Bickerstaff?s title defence off to flying start

The UMCC in Bangor, Northern Ireland saw a successful outing for Associated/CML driver Alan Bickerstaff with the TC5. The club held a round of the Ulster indoor club series on the Saturday which served as a useful days practice for the Sunday national. The ITCS proved popular previously and this year has a mix of carpet and tarmac rounds. After struggling slightly on Saturday with rear traction Alan made a few changes during Sunday morning?s practice which appeared to settle the TC5. Tq was the reward in the third round of qualifying which would prove important on the UMCC?s indoor layout for the 2 leg finals. Leg one saw drama when a back marker caused an incident and Mark Gilliland managed to take the lead. Alan?s hard charge back was rewarded in the final minute and Alan took the leg win to reduce the pressure going into the 2nd and final leg. Leg 2 was to be a more straight forward affair with car 2 Gilliland coming under early pressure from 3rd qualifier Keith Dempsey (tamiya). Alan managed to pull a slight gap which was maintained through to the flag. Thanks to the host club UMCC.