Buildbase Honda’s Adam Chatfield stormed to a brilliant Pro class win, taking the red plate and championship lead in the process in the Belfast Arenacross opener. He grabbed the holeshot and fended off a hard-charging Cedric Soubeyras (RFX St Blazey MX) and two-time AX Pro champ Thomas Ramette (SR75 World Suzuki). The French riders threw everything they could at the Honda man, almost taking themselves out of the race at times, but the British bulldog held his ground and, to the cheers of the crowd, threw himself across the finish line to take a well-deserved win. “That was brilliant,” said an overjoyed Chatfield. “Once I had the holeshot, I knew I could do it – I had to fight for it though. It could have been a very different story as, when the two laps to go came out, I rolled it on the finish line and Cedric briefly got me on the inside. It just feels so good to be back on top and to be leading the championship.”

Elsewhere, the FMX crew pulled out all the stops to entertain at The SSE Arena, Belfast. Show-boating super-Spaniard Edgar Torronteras raised the bar and gifted the appreciative audience with an AX-first – a no-handed whip, whilst birthday boy Arran Powley won over the crowd with his best trick.

The highly-competitive Pro Lite class has rejuvenated Brit Chris Bayliss, and he showed just what he’s made of when he powered his Buildbase Honda to an impressive race one win, third overall and second in the championship. Local lad Jason Meara (RFX St Blazey) engaged in an epic race two battle with Joe Clayton (Keystone Honda), to the delight of the crowd. He took fifth overall and consolidated his fifth place in the championship.

Over in the youth groups, Ben Clayton again put on an inspired performance to clean up ahead of Bobby Bruce and Louie Kessell. He continues to lead the championship with a 22-point lead. The 65cc category threw up few surprises with Ashton Boughen taking the win and extending his championship lead to 35 points. Charley Irwin from Ballyclare took second and third places to finish second overall. First girl of AX Cristina Palmer from Scotland continued to show steady improvement, finishing seventh overall.

The 2017 Arenacross Tour returns to The SSE Arena, Belfast tomorrow, Saturday the 28th of January for the fifth round of the series. Doors open at 6.30pm, with the show itself getting underway at 7.30pm. Tickets are available directly from the Arena on 028 9073 9074 or via the website ssearenabelfast.com. A few tickets will also be available on the door.

Pro Main

1. Adam Chatfield, #407, Buildbase Honda, 20 points

2. Cyrille Coulon, #5, SR75 World Suzuki, 18 points

3. Thomas Ramette, #1, SR75 World Suzuki, 16 points

4. Angelo Pellegrini, #941, RFX St Blazey MX, 15 points

5. Florent Richier, #2, Keystone Honda Racing, 14 points

6. Jack Brunell, #155, Team Green Kawasaki, 13 points

7. Jay Wilson, #6, I-Fly JK Yamaha, 12 points

8. Hugo Basaula, #747, 11 points

9. Matt Bayliss, #4, Buildbase Honda, 10 points

10. James Dunn, #200, MVR-D Husqvarna, 9 points

11. Cyrille Coulon, #5, SR75 World Suzuki, 8 points

Pro Championship

1. Adam Chatfield, 64 points

2. Cyrille Coulon,63 points

3. Cedric Soubeyras, 63 points

4. Angelo Pellegrini, 62 points

5. Florent Richier, 60 points

6. Thomas Ramette, 59 points

7. Jack Brunell, 56 points

8. Adrien Escoffier, 41 points

9. Hugo Basaula, 41 points

10. Matt Bayliss, 35 points

11. Sulivan Jaulin, 13 points

12. Jay Wilson, 12 points

13. Gaeten Le Hir, 11 points

14. Billy Mackenzie, 11 points

15. James Dunn, 9 points

Team Championship

1. Team RFX St Blazey MX, 125

2. SR75 World Suzuki, 122

3. Buildbase Honda Racing, 104

4. Team Green Kawasaki, 104

5. Keystone Honda Racing, 62

6. MVR-D Husqvarna , 50

7. I-Fly JK Yamaha, 22

8. FRO Systems PAR Elite, 11

8. I-Fly JK Yamaha, 7

Pro Lites Overall

1. Yannis Irsuti, #170, 36 points

2. Dylan Woodcock, #60, 34 points

3. Chris Bayliss, #259, 34 points

Pro Lites Championship

1. Yannis Irsuit, #170, 151 points

2. Chris Bayliss, #259, 137 points

3. Dylan Woodcock, #60, 133 points

Supermini Overall

1. Ben Clayton, #4, 40 points

2. Bobby Bruce, #579, 60 points

3. Louie Kessell, #7, 32 points

Supermini Championship

1. Ben Clayton, #14, 158 points

2. Bobby Bruce, #579, 136 points

3. Louie Kessell, #7, 122 points

Youth 65cc Overall

1. Ashton Boughen, #2, 40 points

2. Charley Irwin, #50, 34 points

3. Jake Davies, #7, 32 points

Youth 65cc Championship

1. Ashton Boughen, #2, 158 points

2. Ben Mustoe, #3, 133 points

3. Shaun Mahoney, #11, 120 points