On Sunday the Forest of Dean played host to Rd2 of the 2014 661 Mini Downhill series. As most have come to realise, these races are almost always a sell-out. This was no exception, even though the weather hadn’t exactly been a blessing in the weeks running up to race weekend. Rain, sleet, and more rain for weeks before gave everyone a sneak peak of race conditions.
Luckily, the race track was kept unusually quiet in the weeks before the race. This not only helped to level out the playing field, but also keep the track from even more of a beating! Announced on Friday, the track was to be Sheepskull. One of the FoD’s longest tracks, but also one of the fastest, with only minimal technicality and a handful of turns, albeit not the easiest ones.
Saturday’s practice saw teasing patches of blue sky, and rain managed to stay at bay until late afternoon, when a monsoon arrived and practice came to a stop for most. The die-hard riders stayed out to get some last minute practice in the rain, while Danny Hart walked the rippers down the track, showing them the fastest lines.
The rain didn’t stop, it just varied in strength overnight and all through sunday morning. Despite the rain, the race was still full, with no room for any entries on the day. Everyone wanted to see what Danny Hart could do, especially against the local pinners who tend to win race after race at the FoD.
First race runs went down in the pouring rain, with Katy Curd blasting the womens category with a 1.38, 9 seconds up on Suzanne Lacey in second, while Danny Hart obliterated the competition with a 1.20. Six seconds up on the competition, and in this case, local animal Ieuan Williams.
Second race runs came around, along with a break in the rain. The sun came out and the track was rapidly drying out, with everyone struggling to beat first run times due to the track rolling slower and the mud starting to drag. Katy Curd went faster in the womens down to a 1.36, while Danny Hart couldn’t beat his first run time and came down in 1.22. FlyUp rider Charlie Hatton won youth with the fifth fastest time of the day.
Team riders Liam Jones and Seth Barrett deserve a big mention too, with Seth second in Youth behind Charlie, and Liam a respectable fifth in his first race in the senior category. Big things to come for these boys!
Check out the full results here…
Check out the 661 Mini Downhill Website
Huge thanks to AJB Photography for all the photos!
The next round is on 23rd Feb. Get in quick!