Lloyd signs off in style to claim second title

The Wednesbury ace took part in annual two-day East Midlands Racing Association (EMRA) season finale – where he picked up a second club championship for good measure.

Lloyd has been focussing on his classic bike this year, which was brought him plenty of plaudits but also numerous bike problems throughout a campaign that has also seen him to travel Belgium and the Isle of Man.

Entering his 1972 Honda cb500/4 in the Earlystock 500cc Twin Shocks class at EMRA, he got off to a good start with fantastic weather greeting all the riders.

"We had one qualifying session and one race but the bike was running well and we finished 12th overall, which was first in class," said Lloyd.

"Sunday was totally opposite weather wise, with wet and windy conditions. Our earlystock race took place in monsoon conditions, really heavy rain, probably the worst I've ever raced in.

"I was really struggling for grip as we're using road-based tyres, as per regulations, but everybody was in the same boat.

"I finished ninth overall and second in class. The second race was similar conditions and I pulled in after nearly crashing three times in one lap.

"But it still meant I'd won the Earlystock 500cc Twin Shocks class championships, which was added to our Earlystocks Road Racing Clubs 500cc twin shocks title.

"EMRA hosts the earlystock club, which is raced at different circuits around the UK, and also gives points for races run just at Mallory Park as part of their own championship.

"Basically, it means I'm being presented with a championship trophy at the Stafford Classic Bike Show by the earlystock club and also a trophy off EMRA during its own presentation night in November."

Lloyd had also been back competing in Northern Ireland, after entering the Killalane Road Race meeting – but unfortunately was plagued with mechanical problems and sheer back luck

A few sighting laps in the car of his friend, Brian Mateer, before the main races helped him get to grips with the track before the first practice the Saturday afternoon.

However, after one lap he started experiencing grip issues and had a few near misses whilst exiting the corners.

"I was black flagged and found to have an oil leak, which had covered my back tyre," he said.

"A seal had blown out of position but after cleaning up we got the bike ready for second session, which was timed.

"I needed a minimum of three laps to race on the Sunday but when we got down to the holding area I found a flat back tyre, so missed that session."

After getting a replacement innertube he was allowed out on Sunday morning to get laps in but had to start at back of the grid for the race.

Following a good start, he climbed to ninth, which was third in class, before the first corner and was soon well clear of fourth, only for another puncture to force his early retirement.

"We were totally gutted but that's racing and I made a lot of new friends," said Lloyd.

"The Irish guys and paddock atmosphere are second to none, and looking forward to going back over there next year.

"We've raced on the Isle of Man, Ireland and Belgium, plus EMRA and the earlystock short circuit series.

"I finished joint 10th out of 24 in the EMRA Pre Injection 600 championship but haven't competed in it since June.

"It's been a proper up and down season again and although we have no plans yet for next season we'll be showing our bike at the Stafford Classic Bike Show with the Earlystock Club, October 18-20.

"Big thanks go to everyone who has supported us again this year."