2007 NDM Aprilia 125 update
Words: Ian Marshall Photograph(s) � Derek Clegg
It seems a short time since I penned the first update but time waits for no one. The NDM Aprilia 125 Championship will be buzzing this weekend as the Championship returns to Bishopscourt the scene of a great Aprilia 125 battle at the last round in July.
In addition the NDM Aprilia mid-season awards have loomed and three riders will be selected for a Sponsored race training day at Kirkistown circuit with former British 250cc Champion and ace race-tutor Woolsey Coulter. Woolsey has a knack of getting the best out of 125 riders probably because he likes the two strokes so much and had some of his greatest achievements on them.
The Championship is quite tight and the racing even tighter. There are 5-6 riders running at the front now and any one of them can win on the day.
Scott Wilson deservedly leads the Championship table and has proved very consistent, taking wins and podiums at almost every race. This is the stuff Champions are made of. Close on his heels are Joseph Loughlin, Jonathan Annett and Neil Glasgow. Whenever the Championship travels to Mondello Park, Edward Comerford is always hard to beat.
Anthony McDonnell, Cathal Morgan, Christopher and Amanda Hogg battle for the midfield honours with Melissa Kennedy on her immaculately turned out yellow Aprilia always chasing the leading bunch.
Rookie Josh Elliott started racing Aprilias in June when he reached 13 years of age and has made a big impact with six podiums from six races including four wins. Josh has also qualified for the Finals of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup at Circuit Paul Ricard on the 22nd and 23rd of November 2007.
Josh Cunningham had a brilliant Rookie debut at the last Clubmans round at Bishopscourt in July despite riding an unfamiliar bike in the second race and is definitely a rider to watch closely for the future.
Stephen McKeever is back from injury and I hear that there is a chance that Andrew Murphy the 2006 NDM Aprilia Champion will be on track this weekend. Andrew has also been selected together with Nicole McAleer and Josh Elliott for the Red Bull Rookies Final.
Joseph Mullan, a front runner in the 2006 Aprilia Championship returns this weekend with Team Coogan who will field three riders; Joseph, Leona Coogan and Anthony McDonnell. The Championship gets better and better and the remaining three rounds will be hard fought. Good luck to all riders this weekend, ride safely and enjoy yourselves.
Date: 13-Sep-2007
