A tough night for the Stark Future Racing Team at Rounds 5 and 6 of The British Arenacross Championship but they still lead the Championship.
Rounds 5 and 6 of The British Arenacross Championship in Aberdeen witnessed the Stark Future Racing Team overcoming struggles to sustain their lead at the top of the Team Championship standings, with Jack Brunell still holding onto the sought-after red plate.
The P&J Live Arena presented the teams with a much wider and softer track compared to previous events, offering multiple line choices. Throughout the night, the track proved to be tough and technical, posing a significant challenge for all participants.
On Friday evening, all three Stark Future athletes riding the Varg demonstrated good speed in their first heats. Despite not getting the best start, Eddie Wade made a commendable effort to hold onto 6th place. Brunell encountered more than just a challenging start, the red plate holder not feeling at his best, maintained an impressive pace and executed some remarkable passes on route to securing a well-deserved 2nd place finish. In his first heat race, Justin Bogle dominated, pulling the holeshot and comfortably securing a race win.
The second Pro heats brought a mixed bag of emotions. After a mediocre start, Brunell dug deep and secured 3rd place. In Pro Heat 4, Starting in second behind Jorge Zaragoza, another Stark VARG mounted rider, Bogle executed a pass to take the lead, showcasing impressive form and notching his second race win of the evening.
Unfortunately, the evening took a turn for the worse. At the beginning of the same race, Wade experienced the full force of home rider Billy Mackenzie, compelling him to retire from the heat due to a dislocated shoulder, his night concluded abruptly, and he was unable to participate in the main event.
With two race wins already under his belt, Bogle earned the first gate pick for the Traxxas Pro Main event. Pulling another holeshot, the American had a solid start, although showing amazing form, making smart line choices, and looking good through the whoops, he felt the pressure from Harri Kullas and was unable to hold his line, finishing the race in 2nd place.
Maintaining his focus, Brunell delivered a remarkable performance. Still not feeling at his best, he salvaged as many points as possible, pushing hard to secure a 3rd-place finish behind his teammate in 2nd. Both riders ended up on the podium.
With a few adjustments implemented to the track, the Stark Future Racing Team faced Round 6 just 24 hours later. In Pro Heat 1, Brunell kicked off the evening strongly, showing impressive speed through the whoops and grabbing a solid 2nd place finish behind Zaragoza. Bogle did not experience his typical flying start in the second heat having to dig deep to make progress. After a somewhat lonely race, he finished with a respectable 3rd place.
Pro Heat 4 however saw Bogle bring his A Game. With another holeshot, he established a significant lead securing the race win. Brunell executed a steady race, maintaining his 3rd place position throughout until the checkered flag.
The Traxxas Pro Main event presented a bittersweet moment for Bogle. Despite a strong start, he faced the task of fighting through the pack after a suspension issue. Bogle, whose primary focus is to win, battled to a 4th-place finish, this time unable to contend for a podium position.
´In the UK these guys are fast and there is some high-paced racing in this series. commented Justin, It’s been an interesting learning curve but it´s been fun. I am getting better every week and I knew that would happen, I knew I would get a little bit better with a little more fitness as we go. The fitness still isn’t there… but I will get better and stronger each round.´
In the final race, Brunell showcased yet more grit and determination. Applying consistent pressure to Thomas Do throughout the entire race, he eventually executed a successful pass, finishing in a commendable 2nd place and securing a spot on the podium with just 2 laps to go.
Jack commented ´ It’s been really good. I´ve just got to keep that red plate now!´
Following the events in Aberdeen, the championship is intensifying, with Brunell holding the championship lead by just one point. With the team’s Championship lead and the red plate still intact, the Stark Future Racing team now heads to the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham on Saturday, 3rd February, for Round 7