Strykers Set for Leinster Trophy Showdown after Kirkistown Thriller!
The 2018 Irish Stryker Championship is now a two way fight which will be decided at the Leinster Trophy Meeting at Mondello Park in September.
At Kirkistown last weekend, Andy D’Alton sprinted clear of the pack to take an impressive win in wet conditions and close the gap to series leader Greg Kelly. Kelly was second with Stephen Ross an impressive third.
In race two, with the track all but flooded, D’Alton spun at the first corner coming to a halt right in front of the pack. Thankfully, they all avoided him and he rejoined in last position- to uncork a thrilling charge back up through the grid. Up front, Kelly had assumed the lead and never put a foot wrong in the horrendous conditions, looking relaxed as he eased away from the field. In complete contrast, and knowing the championship may depend on it, D’Alton was throwing caution to the wind as he scythed his way through the pack. At the flag, it was a delighted Kelly, with Ross continuing to impress in second. Out of a ball of spray came D’Alton to somehow claim the final step of the podium after what was later described as the drive of the day! David Reynolds took Stryker X (Novice) honours.
This has set the 2018 Stryker Championship up for an exciting finale at the Leinster Trophy in September- when either D’Alton or Kelly will claim their first title- in front of the Irish Motorsport TV cameras!
Image from Michael Chester
