Most people, after a December of indulgence, would be looking forward to a quiet January, focusing on resolutions and embracing things like Dry January or Veganuary. For many, it’s a time to relax, unwind, and recuperate. However, flat track racers are not most people. There’s something different about them — an itch that can’t be scratched by a peaceful start to the year. If it means hopping on a plane and traveling halfway around the world to get back into the racing groove, then so be it. For the second year in a row, Devitt Insurance and Vanoni Racing supported a group of U.K. riders as they made the journey to Florida for the Cory Texter Winter Throwdown.
The list of riders representing the U.K. at the event was nothing short of impressive. It featured four different British champions, including Skye Adams, the reigning Hooligans Champion, and Jack Bell, the Pro 450 class Champion. The competition would be fierce, as the riders would not only face each other but also go up against some of the biggest names in American Flat Track. Among the competitors were several AFT race winners, ensuring a high level of competition. No pressure, right?
Jack Bell’s challenge would be two-fold: racing in the Expert class aboard a Yamaha 450 and participating in the prestigious King of Throwdown event, a series of one-on-one elimination rounds to determine the fastest rider over a single lap. Skye Adams would be tackling the event on the late Charlotte Kainz Honda in the Hooligans class, and later on a Ducati Scrambler 800. It was a unique opportunity for both of them to test their skills on unfamiliar bikes and tracks, all while competing at a high level.
After a long flight, the riders got straight to work with a few days of practice. Their first stop was Wildsville, Georgia, followed by some time at the STF Raceway. This provided just enough time for them to get familiar with their machines and prepare for the main event. The real action would take place in Callahan, Florida, where the Winter Throwdown would unfold.
By the end of Day 1, things were looking promising for the U.K. riders. Everyone seemed to be adapting well to the new track and were posting some respectable lap times. U.S. tracks are notoriously different from those in Europe, typically being hard-packed and grooved, which contrasts sharply with the loose, top-layered speedway tracks that are common in the U.K. Despite this difference, the riders appeared to be getting to grips with the new conditions.
But Day 2 brought a twist. The weather forecast predicted a severe downturn, and it became clear that Saturday’s schedule would have to be compressed into Friday, resulting in a back-to-back, extended evening session that would run well into the night. For a group of jet-lagged racers, this posed a significant challenge. Yet, as seasoned competitors, they rose to the occasion, embracing the change and pushing through the fatigue.
By the time 2 AM rolled around, the engines finally fell silent, and the results were in. Considering the unfamiliar bikes, the unfamiliar track, and the jet lag, the performances from the U.K. contingent were commendable. Jack Bell finished in a respectable 14th place in the highly competitive Expert/Pro class, while Skye Adams secured a strong 4th place in the Hooligans class. Rowan Hughes and Dan Wills both earned podium spots, making it an impressive overall performance for the team.
The event was intense, filled with challenges and new experiences, but ultimately it was an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable trip. The camaraderie and competition on the track left many of the riders excited to return for another round of racing in the future.
Skye Adams expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thanks to Devitt Insurance for the opportunity to race in the States. It was amazing and certainly an eye-opener. It was fantastic to race a bike so similar to my Scrambler back home, and it was great to compare the standards. I’m hoping to go back and give it a second go soon!”
Jack Bell echoed the sentiment, commenting, “Racing the Winter Throwdown in the U.S. was a fantastic experience that taught me a lot. I’m really grateful for this opportunity, and I want to thank Devitt Insurance and Vanoni Racing for supporting us throughout the trip. A big thanks to DGR for putting the crew together.”
This trip wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless effort and support of many individuals and sponsors. A huge thank you goes to Rory of the Dead Good Race Team for organizing the trip and coordinating the rides. The event was also made possible by the generous backing of other sponsors, including Bike Shed, DTRA, Re-ZRO, PCC, and everyone else who played a part in making this adventure happen. The riders returned home not only with valuable experience but with memories of an unforgettable few days of racing, and the anticipation of what’s to come next.