The Sunflower Trophy races this weekend marked the end to Sam's very promising first season on the short circuits. This weekend Sam qualified pole position and unfortunately got two very bad starts but managed to still achieve a closely battled 3rd place and a 5th place in the second race.
The year began with a not so successful round at Bishopscourt with Sam not being able to qualify due to bike problems, so had to begin from the back of the grid. Sam got a DNF in the first race again due to bike problems, however he got a 6th place in the second race of the day. After Bishopscourt Sam was headed to Mondello Park where he got an 6th in the first race, a DNF in the second race and then his first podium after finishing third in the final race. Sam's next round was also at Mondello park, this weekend was very successful with a 2nd and a 3rd. At the end of August Sam had his first win, of what could be many in the future, at Kirkstown on his Aprilia 125 after a great battle with Jordan Burrows and Aaron Wright. Sam then went on later in the day to get a 3rd place. The following round was at Kirkistown again where Sam finished 2nd in the first race and got a DNF in the second race. Sam then headed down to St Angelos, Enniskillen where he showed his ability to adapt to a new circuit well, finishing 2nd in the first race however unfortunately Sam crashed out of the second race with a few bumps and bruises. Sam then had his last championship round at Bishopscourt where he finished 8th and 4th.
Sam ended up 3rd in both the Irish and Ulster Championship due to excellent results and even despite the fact he didn't finish a few races. This is an excellent achievement for his first year on the circuits.
Sam would like to thank his sponsors, Scotts of Hillsborough, Alister Bann, Billy Mckinstry, Emma McQuaid for all the personal training, Davy Craig, Davy and Michele Bell, Beller, Derek Allen, Steven and Esther Bell, Davy and Steven's mum and anyone else who helped throughout the season even in a small way. The help and support is very greatly appreciated by Sam as his career would have not got of to such a good start without these people.
Throughout the season Sam also got the opportunity to travel to Scotland in July, to have a go at the East Fortune circuit, Sam had a very successful weekend coming home with three 3rd place tropheys. Thanks to Vic and Derek Allen for help with this opportunity and Scott Miller for supplying a van to work out of for the weekend.
In the 2015 season Sam hopes to compete in the ACU Kawasaki Junior Cup in England. Of course this comes with a cost, so if you can can you please click the donate button on this website. Sam is very greatly for any support!