Weeden displays battling qualities

Motorcyclist Tom Weeden finished in the top five in all three of his races at the Barry Sheene Festival in Scarborough. Weeden, from Maidstone, was runner-up in the second leg of the Modern Open Solo category, having sat out the opener because of an oil leak. The 22-year-old thrilled the crowds on his Triumph Daytona 675 as he battled with home rider Mick Goodings in the Modern Junior 600 second leg. He finally passed his Yorkshire rival to take third place, improving on fifth place in the first leg. Weeden said he was overjoyed with last weekend’s results. His next challenge is the Manx GP, held on the Isle of Man TT course, competing in both senior and junior races. Sidecar team Matt MacLaurin and Adrian Hope recorded their fastest-ever time around Thruxton. The Maidstone duo finished 11th, 10th and ninth in three eight-lap races last weekend. They are up to sixth place in the British Formula 1 Sidecar Championship after averaging speeds of just under 100mph. MacLaurin said: “It’s been a good weekend with solid results in some hot conditions. “Today’s third race was again the fastest we have ever been around here. Thanks to all the team for their hard work.” Hope was over the back injury that led to the team’s retirement from the race two at Snetteron last time out. He said: “We ran well all weekend and to be in sixth in the championship with this quality field is really great.” MacLaurin and Hope, who race for the Blue Machinery/AMR/Fileder team, are back in action at Mallory Park tomorrow (Saturday).