2005 Season Race Reports and Race Calendar
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Race Calendar 2005
 

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2005 Season Review
by Carl Dodwell

Well my first season as a racer is over. The season really has surpassed all expectations.

If I am honest I hoped to be somewhere in the top 10 in races this year so to take 20 trophies with 4 wins in my first years racing is a dream come true & to be runner up in the championship just rounded of a superb first season. 

photo by Jon Wishart    Click here for more photos

I think we did the right thing with concentrating all our efforts into getting the gearing right for Mallory from the offset, it really paid dividends throughout the season, but most importantly started us of with two 3rd places in the roadstock races. This  set us up from the start & allowed me to keep building the points with consistent top 4 places, apart from the disastorous second round at Mallory ( cold, wet & Knackered due to no sleep at all left me just wishing the day would end) but otherwise by the end of the season my consistent scoring left me with a chance of finishing either 2nd 3rd or 4th in the championship. Finishing 2nd was really satisfying although Arron Danson was on a mission & comfortably won the race I knew that second in the race would secure 2nd in the championship. A feat I managed to complete without too much hassle, apart from running on once at the hairpin & letting Kevin Tait (the already crowned champ) through. I made up my mind instantly that I was going to pass him straight back at Edwinas bin it or win it style, but I don’t think Kevin needed to fight too hard being as he was already champ & I passed him quite easily. So second was mine YES!!!!

The EMRA dinner & dance was a great bit of fun, especially Arron with his piano dancing routine. I don’t think I will forget that for a while. I think a little too much of the falling down water went his way. Bloody funny anyway. The guy is obviously a lot fitter than I am. The only way I could do the back flips he was trying would be to get an enormous high side out of Gerrards.

Its been great fun this year, real dream come true stuff & it has been great to chat with like minded people all season at the races. Everyone seems to be friends even though it is still pretty competitive.

2006 will be really tough as most of the top runners from 2005 are still going to be competing in the Roadstocks 1300cc class with some additions such as Andy Wellings who won the 400cc class easily. I am sure there will be some new names to put some spice into 2006 as well.

The new bike, number 25 this season, is now purchased & has been tested at Silverstone & Brands with some encouraging signs. Being a 1000cc GSXR it is quite a lot more powerful than the old 750 from last year, this makes the bike much more tractable. But it will be difficult to know whether we have made a step forward being as Mallory now has a new chicane installed which will mean times from last season will now mean nothing.

Real testing will start on Feb 15th at Mallory with the first races being on March 5th.

Pop along & give us a shout, at Mallory or Darley, we need all the support we can get. Anybody for sponsorship? I am already overdrawn, my wife is a saint. 

Bring it on.

Carl 

DODWELL CLAIMS RUNNER-UP POSITION IN THE
2006 ROADSTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP.

 
photo by Jon Wishart    Click here for more photos

This Sunday saw the Mallory Park based Roadstocks Championship come to its conclusion; at the Leicestershire's circuit largest meeting the "Dunlop Race of the Year".

 With the title already in the hands of Kevin Tait the big question was who would secure second position. At the previous meeting Arron Danson, Andrew Townley and local rider Carl Dodwell had all won a race and any one could mathematically grasp the runner-up position.

For the first time this season the grid positions were given in championship order Tait, Townley, Dodwell, Danson, which would ensure an exciting climax to the final race of the season.

 A terrific start from the Solihull rider saw him take the first corner ahead of the pack and lead the first lap home. As the race progressed Arron Danson took the bull by the horns and the lead, leaving Carl to fend off Champion Kevin Tait who piled on the pressure and forced Carl to outbreak himself going into Shaw’s Hairpin. Carl knew that with Arron Danson leading and Carl and his NTO Racing Team Suzuki in third place the runner up spot would fall to the hands of Danson. So it was all down to Carl to retake the position, which came on the next lap with a brave outbraking manoeuvre at the famous Edwina’s chicane.

By the end of lap four Andrew Townley was slipping further back in the running order and gave up the fight before the half way mark of the twelve-lap race. This left the runner up spot to be claimed by either Danson or Dodwell. Although Carl could not reel in Aaron he managed to maintain his second position in the 1300cc class to ensure runner up spot was his punching the air in delight as he took the chequered flag. 

