at the track it was obvious the main challenge was going to be the track itself. With a loose sandy terrain, it would not be long until it cut up and got deep.

Race one I got off to a great start on the Sinister prepared TRX450r and rounded the first corner in 4^th. After the first few laps and a few aggressive passes I had managed to work my way into the lead.  Having lead for a few laps the track started to rut up and the pass of the pack picked up. Having lost 2 places, I finished up in 3^rd.

Race two again got off to a flying start rounding the first corner in the top 5. The race was pretty uneventful with the track getting deeper and gnarlier every lap.  I eventually lost a place on the last lap due to a slight error but managed to finish in 6^th

Race three unfortunately didn’t go as well as the first two. Having got a top 5 start again, the track had deteriorated between races and a huge rut had appeared over the back part of the track. With the top 5 running close together, I got a face full of roost on the first lap and before managing to pull a roll-off I hit the rut and took a ‘soil sample’. The impact was pretty bad and resulted in mild concussion, but I remounted and finished the race, even managing to regain a few places.

Overall it was a mixed weekend with a lot of positives to be taken from it. I would like to give a special thank you to Kenny who drove me down and pitted for me, due to my dad being away......pity about the snoring ! !

NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 5 / 6. Wroxton

Day 1

Race 1 – With all the overnight rain and heavy track watering the track was surprisingly hard pack. With an ok start in around 7^th place a move early on worked me into 6^th place where I ran a relatively unchallenged race and would hold on till the end.

Race 2 – Again another good drop off the gate found myself up with the front pack in around 5^th. Unfortunately I missed a gear coming out of one of the corners losing a place where I would end up in 6^th

Race 3 – with 2 long tiring races already been run, I was feeling the effects and possibly lacking a bit of fitness due to university commitments. I had a good start around 6^th on the first lap. Going wide on one of the corners allowed a rider to go round, and then struggling to regain my rhythm lost a further place to end the race in 9^th.

Day 2

Race 1 – Without laying excuses the tyres used on the Sunday where not giving me the drive needed out of corners, so an overnight change to a softer compound enabled better hook up out the corner and get the power down to the floor..........with an overnight change in tyres, grip was no longer the issue. Race one got off to a great start, rounding the first corner in 5^th. Having put a few aggressive moves in and putting my head down I was running in second place, and slowly closing the gap on the leader. Around half race distance a rogue KTM attempted to pass me on a fast sweeper. He had nowhere to go but through me smashing into the back of my back breaking the rear shock reservoir off. Not knowing this had happened till the race had finished I pushed on but know something was wrong with the bike, tiring fast due to the ‘pogo-stick’ rear shock. The rear shock caused me to drop off the pace somewhat finally ending in 6^th

Race 2- Having worked relentlessly in between races to get the rear end swopped over we made it to the start line late and had to settle for a back row start. The start went well going round the outside of most of the field ending up in 10^th out of the first corner. In the pack a slower rider got in the way causing our bike to tangle. Having lost 2-3minutes getting free I set off dead last and charged hard through the pack. The Sinister ATV/mc Accessories prepared TRX450r was working great allowing me to finish up in 8^th place.

Race 3 – The last race of the weekend and everything finally clicked. I had a great start and having had 5 long hot races already was down to fitness. After the first corner I was in 6^th place and settled into a rhythm. Luckily around half race distance a KTM stalled allowing me to gain a place and then defend the rest of the race to take home a 5^th.

With a 7^th overall on the Sunday and a 6^th on the Monday it was a good weekend all in all.

A special thank you to Liam Cater for helping me both on the pit board and with the shock/swing-arm swop. And to Andrew and Darren, the L.F.C boys, for their help aswell ! ! !

NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 7, Pontrilas

This was the event I have been most looking forward to all year on the calendar. It was at this track back in 2004 i was first exposed to quad motocross when my dad took me to watch the QRA British championship. The track had not changed much apart from the introduction of a wave section. The track was in great condition with some big jumps, fast corners and technical sections.

