ASTRA Champion of Champions Grasstrack

Another fine day of top class racing presented by ASTRA club took place on Sunday, but sadly we had to miss out on the finals due to dusty conditions. Nevertheless, plenty of high speed action took place. Report by Bob Ruffle of GrasstrackSPORT.com below

The long wait was finally over; spectators and riders alike were finally going to see the clashes they had waited all winter for. The return match between new European Solo champion and 2 time Masters Champion James Shanes, and former 3 time European Solo Champion from Holland, Jannick de Jong. After Jannick de Jong’s somewhat bizarre exclusion from the Final of the European Championships in 2016 run at the Swingfield circuit, where possibly the only person that day who felt he should’ve been excluded was the referee. The chance for De Jong to get his revenge was finally here, but James Shanes would not go down without a fight.

Another clash long awaited was in the 1000 RH Sidecars, where this would be the first meeting of the season  between Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth, and Gareth Winterburn/Liam Brown. Both camps have got their loyal supporters who would make their voices heard. Cossar/Blyth trying to prove a point that they are still the best crew in the country after losing out on yet another British Masters title in very controversial circumstances.

The 500cc Sidecar Super Series started here, with now a 7 round series, after the success of the 2016 Super Series, it seems to be growing in stature. Reigning Champions Mitch Godden/Paul Smith will have a real fight on their hands if they are to retain their title this year, as former European Champions Josh Goodwin/Liam Brown look like competing in every round this season, unlike last year where they were unable to contest every round due to European contracts already agreed to. This year, they don’t have that problem.

The day started on the 600 metre Swingfield circuit with the 500cc Sidecar Super Series, and what a race it turned out to be. Simon Beard/Ant Goodwin making their first appearance since their crash at the European solo Final last year absolutely flew from the start, followed by Mitch Godden, Josh Goodwin, and Dave Carvill/Cameron Godden. Godden hounding Beard on the first lap, closely followed by Goodwin & Carvill, but it was Carvill and Mitch’s son Cameron who went from 4th to 2nd by scything their way passed both Goodwin and Godden senior going into the first turn on lap 2. Carvill then set off in pursuit of Beard, although it looked like Beard/Goodwin had enough of a lead to take the win on their return. Now with almost clear track in front of them they quickly caught Simon Beard, and got up the inside of Beard going into the first turn on lap 3. Together they rounded the bend, Carvill just getting the better of Beard exiting the turn. It was then Carvill/Godden started to pull clear, but the race was not over, with Josh Goodwin & Mitch Godden involved in a brilliant tussle with Beard for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Finally it was Goodwin who took 2nd, Godden 3rd, with Beard back in 4th. What a race to start the day.

Race 2 saw a tremendous battle between Shaun Harvey/Danny Hogg and another former solo rider now progressing well in this class Dan Berwick/Mark Hopkins. Harvey/Hogg eventually just keeping Berwick at Bay.

Race 3, and the 500cc Solos made their first appearance of the day, and with every heat looking like a final, the line-up included Shanes, Appleton, Cooper, Wajtknecht, and Nobes. Shanes gated and quickly put the race to bed, but the battle was further down the field with young Zach Wajtknecht passing Cooper and just as he was putting pressure on Appleton entering the final bend he had mechanical trouble and coasted over the line in a very unlucky last position.

One of the most underrated riders in grasstrack, James Wright took Race 4 with Paul Hurry looking very good, right on his tail.

Edward Kennet and Jannick de Jong had a fantastic battle in race 5, after Kennet gated brilliantly, with De Jong right on his exhaust for 3 of the 4 laps. Entering the final lap De Jong made his move and cut up the inside to take the lead on the final lap.

Race 6 and the big chairs were out, and the first 2 &1/2 laps were something else. Colin Blackbourn made his usual electric start, and went clear, with Whitelam 2nd and Winterburn 3rd. This didn’t stay like this for long though, as Winterburn caught Whitelam on lap 2. Setting out after Blackbourn, Winterburn and Whitelam passed him on lap 3.