After the race, joyous and relieved, Carl admitted that his worst fear was to walk away today with fourth place in the championship and how he would face his Family, Friends and Sponsors, who have supported him throughout the season, runner up spot was deemed an unthinkable possibility at the start of the season, so it was all the more sweet to secure it especially on such a limited budget. Traditional thank you to Helen his wife, without whom the dream would not have happened, Mechanic Stuart Woodall, team photographer Jon Wishart and Team Manager Lloyd Neal & last but not least the ever-present Lisa. 

 The NTO Racing team relies on the support of sponsors to be able to compete and are seeking sponsors for the 2006 season. If you are interested in marketing your business in the exciting and fast-paced world of motorsport please contact the team

Round 9 EMRA Road Stock championships Sept 18th

            With one round to go in the East Midland Racing Association Roadstock championship local rider Carl Dodwell is poised to take the runner up position in this, his very first season of competiton. The NTO team once again added to their points tally with 4th & 3rd place's in the 2 championship rounds. This leaves Carl in 3rd place in the championship, but with double points on offer at the final round in October the runner up position is certainly within the teams grasp.

 
photo by Jon Wishart    Click here for more photos

            Race 1 saw Carl make a bad start to the race & struggle to keep pace with the leading pack after changes to the bike set up went wrong. Carl had to work hard to score a 4th place finish, especially after running on at the hairpin & losing 3 places on lap 4 of the 7 lap race.

            Race 2 saw a much improved performance after some hectic changes were made to the bikes gearing between races. This allowed Carl to make a superb start & he managed to pass 9 riders on the first 2 laps to be sitting in 2nd position. It was clear that the leader of the race was not going to be caught & Carl had to settle for a 3rd after Andrew Townley passed him with 2 laps to go. Any attempt to retake the second position was thwarted by back markers on the last lap. 

Roadstocks Round 8 Mallory Park July 31st

The NTO racing team continued to impress in the latest round of the 2005 Roadstock championship. An excellent 4th position from a 26th place grid slot & a runner up slot from the second heat saw Carl retain his second place position in the championship.

photo by Jon Wishart           Click here for more photos

EMRA the governing body for the championship decided to mix things up a little for this event by pulling all classes out of the hat for grid slots ( usually the slots are decided out of the hat by engine size first e.g. 1300cc first 600cc next 400cc at the back). This put Carl in the uncomfortable position of being on the 7th row of the grid for race 1 with the main title protagonists Aaron Danson , Paul Townley & Kevin Tait all on the front 2 rows. Despite this Carl made a stunning getaway & by the first time the pack arrived at the tricky Edwinas chicane Carl had managed to move himself & the Suzuki GSXR 750 up to 8th position. With Aaron Danson leaving the circuit at Gerrards things were looking good for a top three finish when unfortunately the race was stopped due to a fallen rider on lap 6. By this time Carl had managed to make his way up to 5th position but the decision was to rerun the race over 4 laps which left Carl the daunting task of trying to pass the field again from his 26th grid slot. After a reasonable start Carl went into banzai mode & passed all but three riders in front of him by the end of lap 4 bagging a superb 4th place.

photo by Jon Wishart           Click here for more photos

The second roadstock race saw Carl starting from 4th on the grid & with the championship leader Kevin Tait out due to a fall in the open class ( get well soon Kevin) it gave Carl a chance to close the points gap. The start saw Carl manage to take second place at the entrance to Gerrards with championship rival Aaron Danson taking the lead. The race developed into a superb duel between the 2 riders, with Carl posting his fastest recorded laps so far at Mallory Park ( 57 seconds) Carl appeared to have the edge through the back half of the circuit & on the brakes but Aaron was quicker through the aptly named Devils elbow & Gerrards. Carl waited for his opportunity to pass but back markers caused both riders problems on their last lap & Carl had to follow Aaron over the line just half a second adrift from a win.

After the races Carl added " despite the events in race 1 I am pretty pleased to have come out of this round still in second place in the championship & to have set my fastest recorded laps."

The NTO racing team would like to wish Kevin Tait a speedy recovery from his crash in the open race.

Reports

NTO Racing Delivers at Darley
Round 7

 Local ace Carl Dodwell moved into runner up spot in this years Roadstock championship with 2 well earned 3rd places at the picturesque Derbyshire Circuit.

The NTOracing.co.uk team burnt the midnight oil throughout last week making significant changes to the road legal Suzuki which resulted in Carl finding over a second a lap throughout Sundays 2 races.

Having arrived at the circuit on Saturday night he team set about making the detailed changes from the Mallory park configuration to the settings required for the tricky Darley Moor circuit.