Race 1

With a new engine in my bike for this meet i got out to a great start rounding the first corner in 3^rd. By the end of the first lap I had moved into 2^nd place pushing for the lead but could not find a place to make the pass. In an attempt to take the lead I overshot a corner and went from 2^nd to 6^th having lost my momentum. After a few laps to get back into a rhythm I made a few passes to get up to 4^th.  Luckily two other riders in front of me had a crash and so I inherited 3^rd place which I would hold till the end of the race.

Race 2

Race 2 got off to another good start rounding the first corner in 4^th. I held this position all race battling backwards and forward with the 3^rd place rider. As the race came to a close I was in 3^rd place but on the last lap I missed the last lap board and got passed trying to conserve energy , ending up crossing the chequered flag in 4^th.

Race 3

The last race of the day a combination of the heat, demanding track and an unfamiliarity with my new engine took their toll on my as I was running on empty. I once again managed to get a great start rounding the 1^st corner in 2^nd and just put my head down and rode as hard and as fast as possible. I tried to battle with a few riders but had nothing left after half race distance. I finished in 5^th in the last race, placing me in joint 4^th place overall on the day !!

NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 8, Badby.

Having missed the last round at Enstone, I was eager to get back out on the track. Upon arrival the track was not the best : tight, dusty and lacking in jumps.

Race 1: Whilst waiting on the start line the club took the decision to heavily water the track to suppress the dust.  As the gate dropped I didn’t get a good jump out the gate entering the first corner in around 7^th. Making a pass early on in the race to take over 6^th place which I maintained till the end of the race in the muddy and slippery conditions. During the race my bike felt as though it was lacking in power, upon arrival back at the van we earnt that the radiator fan had seized solid and the bike was over heating causing the lack in power.

Race 2: With the track subject to less water for race two  I got out to a great start. By the end of lap one I had made my way into 4^th place when I was subject to a flat rear tyre. I kept my head down and was determined to finish the rest of the race and defend my lines. With two laps to go the fifth place rider ran into the back of me in a corner causing both bikes to get tangled. It would only be after the race had finished that we managed to free the bikes, eventually crossing the finish line two laps down in 17^th place.

Race 3: With nothing to lose the last race got off to a great start rounding the first corner in 4^th place and right on the heels of the leading pack. With the track being subject to heavy watering and all 4 of the front bikes running close together, vision was a problem. Having lost my goggles after 4 laps I pressed hard to pass for 3^rd place and then fell luckily with 2^nd place rider stalling in a slippery corner.

It was with that I pressed hard to the finish trying to challenge for the lead but in the process getting hit in the eye with a stone. After a very mixed weekend I was pleased to take the Sinister ATV/mx Accessories /  D. Morgan Plc prepared Honda to a 5^th place overall for the day !!

Round 6 - Norasport British Supermoto Championship, Three Sisters, Wigan

This day was just meant to be a bit of fun and an opportunity to try something different during the summer break from MX. The track was predominantly tarmac, with two little straights over dirt and with an MX set-up this bike was surely going to be a challenge. Upon arrival we slammed the bike as low to the ground as possible but still had one of the tallest ride heights with very soft suspension, this proved for some spectacular cornering on MX tyres but was not proving fast. The next problem encountered in practice was the gearing. With long straights my bike was geared to small and was reaching top speed easily and costing time.

Race 1 – Having geared the bike a lot taller and stiffening up the suspension as much as possible (but was still very soft) the rain proved the biggest problem making the track very slick. I got off to a great start but as soon as I rounded the second corner I stayed still spinning on the spot. Sitting in last I pushed on as hard as possible but finished in last place with just a few pirouettes to report on.

Race 2 - During the break a competitor lent me a rear set of tyres and what a difference they made. The grip made proceedings a lot easier finding myself in 3^rd for the majority of the race. It was not until the last lap that a combination of late breaking and speed over the dirt found me on the tail of the 2nd place rider. With one corner to go I went round the outside of him in a fully committed move to cross the line in 2nd place.

