Best friend keeps Alex Bailey’s title dream alive

Wildcard Photography
By Dennis Smith
March 30 2006

An act of extreme generosity prevented Brentford motorcycle racer Alex Bailey’s campaign to win the 2006 BMCRC Clubman 600 title from being over before it had even started.

The totally self-funded 27-year-old was going to have to pull out of the first round, at Snetterton last weekend, due to not being able to afford the entry fee - until good friend and mechanic Tom Gander stepped in. Tom was dismayed by Alex’s announcement the week before the race - that his day job as a courier had slowed down and he would have to pull out. Knowing how much Alex had put into preparation over the winter break, Tom stumped up the cash that enabled Alex to compete.

Alex came seventh overall in the 2005 Rookie 600 championship (his first year of racing) despite numerous setbacks throughout the year, and showed great promise for an even higher result if only he had had the support of sponsors that his rivals enjoyed. After his own championship had been decided last year, Alex entered some remaining higher class races to improve his skills, by racing against better riders, and did not disgrace himself at all. At the first club meeting of this year, at Brands Hatch, Alex came seventh riding against 1000cc Superbikes on his trusty 600cc Honda. All this gave him great confidence for the season ahead, when his own class kicked off at Snetterton.

Alex paid tribute to his friend’s generosity by applying stickers of Tom’s nickname “Buddha” to the side of the bike - just like a real sponsor - and hoped he could repay the debt with some good results. However, conditions were difficult on the wet and windy track, and the first of Alex’s races from this weekend ended with a disappointing 12th place. Further problems were to come in the second race on Saturday, when the left hand handlebar clip-on came loose, leaving Alex with basically no steering. A major accident was thankfully avoided, and Alex limped into the pits, where the offending bolts were tightened and he rejoined the race. The problem cost him dearly, however, and although he rode brilliantly in an effort to make up lost time, he eventually finished three laps behind the winner.

This placed Alex on the back row of the grid for the next race on Sunday morning, with a lot of work to do to get back to where he should have been. A lightning start and hard charging first lap put Alex halfway up the field by the time he crossed the line for the second time, and he fought through the traffic, including many more experienced riders, to finish a highly creditable tenth considering his starting position. This inspirational ride gave Alex a weekend tally of ten championship points that may prove vital towards the end of the season.

This is an extremely expensive sport, and Alex is unsponsored at the moment, needing additional support if he is to fully compete this year and realise his full potential. This talented rider is likely to do very well in the championship given the right opportunity, and will therefore be able to offer any local businesses, who would like to promote themselves in this exciting arena, a great deal of exposure. For more information please contact wildcardphotos 'at' btconnect.com