Triumph Rider Jonny Walker Dominates Indoor Enduro Championship Debut

The inaugural Indoor Enduro of Champions event in Newcastle, England, was a rare and exciting opportunity for elite enduro riders from various disciplines to compete against each other. The event, organized by Paul Edmondson, took advantage of the gap between the EnduroGP World Championship and the start of the indoor racing season, attracting a star-studded lineup of riders.

Triumph's Triumph: Jonny Walker's Dominant Performance

Gelling with the New Triumph 250 4T

Jonny Walker, the new Triumph Racing enduro rider, made a perfect start to his campaign, dominating the event from start to finish. Walker set the fastest time in timed practice and secured pole position in the Superpole session, showcasing his immediate comfort and adaptability to the new Triumph 250 four-stroke machine.The first of the three prestigious races set the tone for the evening, with the Stark Vargs (Taddy Blazusiak and Eddie Karlsson) flying off the line and into the lead. However, Walker's strategy of emerging from the chaotic first-turn mayhem near the front proved effective, as he methodically picked off the early leaders, including Harry Edmondson, Steve Holcombe, and Blazusiak, to claim three dominant race wins.Walker's impressive performance on the indoor-style track was a testament to his recent form, having excelled in events like the Romaniacs prologue and the Red Bull Tyne Ride. His experience in EnduroCross and SuperEnduro also seemed to translate seamlessly to the new Triumph platform, showcasing his adaptability and the bike's potential.

Stark Vargs Shine, but Luck Eludes Karlsson

While Walker's dominance was undisputed, the battle for the podium positions was fiercely contested between the electric Stark Vargs and the EnduroGP riders. Taddy Blazusiak, despite his lack of recent racing experience, proved that both he and the Varg were more than capable, securing a solid set of second-place finishes to claim the overall runner-up spot.The Stark Racing duo's performance was particularly impressive, as this was their first proper indoor race against the internal combustion engine (ICE) bikes. While Eddie Karlsson struggled with mechanical issues, including a derailed chain, he demonstrated immense potential, and his presence, along with Blazusiak's, will undoubtedly add excitement to the upcoming SuperEnduro World Championship, where they are expected to compete alongside Jonny Walker and Billy Bolt.

Freeman's Forceful Podium Finish

Brad Freeman, the E3 World Champion, also impressed with a third-place overall finish. Adopting his signature all-action style, Freeman clearly relished the racing, despite rolling out on a brand-new Beta machine that morning. The more flowing track layout allowed the EnduroGP riders to showcase their skills against the SuperEnduro specialists, and the skills transfer was evident as they quickly adapted to the rapid 30-second-per-lap pace.While Steve Holcombe suffered from some costly errors in the rock sections, particularly in the Superpole session, he still demonstrated his prowess and enjoyment of the event, indicating a willingness to return for another shot at the title. Other EnduroGP standouts, such as Harry Edmondson and Jed Etchells, also put in strong performances, further reinforcing the argument that a slightly less technical track layout can open up the indoor enduro discipline to a wider range of riders and provide thrilling racing.

Lampkin Legacy Shines in Support Races

The event also featured support races for Expert, Clubman, and Under-19 riders, providing a platform for the younger generation to showcase their skills and experience the excitement of racing under the lights in front of a lively crowd.One standout performer was Fraser Lampkin, the son of trials legend Dougie Lampkin. Fraser, who has been making waves in the British Enduro Championship, looked right at home on the Beta UK 125, dominating the U-19 class with his impressive skills on the rocks, logs, and jumps.The Expert class was dominated by Toby Shaw, while Ryan Staveley took the overall victory in the Clubmen category, further demonstrating the depth of talent and the event's ability to attract riders from across the enduro spectrum.With Jonny Walker's dominant performance, the Stark Vargs' impressive showing, and the strong performances from the EnduroGP riders, the Indoor Enduro of Champions in Newcastle proved to be a thrilling and successful event, showcasing the diverse talent and the potential for cross-discipline competition in the world of enduro racing.