Race 3 – With no changes being made to the bike, a great start had me in 2nd  place with me being unable to shake of the 3rd place rider, with the gap growing and shrinking throughout the whole race. With one lap to go I missed a gear coming out of a corner to find a yfz come up my inside and inherit 2nd place. With nothing to lose an aggressive move again round the outside of the last corner saw me cross the chequered flag in 2nd place and with 2nd overall on the day!!

Another successful day for the Sinister ATV/mx Accessories / D.Morgan Plc prepared Honda.

Rd 7 - Norasport British Supermoto Championship, Manby Showground, Lincs

With the summer break from motocross getting me down and the fun that was had at my first supermoto, my old man and I decided to head to Manby showground for another go ( having been tipped off that track was more off-road based).

Qualifying – qualifying went well qualifying top of the 450 class although I knew I could get more out of the bike for the races struggling for grip on both tarmac and dirt.

Race 1 – having changed the rear tyres to a softer compound and lower pressures and a lot of rain later it was time to take to the grid. I did not get the best of starts but went round the outside of 2 of the open class quads. After a long sweeping first corner it was onto the dirt were within 3 corners and a few boisterous moves later I found myself in 2^nd place overall and comfortably leading the 450 class. By the end of the first lap myself and the leader had broke away from the pack and as we entered the dirt for the second time I seized my opportunity for the lead and made the pass. For the next few laps I kept my head down to get a comfortable gap and took the chequered flag!!

Race 2  - with track conditions having dried out I was not too sure if I could beat the open class bikes again as the drier conditions allowed for their snowmobile engined quads to get the power down. Off the start it was between myself and 3 open class bikes. Whilst I could gain on the through the dirt their raw power down the tarmac straight gave them comfortable breathing room. Whilst the lead pair pulled away, I was shadowing 3^rd place comfortably leading the 450 class. As the last lap flag came out I managed to close in on the 3^rd place bike and make a pass over one of the jumps. Having gained the 3^rd place I pushed hard as the remainder of the lap was tarmac. With a drag to the line I kept the third place by one hundredth of a second!!!

Race 3 – the track had dried out as the day had progressed and was looking good. Off the start it was the same four battling out front. Being 4^th into the first corner I was determined to make an early pass and try and push for a 2^nd or 1^st place finish. On the second lap as we entered the dirt section I managed to carry enough speed to execute a move for 3^rd place through on the inside. By the end of the dirt section I had closed on the lead pair. For the next few laps I would gain through the dirt but then have my hard work undone down the straight. A few laps from the end I managed to pass 2^nd place on the jump again and pull away. As the last lap flag came out I was catching on the first place rider but time was not on my side finishing in 2^nd place but winning the 450 class.

Overall was a very successful day with 3 wins in the 450 class and would have had a 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place finish in the open class. Not only was the day successful, the Sinister ATV/mx Accessories / D.Morgan Plc prepared TRX450r ran perfectly and I got some much needed bike time before the next round of Nora mx ! ! ! !

Another trophy for the top shelf at Sinister ATV/mx Accessories.

Jonathans Calendar -

March 14. NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 1. Wroxton OX15 6EU.

Apr 3.      NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 2. Culham. OX14 3DA.

Apr 4.      NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 3. Culham. OX14 3DA.

May 16.   NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 4. Mepal. CB6 2AY

May 30.   NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 5. Wroxton OX15 6EU.

May 31.   NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 6. Wroxton. OX15 6EU

June 20.   NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 7. Pontrilas HR2 OBG.

July 4.    NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 8. Enstone OX7 4NP

July 18.  NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 9. Blechingdon OX5 3AX.

Sept 5.   NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 10 Culham A track. OX14 3DA.

Oct 10.   NORA-MX Fuchs-Silkolene QX Championship. Round 11. Wroxton. OX15 6EU.

 Sinister Events Calendar

Sinister ATV/mc Accessories sponsored rider - Liam Cater.

Dirt on Liam -

'I first got into quads from a young age, starting out on a Suzuki LT50, eventualy progressing to my first race which was an enduro on a Yamaha blaster aged 12, after this i was hooked and raced many seasons in the youth blaster class, eventualy taking the Vale of the White Horse championship in 2003. 

