DROMARA rider Alexander Rowan was delighted to get his first win on board his Honda at the recent IFS David Wood Memorial Trophy meeting at Bishopscourt.
An early start saw Alexander, and his dad Chris, set off on the short journey to Bishopscourt to compete for the last time this season on home tarmac due to Alexander’s commitments in the Honda British Talent Cup.
Despite it being a wet start to the day, the young Dromore High School student continued to excel partially due to his favouring of such conditions.
Following a solid qualifying session, recording the fastest lap of 1.19:780 in the Moto3 category, Alexander was delighted to be starting race one in pole position.
As the morning of racing progressed, the sun came out and dried the track up and with only a light wind, the temperature increased and made for very enjoyable conditions for all the motorbike enthusiasts attending Bishopscourt that day.
Alexander’s first race was the third in the running order of the day, with lights out at 11.55am.
Alexander got a decent start in the eight lap race, but Ross Moore was quick off the line and kept the pressure on for the whole duration.
Alexander kept his cool and looked comfortable on his bike riding six of the eight laps in the time of 1:17.
This was enough to get him over the line and secure his first ever win on the Moto3 bike. To add to this experience, Alexander also recorded a new personal best of 1.17:012 on the 1.824 mile track.
Team Rowan were delighted, as were all of Alexander’s sponsors and friends who made the trip to see him race on home turf. The small but competent rider knocked off two seconds on his lap time from his last visit to Bishopscourt on July 17 for the second round of the USBK – a great progression from him.
Alexander was back out on track again for his second and final race of the day at 3.35pm. A slow start off the line meant that Alexander had to work hard to gain ground, but there was just no catching Ross Moore who took first place with Alexander following behind in second.
A super achievement placing first and second, receiving a beautiful trophy to reward his efforts and mark his first win on the Moto3.
The whole event was very well run, blessed with great weather. It was a pleasure to participate at the prestigious event surrounded by the team, friends, family, sponsors and fellow NI competitors.
The next stop for team Rowan is round nine of the Honda British Talent Cup series as part of the Bennetts British Superbikes at Donington Park this weekend. Here’s hoping the good race form continues.
For regular updates on Alexander’s progression, visit his team’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/alexander.rowan.racing.