Clear blue sky's greeted the competitors as they lined up for the 1-roadstock race on Sunday morning. As a result of the grid ballot Dodwell started the race in 8th place position but soon gained 3 places on the run to the first chicane. Carl then set about closing in on championship rival Arron Danson and eventually out braked him going in to the tricky downhill Park corner. Carl had third placed rider Paul Errington in sight as they started Lap 2. Once again Carl was late on the brakes to out manoeuvre Paul in to third place who was on a superior machine.

Championship leader Kevin Tait took the win with guest rider Andy Bailey in second place and Carl taking the final podium position.

photo by Mat Wishart           Click here for more photos

The second race followed a similar pattern to race 1 with Carl once again drawn in 8th position on the grid behind all of the championship protagonists. The highlight of the 6-lap race was the passing manoeuvre on archrival Andrew Townley that promoted Carl into 4th place. With only 2 laps remaining Carl set about chasing down Mark Hornett for the Final podium position. Once again the demon late braker Carl out foxed Mark and left him in third spot.

Carl added  "I would like to thank my team of supporters throughout the weekend especially ace Mechanic Stuart Woodall who without who's dedication throughout last week none of the changes to the bike would have been possible."

"A Winning Day At Mallory"
Round 6 

The Solihull based NTO Racing team continued its winning ways on Sunday when local rider Carl Dodwell scored the teams third victory of the year, with a win in the Roadstock Novice race. Carl took a close fought victory when he beat fellow rookie John Coleman in one of the closest finishes seen at the Leicestershire circuit.

photo by Jon Wishart           Click here for more photos

 However the main focus of the NTO racing team is the 2005 Roadstock championship which is based at the popular midlands circuit. Carl entered the 2  races finishing 4th & 3rd in both races and keeping his championship hopes alive after rivals Kevin Tait & Andrew Townley failed to finish in one of the races.

Carl is currently in third place in the championship which is turning out to be a close fought contest between 4 riders.

photo by Jon Wishart           Click here for more photos

Darley Moor Round 5 of the 2005 Roadstock Championship

Racer Carl Dodwell had a challenging task in the ninth and tenth rounds of the East Midland Racing Association (EMRA) 1300cc roadstocks race at Darley Moor on Sunday.

The event was the first visit to the Derbyshire circuit for NTORacing.co.uk team. No  pre event testing is allowed,  Carl therefore faced the difficult task of learning the circuit in a ten minute morning practice session.

Carl started the first of the two roadstock races on the second row of the grid on his Suzuki GSXR750 machine.  Following a good getaway, Carl settled into 3rd place in the opening laps.  Carl tried to consolidate his position with significant improvements in his lap times.  However he was passed by championship rivals Arron Danson and Andrew Townley on the final corner of the 6 lap race to finish in a creditable 5th position.  Carl repeated his performance in the second championship race in sweltering conditions.  He started the race well but lost out to the more powerful 1000cc machines of his rivals on the long Darley Moor straights.

After the race Carl said “I’m a bit disappointed to finish fifth in both races after my win in the last round at Mallory Park.  But it was always going to be difficult on a new circuit against more experienced competitors.  Today has been about collecting points and consolidating my position in the championship”.

Mallory Park Round 4 of the 2005 Roadstock Championship

Victory!

NTO racing rider Carl Dodwell reached a major milestone in his short road racing career by recording his first outright victory in the 1300cc roadstock’s race at Mallory Park on Bank Holiday Monday.

photo by Jon Wishart           Click here for more photos

Carl started the first of two roadstock races on the second row of the grid on his Suzuki GSXR750 machine.  Following a good getaway, Carl almost made contact with another machine as he swept past the front row riders.  Carl made his way up to second place by the time the pack reached the first corner and then dived down the inside of rival Andrew Townley to take the lead at the second corner.  Carls lead extended to four seconds by the end of Lap 2 which he sustained until the end of the race, taking a well earned first victory over his 31 fellow competitors in the race.

Following the win, Carl said that he was delighted to have taken his first win and that he had decided to be positive and make a break in the early stages of the race.  Carl moved up into second position in the overall championship standings and significantly closed the gap on championship leader Kevin Tait who missed the first race.  Carl thanked his support team, in particular his mechanic Stuart and his wife Helen who had a particularly early start and busy practice period due to the changeable weather conditions.

In the second championship race, Carl started from ninth position of the grid, to take a fine third place in the race which was won by Kevin Tait.  Carl recorded a personal best lap time of 58.7 seconds around the 1.35 mile Leicestershire circuit and further consolidated his championship position.