I was now ready to then move to the adult classes, first of all riding a Honda 250r, then moving onto 450 hybrids, riding the British championships. In 2005 i rode for PAR Homes Honda on the TRX450 in both the British enduro and motocross, having many mixed mid pack results, the following year i moved to Richard Coles Yamaha team.

After this season, i decided it was in my best interest to ride for my self instead of a team just with a few small sponsors of my own, i had my best British MX result of 8th place at Torrington Devon, and then continued to get some better results including a 4th place at Weston beach race.

In 2009 i was fortunate enough to not only be able to ride the British MX championship, but also 4 rounds out of the 6 European MX championship. This was a great experience riding different tracks against new people, and improved my riding, with a best finish of 9th. Sadly due to a bad crash at the final round, and only attending 4 rounds i finished up the season in 35th place in Europe, and 27th place in the British championship, which i also missed the last round as i was still injured from Germany, however i did manage to get back in shape for a 6th place at Weston beach race.

Through the off season i was only racing supercross, which i achieved 5th overall in the British supercross championship, it was around this time i met Kenny from Sinister ATV/mc Accessories.

After dealing with Kenny for parts for my 2010 race bike, Kenny offered me a sponsorship deal.

Due to the good relationship i had with Kenny with his reliability and great service,  there was no way i could turn this down. So for 2010 i will be running under the Sinister ATV banner, i am very pleased to be supported by Kenny and his shop as i feel it will help me through what will be a hard season, contesting all 7 rounds of the European championship, and all rounds of the British championship, aswell as a trip to the USA to ride the Spring Creek National'

Many thanks Kenny for all the support

Liam Cater *28

Nora MX Round 1 in Wroxton -

Race 1

Race one got off to a poor start after being around 20th into the first corner, however the Sinister ATV YFZ450r was going well despite its stock form and i was able to pick my way through around 8 people in the first few laps, and then slowly throught the race more riders to get to 9th place by the time the end of the 20 minute moto came around.

Race 2

In race two i managed to achieve a far better start, in the first corner i was around 8th place, and managed to hold this through out the race, being only passed by 1 person and over taking 2 i ended up in 7th place which i was pleased with.

Round 3

In race three i managed to get another good start, but in around lap 4 i tried to make a move on 2 riders in front, this did not work out and i spun into a post, after getting started again i had dropped back to 14th place, through the race i then managed to pick my way all the way back to 9th place again.

European round 1, Oldebroek, Holland race report , April 5th

Race 1  - After qualifying 26th from the 42 riders entered on the Saturday i was forced to take a 2nd row start, i managed to get a clean start  however after fighting hard in the sand with a seized rear axle carrier slowing my progress i was only able to take 25th place.  Still happy considering the carrier problems.

Race 2  - I set off with a slightly better start and with a new bearing carrier and a change in tyre choice i once again managed to keep a clean race but managed a closer result to my target off top 20 in order to gain points, with a 22nd in the deep Dutch sand.

Race 3  - Race 3 got off to a way better start and after 2 laps i was running in 13th place 3 more laps passed and i took a tumble, luckily the soft sand was forgiving and i was up and going again in seconds, i caught up a few places which i lost whilst down, and managed to take 16th place giving me 5 championship points and leaving me 22nd in the championship.

European round 2, Langrish, England, race report, April 18th -

Race 1  -  Race 1 got off to a reasonable start despite the difficult conditions and with a watered track, the track was very demanding but a joy to ride with nice jumps and elevation changes. Lying in around 22nd on the first lap, i was able to gain some places through out the race bringing home 1 point with a 20th place from the 30 qualified riders.

