Trial British Championship 2012

Dabill Victorious at BTC 2012

James Dabill returned to winning ways at the second round of the 2012 ACU British Trials Championship, fending off tough competition from the opening round winner Michael Brown. The factory Beta rider, and three times British Trials Champion, sent a clear message to rivals that his championship title would be fiercely defended. The TRC Rock Oil Trial, located near James’ residence of Barnsley proved to be a challenging event under the new no-stop regulations. With a severe downpour through the night making the already slippery slopes of Westwood hard to conquer.

While James finished a clear ten marks ahead of his biggest championship competitor at the end of the day, it was a close competition from the off, with Michael Brown impressing the passionate Yorkshire fans on the opening lap recording seven marks compared to the eleven of Dabill. James, naturally undeterred by the pace set out by his rival, made clear improvements throughout the second lap to break into single figures, but his nine mark lap wasn’t enough to take the lead.

With just two marks separating the Yorkshire duo after the second lap, both riders were keen to make the last lap count. Although most of the riders are still getting to grips with the no stop ruling, it was evident that Dabill found his world class groove in the final lap, recording the best lap of the day by far, with just three marks dropped and in turn taking the 20 championship points on offer.

Dabill’s dominating win today puts him just two points adrift from Brown in the championship standings, with the next round being Michael Brown’s local round in Scarborough, James will be keen to upset the standings on the rivals territory.

Talking about the event James comments, "I am happy with the result today, it’s always nice to stand on the top step of the podium, especially at a competition so close to home. I got caught out a little bit though, I’m definitely still getting used to riding the no-stop rules, but at the end of the day, it’s the same for everyone so I can’t complain".

James will be making the around the world trip to Australia tonight for the second round of the FIM World Trials Championship, before heading to Japan the following week; “Yeah, it is a long way to Australia, but without this round, and the Japan leg, it would just be a European championship and no-one want’s that. I’m really looking forward to riding a new venue, and to battle for a Top-5 finish” James concluded.