Superclass R2 at Whalley Nab

Written by MIKE WOOD Wednesday, 20 April 2011 00:00

Maxxis Henderson LPE Kawasaki pilot Lee Dunham picked up the first AMCA Championship title of 2011 on Sunday,by taking the Superclass crown at Whalley Nab in Lancashire.Starting the second and deciding round level on points with Richard Cannings,the Gloucestershire based rider displayed great composure,concentration and class to reel off a stunning 1/1/2 scorecard.That super performance was to also earn Lee the overall victory on the day whilst his main title rival Cannings had to settle for 4^th spot behind Jack Taylor and Clinton Barrs.

Making his intentions perfectly clear,Dunham grabbed the holeshot in Superclass moto one to lead Barrs,Cannings, Matthew Williamson,Jack Taylor and Chris Neesam.Quickly the leading trio was to forge a massive advantage for themselves up at the front with Cannings slotting past Barrs for 2^nd spot.On lap eight,a very determined Taylor was to find a way past young Williamson for 4^th whilst James Lane moved up from an early 10^th to sit in 7^th position.At the winning post,it was victory to Dunham,just over one second ahead of the hard charging Cannings with Barrs 3^rd,Taylor 4^th,Willamson 5^th and Shaun Pearce getting 6^th.

In an explosive second Superclass clash,the title destination was to be ultimately decided,for as the immaculate Dunham smoothly led proceedings right from the word go,Barrs and Cannings collided on the opening lap,crashing through the track marking ropes in the process!!.So as the pack settled down,it was Dunham in total control from Taylor,Williamson,Pearce,Lane and Aaron Crowder whilst Barrs and Cannings held 16^th and 11^th places respectively.

However any hopes that Cannings held of making a dramatic recovery back up the leaderboard were to then be dashed by another crash which on this occasion dropped him right back to last place!!.Whilst Cannings eventually took 13^th,at the flag it was to be a very decisive victory for the cool Dunham with Taylor 2^nd,Williamson a great 3^rd,Barrs a strong 4^th,Lane 5^th and Pearce 6^th.

So going into the final Superclass moto of 2011,Dunham had done his homework and knew that provided he completed the race,he would indeed be crowned the Champion.As the gate dropped,it was Cannings,desperate to make amends for his moto two disaster who claimed the holeshot whilst both Barrs and Dunham quickly found a way past Lane to thus give chase.At mid point,Barrs was onfire and even lined up a pass on leader Cannings,only to then slip off and drop back to 3^rd.Taking up the challenge,Dunham reeled off a couple of very rapid laps to reel Cannings into his sights but was wisely advised by his technician Mikey D to use his head and settle for a title winning 2^nd spot instead!!.

Up at the front then,Cannings rode onto victory from Dunham with Barrs 3^rd,Taylor 4^th and having another great ride, Williamson impressive again in 5^th and Pearce 6^th.

Report by Mike Wood and Images by Pete Barlow

Peter Barlow (www.motopixs.com)

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