Chesterfield ace Ben Johnson claimed an emphatic 250GP ACU National Championship title on Saturday in front of a large crowd.  Despite taking third place in the race, it was just enough to keep his title rivals at bay in a Championship that saw drama and excitement right to the end.

Alex Kenchington held a slender 6 point advantage over Johnson, and Jason Davis was also well in contention just 5 points further back, with Andrew Sawford only 17 points adrift of the leader so he was still in with an outside shot at the Fraser’s and Dunlop supported National title.

During timed qualifying, Johnson’s Double M Racing Honda appeared to be on a mission to disrupt any title hopes as several major mechanical gremlins crept in ensuring Ben only completed 5 laps.  But his last lap was good enough for a second row start and more importantly Kenchington, on the Dennis Trollope Racing Yamaha was in 7th.  Mark Davies set the pole time and although he was no threat at the head of the Championship – due to him being a latecomer to the series - he was clearly on the pace and was set to take the big points totals off the title hopefuls.  Likewise Toby Markham was making only his second appearance of the year, and returning from injury sustained in a qualifying accident at the British MotoGP he also demonstrated his intensions by going 3rd fastest just behind series regular and title hopeful - Jason Davis, on the Pete Marquis Demolition Yamaha. With Andrew Sawford’s St Neots Yamaha completing the front row, the showdown was set.

As always the British weather would have a say in the outcome of the race and as the 250GP riders were called to the assembly area, there was light rain in the air and significantly, huge black clouds were heading towards the Hampshire venue.
With nothing to lose, the race started dry – just, and it was Mark Davies’ F&G Wybourn Yamaha and Toby Markham on the C&L Racing Honda that set the pace.  Jason Davis hit reverse as the lights went out and entered the very fast turn 1 in around 14th place from his front row start.

At the end of the first lap, Markham lead Davies with Ben Johnson settling into 3rd Jason Davis having a tremendous 1st lap to claw back up to 4th, Ant Hodson 5th Andrew Sawford 6th Olie Linsdell 7th and title leader Kenchington in 8th. Paul Lumb, the 250GP NG Cup Champion was up into 9th on his Ken White Signs TZ.

With Markham and Davies stretching their lead, and putting on an awesome display of formation riding, the focus turned to the calculators with Johnson in 3rd, Sawford in 4th, Davis 5th and Kenchington in 6th at mid race distance, still all mathematically capable of taking the title.  As it stood on lap 7, Johnson would win the title but on a tie with Kenchington on points and on wins, but with one more second place than Kenchington, he would be crowned Champion.

Just to add some spice, it then began to rain very lightly, but enough to see the times drop on lap 8 by 2 seconds.  On lap 9, Davis made his move on Sawford to 4th, but critically Ollie Linsdell and Ant Hodson moved back ahead of Alex Kenchington relegating the series leader to 8th.  As the 9th lap was slightly faster and the spots of rain eased, the race continued and although the final lap was back up to race pace, the championship destiny was set out on that damp 8th lap.

Markham held off the Mark Davies challenge at the flag despite Davies briefly taking the lead on lap 8.   Ben Johnson’s pit crew had done enough to keep their rider informed and his safe third was good enough for the title, as the celebrations started immediately. Poor starting Jason Davis took a well-deserved 4th, Andrew Sawford 5th, Olie Linsdell 6th Ant Hodson 7th and Alex Kenchington 8th.   Chay Newton took a creditable 9th returning from injury and Tony Davies rounded out the top 10.  

Of the NG Cup runners, Paul Lumb took the win to confirm his title as Champion, local man Dave Hampton was 2nd and Peter Henry Cox took the final podium step in 3rd.

As for the Championship, Ben Johnson took it by just 2 points on 162.  A disappointed Alex Kenchington 160, Jason Davis 154, Andrew Sawford 146, Bruce Dunn 111, Ant Hodson 97, Mark Davies 90, Mark Linton 85, Rich Grinling 77, Toby Markham 75.  Johnson was very quick to thank team owner Mark Matthews who is also responsible for the preparation of the Honda.

NG Cup Championship: Paul Lumb 295, Mike Wilson 167, Sian Brooks 164, Paul McCullagh 134, Lou Goddard 65, Paul Rogers 59, Peter Henry Cox 57, Dave Hampton 52, Adam Hoare 45, Jonathan Stamper 29