David Knight and Justin Wilson receiving their First prizes from Steve Ireland in 2005, a clean sweep by KTM'S D3-Racing in 05 at Wirral off-roads "The Tough One", can they do it again, read on

The KTM Tough One '06 - January 21, Nantmawr Quarry, Nr Oswestry

Challenging and enjoyable for the riders, exciting and entertaining for spectators

As they Say when the Going gets Tough then Get Knighter

The second running of "The KTM Tough One" was even more anticipated than the first, more riders, a quality entry of all the UK's best inc Paul Edmondson, Wayne Braybrook, Euan McConnell, Ed Jones, Darryl Bolter, Graham Jarvis, Juan Knight and in total approx 70 riders would face the challenge.

The Cold dry conditions were perfect, we didn't need any rain on this course it was more than challenging and Wirral off-road had obviously worked very hard to build a brilliant track which tested the best without making it impossible for the less experienced riders.

The main race started at 4 o clock, Paul Eddy got off to a flyer with Wayne Braybrook quickly in tow, but Knighter wasn't even on the start line, he had been handicapped at the other end of the quarry. his bike was high up on a rock ledge with his mechanic Julian warming it up, David was down on the quarry floor and had to climb up a 50 mtr loose banking and then run about 100 mtrs to his bike, no problem when you have size 48 sidi boots, several stride he was there and joined in the race at the back of the pro-field and fortunately just in front of the experts.The first mile or so of the course had many man made obstacles and gnarly natural terrain, this caused many traffic jams and it was difficult for Knighter to get through this, but using all his strength and some unique lines he quickly got inside the top ten.

After lap one Eddy had the lead under pressure from Braybrook, David was a further 90 seconds behind picking off his prey one by one, at lap two Braybrook took the lead and looked to be pulling away and DK was quickly into third, the race had only been going 15 minutes and the race was now really on, DK was closing about 20 seconds a lap and the front runners would soon be trying to defend their positions. For a couple of laps Eddy and Knighter battled which kept the large crowd very entertained then at the half hour stage Braybrook got held up in a rock section and DK breezed by both him and Eddy to never be headed again. Eddy was now in second but just couldn't match the blistering pace of knighter now he had an almost clear track, Braybrook dropped back a little.

Around 5.00pm and the half way point it started to become very dark, the final hour would be a night stage and only those who had prepared properly with goods lights could hope to keep a good pace. David as usual had prepared very well, he had day light conditions thanks to several HID lights supplied by Roy Kerr of Trailtech. He was lapping just as quick in the dark and now pulling around 30 seconds a lap over Eddy and Wayne. Eddy got stuck on a very rooted uphill section and then had a nasty crash putting himself out of the race which then Braybrook took over in second. The further top ten positions were changing every lap as riders got stuck, crashed or just made mistakes. The night time brought a whole new set of challenges and if you broke your lights or they just weren't good enough then you were going backwards fast.

Going into the last lap DK had lapped everyone up to third and Wayne was just 15 seconds ahead, half way around in the top fields were it was a little easier and the riders could take a breath Dave closed in and passed Wayne. 3minutes later he took the chequered flag for the second year running on what can only be described as a brilliant event.

Not sure on actual positions yet but other D3-Racing riders who did very well and finished without problems were Ben Newbold KTM 125EXC, Ben Haigh KTM 250 SX and Michael Irving KTM 250 EXC, well done lads.

Results – Premier class

1. David Knight (D3-Racing KTM / KTM Enduro Factory Team Farioli) 17 laps;

2. Wayne Braybrook (Honda) 16 laps;

3. Euan McConnell (TM) 16 laps;

4. Graham Jarvis (Sherco) 16 laps;

5. Ed Jones (KTM) 15 laps;

6. Juan Knight (Gas Gas) 15 laps;

7. Jason Thomas (KTM) 15 laps;

8. Mark Jackson (KTM) 14 laps;

9. Daryl Bolter (Husqvarna) 14;

10. Tom Sagar (Honda) 14 laps;

KTM D3-Racing

Photo's By Jonty Edmunds