Ten out of ten for EMRA Champion Steve Moody
Steve maintained his 100% winning record this season, which has seen him come out on top in some close battles with 2013 champion Jon Skelson, taking 10 race wins out of 10.
His campaign started modestly, snapping up a bargain Honda race bike for £800, plus a camper van for just £300 to transport bike, team and equipment to race meetings.
In August Steve returned to the Isle of Man for the first time in five years and came home with a coveted silver replica trophy for his performance in the Manx GP and the team arrived at the final round of the EMRA championship at Leicestershire's Mallory Park in high spirits. With eight wins out of eight, Moody led the series on 120 points, but due to a cancelled round earlier in the season, triple points were up for grabs at the weekend, enough to deny him the crown. With a host of new riders on the grid, this was the biggest turnout of the season, adding to the uncertainty.
Notching up a 58.64s lap, Steve took pole and got off to a flying start on his 1999 pre-injection Honda CBF600 FX, but the race was red flagged when two riders collided. At the re-start Steve faltered and found himself chasing the 2013 title holder, Jon Skelson, for the win. A fierce battle ensued, as Skelson and Moody passed the two front riders to lead the field and fight for vital championship points; the pair swapping the lead with each bend and lap. On lap six Steve pulled a daring move at Edwina’s to take the lead and began to pull away. Chasing the lead, Skelson high sided at Gerards, while taking a wide line for a possible overtake, leading to another red flag. With a 57.577s fastest lap time, Steve took the win and the championship, but still had his 100% record to defend in the final race.
Due to his blow to the head, Skelson was sadly absent from the grid the final race, but sportingly joined other supporters to cheer Steve on. Once again he got a flying start, pulling a 'wheelie' off the start line. It wasn’t long before he took the lead with another impressive overtake at Edwina’s and gradually increased the gap to take a comfortable victory and stamp his authority on the series, recording a fastest lap of 57.397.
A delighted Steve Moody was full of appreciation for the help he had received; "I would like to thank everyone, especially HJC Helmets, Knox armour, Skidmarx screens and Venhill controls, for their support. Not forgetting and the huge following from the Honda Owners. It’s been an amazing year and I can't wait for next season to start!’
This November Steve and the championship winning CBR will be proudly displayed on the Honda Owners Club stand at the country's biggest
motorcycle show, Motorcycle Live at the NEC.
For more information visit the team website at http://dilligaf-racing.co.uk/
Picture - Steve Moody (42) battles with Jon Skelson (63) in the final round at at Mallory Park circuit. Credit Robster Racepics Brain.