October 1, 2015

Connall gets wildcard at Magny Cours

Connall gets wildcard at Magny Cours

The 125/300 production class, here in Ireland, was brought in a few years ago with the aim for nurturing young up and coming talent.


Riders can compete in this class from the age of 12.


Over the years it has produced some excellent riders, such as Richard Kerr and Caolan Irwin but to name a few.


Hot on the heels of Scott Swanns announcement last week, where he will compete in the 390 KTM RC Series on the mainland, another up and coming rider is aiming to further his race career, the 2015 Irish and Ulster 300 Production champion, Warrenpoint rider, Connal Courtney is off to Magny Cours this weekend, to take part as a wildcard in the Pata European Junior Cup series.!


This class is a supporting race at the World Superbike race, in which newly crowned World Champion Johnny Rea will again be in action in the WSBK Races.


Despite two non finishes during the season, The 17 year old student, was a dominant force in the 300 production championship, taking 23 podiums! , Ten fastest laps, holds the class lap record at Kirkistown and took no less than Nine wins in the championship, admitting to playing safe in the last few rounds to ensure the championship .


Connall , son of Tommy Courtney, a front runner in the 400 class in the 90s,began racing in 2013,but this year was his first full season of racing!


Connall in under no illusions, as the tough task he faces this weekend.


Fast tracking to the EJC, and on to a bike which he has never ridden, seems somewhat strange, but as Connall explains,

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“We have been thinking which is the best direction to take, to further my race career & where I could progress the quickest & learn with the Teams & Riders around us.”

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So My Dad enquired about a wild card ride in the EJC, with the plan of competing a season at home on a 600, then a wild card ride at the end of 2016, taking into account I’ve only ever raced two bikes, 125cc & 300cc production ! and never on a 650.!

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So it came as a bit of a shock when after enquiring, the EJC Personnell offered us a ride this weekend at Magny Cours!

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Initially we were not going to take it,as we thought it would be pointless, in me following riders around who were vastly more experienced and coming to the end of a hard season , where all the riders were already battle hardened and well up to speed with their bikes & setup etc.


Then we got some advice from people in the sport who advised, that I use this opportunity solely to experience World class level Riders, Teams and Tracks, get a feel for the atmosphere & to show prospective sponsors I am serious in my intentions.

Brian Jones ( BJ Mototech) has worked with me all season, and will be with us in Magny Cours ;

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I love and enjoy what I do, but I am also serious about what I want to achieve, I train hard every week, and I love learning how to ride every time I go out, it’s just a constant learning curve, and the excitement is pretty cool too, and of course winning.”

Looking ahead, Connall is adamant this is where he wants to be, and along with his Dad, and the team, they are looking at a two year plan in the EJC Series, Obviously, extra sponsorship is required for this major undertaking.


Source: Connall gets wildcard at Magny Cours