Carl completed the day with another podium position in the 8 Lap Novice race.  This completed a fine day of racing and continues what up to now has been a remarkable debut season for Carl and the NTO Racing team.

photo by Jon Wishart           Click here for more photos

Mallory Park Round 3 of the 2005 Roadstock Championship.

Solihull based Rider Carl Dodwell kept his Roadstock championship hopes alive after bagging two podium positions at Mallory Park on Sunday. Carl finished 2nd in the first Roadstock race after drawing a 13th placed Grid position  & in the second race he finished 3rd after initially leading the race.           

Photo by Jon Wishart.      Click here for more photos

Race 1

            With the ever-changing track conditions, tyre choice for the first race was paramount. A downpour 10 mins before the race left the track in wet conditions but an inspired choice by the NTO management team decided to run on dry tyres rather than the wet tyre option. From 13th on the grid Carl made a good start making up 6 places on the first lap. With a dry line appearing on the track Carl picked off the riders in front of him with some fantastic out braking manoeuvres at the Infamous Edwina's chicane to be in second place with 2 laps to go.  Carl quickly started to make in roads on the leader but could not quite catch Kevin Tait who was on wet tyres and when the chequered flag dropped Carl was just 1 second behind.

Carl Added, " If the race had been one lap longer I think I could have won my first Roadstock Championship race, but having said that I am delighted with second place. I would just like to thank the team for an inspired tyre choice".

Race 2

            With sunny conditions and a dry track the second Roadstock championship race got under way with Carl starting from 5th position on the grid directly behind championship leader Kevin Tait. A stunning start by Carl saw him gain 3 places by the first corner to tuck in behind the race leader. A brave outbraking manoeuvre at the notorious Shaw's hairpin saw Carl lead the chasing pack over the line to complete the first lap. The lead changed hands as Kevin Tait made use of the extra horsepower of his 1000cc Yamaha to re-take the lead on the Stebbe straight. Carl then slipped to third place when Arron Danson passed him at Gerrards.

Carl added " I am pleased with today's results to come away from Mallory Park with 2nd place in the Roadstock Championship gives me something to build on for the next round. I would like to thank all of my supporters & sponsors today especially Net 25, Kestrel Signs."

Mallory Park Round 2 of the 2005 Roadstock Championship. 

Carl eventually finished in 8th place but was placed 7th in the 1300cc Roadstock class. With the sun starting to break through the dark clouds and the threat of rain finally leaving the picturesque circuit it was time for the second Roadstock Race. Once again Carl made a good start and then put together a number of Laps in the low 59 Second bracket to make progress through the field.  His reward for this was 9th place but a very creditable 6th place in the 1300cc Road Stock class.

Having only checked the tyre pressures and the fuel it was a quick turn around for the last race of the day, the Novice Race. Carl managed to draw his best Grid position, which was a 10th place slot. An average start saw Carl hold tenth place but then managed to pick off 7 places over the next six laps to finish in third place, the race was ended prematurely after 7 laps due to a fallen rider. 

PHOTO BY FBM       Click here for more photos

Round 1
NTO wins at Mallory Park

The NTO racing team made a successful 2005 debut at Mallory Park. 129 rider, Carl Dodwell, bagged two third place positions in the Roadstock championship races and then surpassed himself in the novice race with the NTO racing team's first ever race victory, which in turn earned Carl Dodwell the "Rod Harwin Rider of the Day" garland

  One of the highlights of the very busy day was the 3rd place position in the2nd Roadstock race. Having drawn a midfield grid position (13) Carl passed 8 riders in the first 3 laps of the 8-lap race, and then set about chasing the leading pack. A late braking manoeuvre at Mallory's notorious Hairpin saw Carl out whit the 3 & 4 riders to gain a well-deserved podium position. Carl added after the race " If only I had another lap I would have gained second place I was feeling really comfortable on the bike"

However the real highpoint was Carl's first ever victory in the Novice Roadstock race. Carl well & truly blitzed the opposition to win by a clear 5 seconds from a ninth place starting position running throughout the race in the low 58second bracket. Carl added on the day's races " Today has far exceeded my expectations, my ambition was to get on the podium but I didn't think I would be up there three times on the first day of the season" Carl would like to thank all the support that he had throughout the day especially Mechanic Stuart Woodhall , his ever present Team Manager Lloyd Neal and wife Helen who without her support none of this would be possible.

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EMRA 2005 Championship Table

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