Racing

Ryder Secures Second Consecutive British Hillclimb Championship at Prescott

Matthew Ryder has successfully defended his British Hillclimb Championship, securing the 2025 title after another outstanding display at Prescott. His remarkable consistency throughout the season, highlighted by 14 victories in 26 competitive runs, solidifies his position at the pinnacle of the sport.

The Prescott event saw Ryder and his teammate Sean Gould dominate in their shared Gould GR59. This vehicle, recently reconstructed following an incident involving Gould at Shelsley Walsh a month prior, proved its resilience and competitive edge. The duo's exceptional performance included each securing a first and second place in the two championship run-offs. A significant factor in Ryder's title confirmation was Will Hall's repeated success in keeping four-time champion Wallace Menzies from higher positions, effectively sealing Menzies' inability to overtake Ryder in the standings, despite upcoming rounds at Doune and Loton Park.

The competition at Prescott was notably affected by unpredictable weather. A heavy morning thunderstorm particularly impacted early qualifiers, with Paul Haimes experiencing the most severe conditions at the start line. However, Ryder navigated the wet track with precision in the opening run-off, clocking an impressive 40.68-second climb to take the win. Gould, Hall, and Menzies trailed closely, while Alex Summers rounded out the top five. In the subsequent, drier run-off, Gould narrowly surpassed Ryder by merely 16 hundredths of a second, marking his second win of the season. Hall, Menzies, and Summers once again occupied the top positions, with Alex Coles also delivering a commendable performance in his smaller-engined Force TA, securing two eighth-place finishes.

Ryder's consistent performance and strategic excellence throughout the season have undeniably earned him this consecutive title. His ability to adapt to varying conditions and maintain a competitive edge speaks volumes about his skill and dedication, culminating in a well-deserved championship victory.

Historic FF2000 Title Rivals Clash at Mallory Park Event

The 50th anniversary celebration of Formula Ford 2000 took place at Mallory Park, bringing back memories of the category's humble beginnings in 1975. This low-key but high-value club event mirrored the atmosphere of 1970s racing, focusing on genuine competition. The weekend's highlight was the dramatic rivalry between Ben Glasswell and Graham Fennymore, leading contenders in the FF2000 series.

During Saturday's opening race, pole-sitter Glasswell successfully defended his narrow points lead against Fennymore's relentless pressure, maintaining his position atop the standings. However, the second race saw a contentious conclusion as an on-track collision forced Glasswell's early retirement due to a damaged radiator. This incident allowed Fennymore to seize a significant 13-point lead with only the Silverstone double-header remaining, setting the stage for a thrilling championship decider. Beyond the leading rivalry, the event showcased strong performances from other racers, including Andy Storer and Adrian Reynard in the FF2000 class, and Jordan Harrison's continued dominance in Classic Formula Ford 1600, securing his third consecutive title.

In addition to the FF2000 action, the event featured competitive racing across various historic categories. Benn Simms dominated the Historic FF1600, while the Historic Saloon field delivered an exciting display of diverse machinery. These races highlighted the enduring appeal of historic motorsport, demonstrating both the raw competitive spirit of the participants and the rich heritage of the sport. The event was a testament to the passion and dedication found throughout all levels of motor racing, celebrating speed, skill, and the pursuit of victory.

The pursuit of excellence and the spirit of competition in motor racing exemplify how individuals strive to achieve their best. Even amidst fierce rivalries and challenging setbacks, the determination to overcome obstacles and compete fairly inspires us all. It reminds us that dedication and resilience pave the way to success, not just in sports but in all aspects of life.

See More

Marc Marquez on the End of His MotoGP Winning Streak

Marc Marquez, the celebrated factory Ducati rider, openly discussed the conclusion of his phenomenal winning streak in MotoGP, a run that lasted almost 100 days. He shared his thoughts after finishing second to his younger brother, Alex Marquez, at the recent Catalan Grand Prix. Marquez admitted that he had been mentally preparing for this moment, knowing that such a dominant period could not last indefinitely.

Detailed Report from the Catalan Grand Prix

The highly anticipated Catalan Grand Prix witnessed a significant shift in the MotoGP season as Marc Marquez's unprecedented winning streak, which began after a challenging May performance at Silverstone and included seven consecutive double victories across European rounds, finally came to an end. On Sunday, September 8, 2025, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, his younger brother, Alex Marquez, riding for Gresini Racing, delivered a stellar performance, crossing the finish line 1.7 seconds ahead of Marc.

During the post-race press conference, Marc Marquez, a six-time MotoGP world champion, revealed his pre-race mindset. He explained that he had constantly reminded himself that his winning run would eventually be broken. This sentiment was echoed by Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi, who, on the morning of the race, cautioned Marquez about the possibility of his streak ending that very day. Despite his efforts, including a moment at Turn 10 that triggered a memory of Alex's Saturday crash, Marc found himself unable to match his brother's pace. He acknowledged, \"Alex was faster than us today.\"

Marc also emphasized the importance of his performance on tracks where he typically struggles, highlighting that remaining competitive even when not at his absolute best is crucial for the championship. Alex Marquez's victory reduced the championship gap, ensuring the title fight would continue beyond the upcoming San Marino Grand Prix at Misano, preventing Marc from clinching the title prematurely. With seven races remaining, Marc Marquez intends to maintain his consistent approach, focusing on controlling his limits, managing his bike, and accepting that on certain days, another rider, especially his brother, might simply be superior.

Reflections on Competition and Resilience

This race serves as a powerful reminder that even the most dominant athletes must eventually face the reality of being outperformed. Marc Marquez's proactive mental preparation for this inevitability showcases a profound level of maturity and strategic thinking. His ability to accept defeat gracefully, especially when it comes from a close competitor like his brother, speaks volumes about his sportsmanship. It also highlights a key aspect of competitive racing: continuous adaptation and resilience are more vital than an unbroken winning streak. For fans, this outcome injects renewed excitement into the championship, proving that even in periods of dominance, the thrill of unexpected turns and emergent talent keeps the sport vibrant and engaging.

See More