By Cookstown BE Racing enjoyed a memorable start to their 2016 roads campaign, at the Mid Antrim 150.
Making his Irish road racing debut, Malachi Mitchell Thomas dazzled, securing three victories and two second place finishes.
Alongside Malachi’s eye catching performances, Derek Sheils began his season in top class style, with second place finish in the open superbike race and victory in the grand final, as series of 1-2 finishes where secured for Cookstown BE Racing.
Photo by Baylon McCaughey
Reflecting on a quite sensational Mid Antrim 150 for his team, Cookstown BE Racing team owner John Burrows said:
“The Mid Antrim 150 was a fantastic day for Burrows Engineering Racing. It’s been said we have the dream team, and in my own opinion – I believe we have made a great choice in having one of the most experienced national road racer in Derek Sheils, plus adding Malachi as a talented newcomer.
The goal is to have a safe and successful year, and to start it with a one-two in both Superbike races – well the job is a dream right now.
In saying that we will not get carried away as success does not come easy. What it does prove is the GSX-R 1000 Suzuki is still a very competitive package in the Cookstown Burrows Engineering Racing machinery.”
Commenting on a sparkling Mid Antrim 150 debut, Malachi Mitchell Thomas said:
“Thanks to John and the whole team, they are mega! This is great for my sponsors and also for the team sponsors, as a lot of people, especially John, have put a lot on the line to give me this opportunity.
I did some laps in a the car with John before the meeting looking at tip-in points and the like, but as I always do, I worked it out for myself.
I’m not one for following others and did my own thing, which is how I prefer it. It was a great weekend and I even impressed myself, re-passing both Derek and Ryan to take the win in the first Superbike race.
It was a great weekend all round and gives us something to build on for the season ahead. I’ll be back next week to look at the Tandragee 100 circuit, but we will not get carried away.”
Grand final winner Derek Sheils, was full of praise for his team mate:
“Fair play to Mal, he came here as a newcomer and put on a great show. From my point of view I’m delighted to take the first Grand Final win of the year on the big Suzuki and it sets us up well for the season ahead.”
Words by Stevie Rial
