Nigel Hummel from Hoogkerk steps out of the shadow of his famous cousin Romano for the first time in the Frisian Noordwolde. The Groninger comes third during the ONK grass track.
The 20-year-old Nigel Hummel, who is participating for the first time this year with the big men in the senior specials, is beaming on Saturday evening at the ceremony on the roof of the canteen. After the third match of the Open Dutch Championship in Noordwolde, he will be flanked by the big winner of the day Dave Meijerink from Schuinesloot. Number two Mika Meijer from Winschoten is on the other side of the podium
It is the first time that grass track racer Hummel has won a medal in a major race. He beams from ear to ear and family members and friends celebrate the third place of the Hoogkerker exuberantly. Blue flares are lit, after which the colored smoke somewhat obscures the view of the spectators. The youngest Hummel, an up-and-coming talent for several years, is breaking through this season on his fast bike.
I could like my spin
,,This is my first podium place in the international specials”, says the grass track driver. ,,Today it took some getting used to, but after that I was able to find my way. Romano didn’t participate today. I had to take over. It’s getting better and can’t complain. I’m going to try to do even better and then come first. The track was very dusty at first and then very wet due to the rain. That was a switch. But the organization did everything they could to get the job done right.”
His great cousin Romano, who already became European and world champion, is not present in Noordwolde. He participated in a World Championship long track competition in Marmande, France, last Thursday. According to the speaker, he cannot race during the ONK competition ‘due to logistical problems’. Because the leader in the standings is not participating, the way is open for Dave Meijerink to strike. The pig farmer from Schuinesloot starts in Friesland with two points behind Romano Hummel and ends the day as leader with a big lead in the championship. He wins all his races and the final in a superior way.
It’s fine in the cup
Meijerink: ,,I was in a good position today and the engine ran well. Of course I achieved quite an achievement on Thursday by finishing fourth and best Dutchman in Marmande in the South of France during the third World Championship long track competition. It’s all right. It’s fine in the cup. I have a good feeling. This is important. Other than that, the job suited me today. It is a long track, but difficult. The straights are not quite in proportion to the tight corners. But that’s what makes it special here.”
Meijerink has no idea why Romano Hummel is not participating. “I don’t know the reason. I was also in Marmande and I also have to get ready for the European Championship final in Werlte in Germany. Just like him. I have now run a long way in the championship.” The man from Schuinesloot will not be stopped by a photographer with a red light on his camera. Flashing red lights along the track and the red flag is the sign that the race must stop. William Kruit from Emmer-Compascuum and the German Jens Benneker stop immediately when they see the red camera light in their heat. Meijerink does not let himself be fooled, drives on stubbornly and also wins this race.
Those other guys thought it was red
,,Those other guys thought it was red and kept the throttle closed”, says the grass track racer. “I want to see more red than a light. Also red flags. Otherwise I won’t stop.” Meijerink is not the fastest in the final and Mika Meijer has to put up with it. But the Overijsselaar dives dangerously drifting under the Winschoter and then does not relinquish the lead. Meijer is second, followed by Nigel Hummel in third place. Benneker is fourth, Jarno de Vries fifth and Henry van der Steen, who has technical problems, is sixth.
Meyerink scores thirty points in Noordwolde and leads the ONK with 80 points. Meijer (68 points) is second in the standings, while Romano Hummel (58 points) has dropped to third place. Cousin Nigel is sixth with 41 points. He says he is still learning from Romano: ,,I just came around the bend, but I am learning a lot from Romano. He gives me tips and teaches me tricks.”
In the sidecars, pilot Wilfred Detz from Musselkanaal and co-driver Bonita van Dijk finished second in the final behind the British duo Mitch Godden and Paul Smith. Reigning Dutch champion Frank Hamming from De Groeve is again unbeatable in the short track 500cc.
The competitions in Noordwolde are not held in the easiest weather conditions, with dry weather with a lot of dust alternated with a downpour and a stormy wind. As a result, track maintenance takes a little more time. Unfortunately, a fanatical pair of supporters has to miss the final. “My wife’s oxygen tank is almost empty,” the man explains before leaving.