James Dodd and the TwoNineTwo Honda team headed north up the M6 for the opening round of this year’s British Masters MX.

WINSCOMBE’S James Dodd and the TwoNineTwo Honda team headed north up the M6 for the opening round of this year’s British Masters MX, at Preston Docks.

Entered in the Pro MX1 class, James could only qualify in 25th place as he continues to adapt to his 450cc Honda after making the step up from smaller capacity bikes, but with lap times tight, he was only a couple of seconds away from being well inside the top 20.

Race one started with James getting out the gate well, but he got caught up as the track tightened around the opening turn and came round in 20th. He started to make progress up the standings and was in 15th after four laps, but a mistake saw him slip back into 21st.

After regaining his rhythm he started to pick up places again, but with time running out, his charge was halted as he crossed the finish line in 18th.

Race two saw James come around on the opening lap in 12th place. As the race began to settle down, James lost a handful of places and found himself in 17th with just a few laps remaining.

He was right up behind the back wheel of the rider in 16th though and after a few failed attempts to pass, James finally found a way through on the final lap of the race to take a 16th place finish.

James’ results left him in 16th overall for the day and next up for himself and the TwoNineTwo team is another trip north to Doncaster for the British Championship.

Thanks go to local sponsors AT Motocross, County Flat Roofing, Winscombe Fish Bar, Chris Brown and AdeMX for their support.