Ardfert racer Stephen Walsh completes challenging Lydden Hill debut ahead of Cookstown

Ardfert racer Stephen Walsh completes challenging Lydden Hill debut ahead of Cookstown

Ardfert-based motorcycle racer Stephen Walsh travelled to Lydden Hill in Kent last weekend for the opening rounds of the British Historic Racing Club Championship. Competing on a CB 450 Honda, it marked Walsh’s first time visiting the technical, hilly circuit.

The weekend began with a wet practice session where Walsh finished third in class and seventh overall in a 20-bike field comprising Pre-1973, F750, and 500cc Twins. Despite the conditions, he recorded lap times under the one-minute mark.

Mechanical issues hampered progress during Saturday’s racing. In the 12-lap Race 1, the Honda began slipping out of fourth gear, though Walsh managed to finish fourth in class and 13th overall. The gearbox problems persisted in Race 2, compounded by a binding rear brake that eventually locked solid on the slowdown lap, resulting in a 15th-place finish.

Following a Saturday evening strip-down of the bike to address the brake issues and adjust gearing to mitigate the gear selection problem, Walsh returned for Sunday’s sessions in clear weather.

In Race 4, Walsh finished 10th overall and fourth in class. By Race 5, the gearbox issues worsened as the bike began slipping out of second gear, nearly causing a high-side at the hairpin. Despite the mechanical disadvantages, Walsh engaged in a close battle with several riders to finish eighth overall and second in class, losing two positions on the final lap when the bike slipped out of gear mid-corner.

Walsh intends to replace the gearbox before the next championship rounds at Cadwell Park. His focus now shifts to the 350cc machine for the road racing season opener at Cookstown next weekend.

The trip was supported by Irish Ferries, Assured Power Generators, Der O’Rahilly, and John O’Grady.

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