Race  2  -  I had a good start but unfortunately on the second lap i attempted a pass around the outside which went horribly wrong and left me stranded on a berm, now in last place i got going again and managed to gain back places with in a few laps, however a flat rear right tyre slowed me down towards the end leaving me in 21st place

Race  3   -  In race 3 i had a poor start but again managed to keep a steady and consistent pace throughout the 25 minute plus two lap moto which meant that i was able to slowly pick off some tiring riders leaving me with a respectable 16th place and taking home another 5 points, and a total of 6 on the day

British MX Championship Round 1 - Desert Martin, Ireland.

With 23rd pick of the gate, Race 1 got off to a second row start, however in the first few corners i was able to take my Sinister ATV/mc Accessories Yamaha up into the top 20 on the rough sand track, the race was a game off fitness, and although i dropped down the rankings to 22nd i was then able to pick people of as the race progressed taking a 20th position and 1 point.

Before Race 2 i made some alterations to the bike, the main one being a set of lower handle bars, this helped me corner quicker as i was able to get over them in the turns. Once again starting from the second row i was 20th into the first turn, and in the top 15 by the first lap, With the improvements to the bike i was able to still hold on to a 17th on the now dangerously rough track.

Race 3 got off to a poor start in around 25th on the first lap, i managed to make up places untill i had a stone get caught in my brake caliper on the back half of the circuit, after being dragged onto the berm i had to stop and roll the quad back to release the stone and get out of the deep sand berm, i made up some places but still ended up outside the top 20 from 34 that i needed to gain points.

British MX Championship Round 2 - Desert Martin, Ireland.

Overnight i continued to make changes to my bike, switching to 4 by 1 rims and adjusting the caster on the Sinister ATV/mc Accessories supplied Houser front end. This helped alot in race 1 where i again had a mid pack start but through out the race was able to keep a higher pace as i was not being beaten about so much by the steering, i battled through out the race again making places towards the end taking 16th.

Race 2 got off to a good start at around 15th by the 3rd turn, by the second or 3rd lap number 99 David Cowan, and 21 Sam Bryan managed to pass me, i used these guys as some one to chase, and a few laps before the end was able to pass to take 15th.

Race 3 - as with all weekend started with a mid pack start, after pushing my way through some first turn pile ups, it was a quiet race after passing Ben Harman, and David Coatsworth amongst others in the first few laps i pulled a gap, with a large gap infront of me to James Hellewell which i was unable to close quick enough, i rode race 3 out doing my best to hold on in the dangerously rough conditions, bringing home another 15th and a total of 23 points after the first 2 rounds of the british quad mx championships.

European championship, round 3, Cingoli, Italy, 15th and 16th of May

Round 3 of the European Championships took place on the excellent mountainside track of Cingoli in italy, unfortunately due to torrential rain and fog the qualifying session and practice on Saturday was canceled. Luckily however the weather cleared for the Sunday and so qualifying followed by three races were all crammed into an action packed day.

On the wet single lined track i was able to qualify 14th which meant a front row start !

Race 1 got off to a poor start with a loss of traction on my inside gate pick on the wet track. This put me in around 25th into the first corner, and after a tangle in the second corner left me near enough last. so with nothing to lose i began to pick people off one by one, having to make some ruthless over takes due to the track only having a single dry line. Once the checkered flag dropped i was in 16th position, which bought me home yet more Championship points.

Race 2 got off to a much better start in 19th or so place off the start and after a few overtakes put me in 12th place, however James Hellewell caught and followed me for at least five laps, and eventually got passed, once passed i managed to tag onto his pace, but was unable to gain back my place, and so after a long but very enjoyable battle i finished up in 13th place.

Race 3 again got off to a good start, running in 15th in the first lap, i was able to overtake one of the Italian Honda riders as well as some others through out the race not quite catching a group of 3 riders ahead of me, i still finished up in a very respectable 12th place.

After this round i am now in 18th place in the European Quad MX Championship.

European championship round 4, 6th June 2010 Wschowa, Poland.

