Paul Owen on his trusty Honda RS 250 at the top of the Mount
The weather at Olivers Mount – Scarborough for the Spring Cup was certainly a mixed affair with rain, hail, snow and sunshine along with a bitterly cold wind and cold temperatures greeting the riders for the weekend’s races.
The first road meeting of the year on mainland UK was to be one of red flags, a very slippery road surface due to its lack of use over the closed season and of course the weather all playing its part.
Local rider Paul Owen was taking part after extensive testing prior to his 2016 season opener at Oulton Park and Anglesey race circuits in somewhat better conditions.
Catching up with Paul this is what he had to said;
“I have Mixed emotions about my opening race of the year at Oliver’s Mount national road races in Scarborough, the weather was 2 degrees, and the track was still green from the winter weather, but all riders were in the same boat, I managed to qualify on pole position for the lightweight race aboard my Honda RS 250, along with 5th place on the classic F1 superbike.
I finished 3rd on the Saturday in the F1 race behind David Bell and Steve Mercer who had just returned from the World Endurance Championship at Le-Mans 24 hour race riding for Honda, I was leading the lightweight race until it was cancelled due to fallen riders.
Sunday was a drier day altogether albeit with the bitterly cold wind, the lightweight race leg 2 was first up and I dominated that from start to finish and taking the top step In front of 2 fellow Welshmen, Ian Lougher multiple TT winner and Jay Bella Smith.
Unfortunately the days racing was cancelled shortly after my race due to a serious accident and sadly a fellow competitor lost his life, so I would like to dedicate my 1st place victory to Billy Redmayne.
I don’t get nervous any more as it’s my 25th year racing, I did two test days, one at Oulton park and one at Anglesey, this enabled me to run-in two engines for the Yamaha FZR 750 classic superbike, one at each circuit to ensure my season getting off in the best possible way I could.
The little Honda RS 250 is like an old pair of slippers as I have raced it for 20 years, I struggled last year with mechanical breakdowns and my head not being 100% focussed since my mum passed away the year before, but I’ve got my mojo back and I’m firing on all four cylinders again, excuse the pun he he”.
Paul on the classic Yamaha FZR 750
If anyone would like to support Paul in his endeavours over the 2016 season please contact
paulowen98@live.com or alternatively fill out his Club 98 form here, https://t.co/OhMxY7J9cG
Words & Pics by Glynne Lewis
