Grass track racer Romano Hummel from Hoogkerk has again become European champion in Werlte, Germany.
This happened in a match that was prematurely canceled due to bad weather. The heavy rain made it impossible and too dangerous to let the men ride the grand finale on their fast bikes. Hummel won all his heats in the international specials and was declared the winner early.
The Groninger achieved a total of 20 points through his four victories. With that he was ahead of the British Chris ‘Bomber’ Harris with 18 points and Andrew Appleton with 16. They finished second and third on the podium respectively. Dave Meijerink from Schuinesloot, who leads the open Dutch championship, finished fourth with 15 points. With that he finished just ahead of Mika Meijer from Winschoten. The Groningen rider finished with just as many points as Meijerink, but was classified lower due to fewer heat victories.
Hummel continued out of love for the sport
So Spekkoper became Romano Hummel, who extended his European title in Werlte. Last year the Hoogkerker was also the strongest in the English Swingfield. With his victory in Werlte, the grass track racer adds shine to what has been a volatile season for him. Private problems affected his performance. Hummel even considered giving up racing, but decided to keep going for the love of the sport.
He survived in Germany during the European Championship final in difficult circumstances. The rain came pouring down from heaven in Werlte. As a result, the support program had to be canceled and the sidecars could only drive once. The grand final for the specials could therefore not take place either.
Dave Meijerink is also strong
Meijerink drove very strong, just like Hummel. He won three of his four heats, but had the misfortune to break his chain in the second heat while he was leading. Henry van der Steen from Oude Bildtzijl was sixth in the standings. Jannick de Jong from Gorredijk crashed in the second race and had to retire. Lars Zandvliet from Mussel also quickly dropped out.