On june the 3rd i made the 1000 mile trip out to Wschowa Poland for Round 4 of the European Championships on the rough sands of the polish track, On the Saturday i qualified 16th in the intense heat after only getting one fast lap on the track due to a shock absorber failing into a corner and causing me crash.  Luckily with the help of my mechanic we were able to swap the front end from my spare bike on to the race bike ready for the main event on Saturday

Race 1 - got off to an unlucky start getting caught in various pile ups from my second row start, i managed to keep my cool and fight the stock suspension which was constantly beating me up gaining places every lap and battling with the German Alskom KTM rider Timo ending up in 17th place and taking 4 points.

Race 2 - i had a better start and i was able to just keep a steady pace, knowing that i would tire due to the front end and the heat, i managed to do the best i could to keep on the pace, bringing home a 16th place and 5 points.

Race 3 - got off to a good start as i was now on front row due to some riders dropping out of the event, i had a top 15 start untill i was caught up in a tangle, this meant i had to get off of the quad and untangle myself. Now on a mission to get a point from the back i set to work picking of riders off 1 by 1, around lap 5 i was over taken by one of the other riders from the tangle, however i just upped my pace further taking him back, and finally getting past fellow British rider Tom Grant to take 13th place and a further 8 points leaving me in 15th place overall in the European Championship.

British quad MX Championship - Round 3 - Dean Moor Cumbria

Riding one of my favorite british tracks Dean moor was a fun event, In the first race had a good start and ran around 15th, however throughout the race gained some bad wrist pains for an unknown reason, so i rode the best i could and took home some point with an 18th place.

We made some suspension alterations to try and help for the 2nd race still unable to quite get the pace i had hoped for i took a fairly average 19th place bring home a few more points.

Race 3 was again another average race, not riding badly but not the pace or results that i knew i could achieve, taking a 20th place in the last moto.

British quad MX Championship - Round 4 and 5 - Leuchars, Scotland

The first race of the day on the rough sandy scottish track was one of disappointment as i was forced to retire from 14th place with a broken steering damper causing my steering to lock up on a regular basis.

The second race i was able to get a 16th place after fighting hard in on the track which became a game of fitness with a very spread out pack.

The 3rd race of the day was canceled due to a delayed schedule.

On sunday was another round at the same track, again the first race did not bring much luck with another retirement due to the bike not running correctly. i managed to solve this fuel problem and was all set for the 2nd race. i went out and just kept a cool pace coming back in 20th place, not overly happy with this i went out in the 3rd and gave it all i could holding off Richard Telford on the last few laps bringing back another 15th place.

Pont De Vaux - 2010

I was lucky enough to fly out to Pont De Vaux and ride for the Italian Cozzi Guilio Honda team.  I rode with my 2009 PDV team mate, Cody Anderson from the USA aswell as another rider, Roberto Villalobos from Mexico.

The Honda was very well prepared by the team who had a professional setup and a general good atmosphere.

Qualifying went well with our team taking 7th place on the grid from 120 teams including some top US pro riders such as Josh Upperman and Thomas Brown . feeling very happy with this as a team we began the first session with the bike fine tuned from practice we were able to hold a fast pace with our setup, running in 6th place for the majority of the 3 hour session, we however sadly dropped to 15th close to the end due to a 2 minute time penalty we incurred.

We began the night session still on a high from our previous results, running in 4th place when disaster struck when a front shock blew out, once fixed we had fallen to around 50th, i set to work on trying to bring us back up the ladder, when i ran into more problems losing the front brakes and the handlebars slamming down to the tank!

I was forced to return to the pits, the brakes were a major problem on the high speed now dark track, after much trial and error with the brakes we lost far too much time, leaving us in around 80th position and pretty much out of the race.

We made the decision to get the bike working properly ready for the last session the next day, so that we could do well in this to simply prove a point, however we then ran into motor problems forcing an early retirement.

Kegums - Latvia, European Championship Round 6

I made the !500 mile trip to Kegums Latvia for 6th round of the European Championships, the track was a flowing track with huge jumps also used for world MX.

I set to work on the Saturday finding a good setup for the sandy track and had my Yamaha perfectly dialed in with my Extreme Tech shocks working very well bringing me home and 11th place and front row start from qualifying.

Race 1 got of to a good start and i was able to hold my pace for a steady race in the