Onto race 8 and the appearance of Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth. They started superbly with a fairly easy win, followed by a good battle between Rob Wilson/Terry Saunters and e rejuvenated Matt Fumarola/Gareth Williams, Matt looking something like his old self and taking the 2nd position.

One of the best races of the day was seen in race 10 in the Super Series, with Beard/Goodwin again making the start, and quickly hassled by Goodwin/Brown, having a great race on lap one, Goodwin then taking the lead, the race was then all about second place, with Harvey/Hogg all over Beard/Goodwin for the next 2 laps, eventually passing Beard on lap 3 with some gentle persuading exiting the turn. More great racing in the following heat even though Dan Berwick lead from the start, it was Dave Carvill & Cameron Godden that provided the large crowd with some fantastic entertainment by not making the start and were 5th going into turn one, but eventually getting up into 2nd with some stylish overtaking moves.

Race 11 was what the crowd had been waiting for. The clash of the Titans, Shanes against De Jong. Could De Jong get the upper hand over Shanes? The tapes went up and it was De Jong who made it count. Down the straight they went, De Jong, Shanes, and Hurry almost side by side into the first turn, and it was De Jong who kept his cool and although chased hard by James Shanes, he could not quite get to the flying Dutchman. 1-0 to De Jong.

Eddie Kennet again looked super quick in the following heat, but a mechanical failure near the end of lap 2 saw Rob Mear taking the advantage for his first win, although he should’ve been out in the previous heat.

Gareth Winterburn/Liam Brown took a comfortable win in their next race with Blackbourn/Pugh & Simmons/Woodley having a really tight race for 2nd & 3rd, Blackbourn taking 2nd and Simmons the 3rd after Whitelam almost ran up the back of him on lap 3. Another good race between Wilson/Saunters & Fumarola/Williams for 4th & 5th positions, Fumarola just taking it by a whisker on the line.

The fast improving crew of Tom Cossar/Ryan Barker last off the start in race 15, and looking in an impossible position overtook every crew including Will Penfold/Ricky Pay on the final lap to take the win in what must’ve been the race of the day. Real edge of your seat stuff.

Simon Beard/Ant Goodwin took a really good win in race 18 after again making the start like in their previous 2 heats, and although chased all the way by Josh Goodwin/Liam Brown they just held on for the the win. Maybe feeling a little rusty and not as race fit as they would like.

Zach Wajknecht showed what a talent he is when fighting hard with Steve Boxall for 2nd, and then getting by the flying Eddie Kennett to take his first win of the day and gain some much needed points after his mechanical failure in his previous heat.

Both James Shanes & Jannick de Jong took easy wins in their next heats.

Myles Simmons/Kevin Woodley won race 22 but not before a very tight first bend with Paul Whitelam/Alan Elliott, neither seeming to want to give ground all the way round the turn, with Whitelam eventually losing out going wide which allowed Matt Fumarola to get on the inside of him. Whitelam then spent the next 2 laps trying to gain 2nd place back from Fumarola, which he finally did entering lap 3.

Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth & Gareth Winterburn/Liam Brown clashed in Race 23, but Cossar was in no mood to hang around. He looked in a class of his own, which sets up another mouth watering clash later in the year back at Swingfield for the Masters.

Race 24 was without doubt the race of the day in the 500cc Sidecars. Simon Beard again made a lighting start closely followed by Mitch Godden and Dan Berwick. Godden trying to go right round the outside on the first turn and down the finishing straight, but Beard was having none of it, and kept Godden wide for the whole lap, down the following straight, and Godden/Smith were still trying the outside line, round the next bend and Beard still kept Godden wide, this time just edging clear, but Godden again caught Beard, and exiting the final bend he again tried the wide line, but Beard had got wise to this move by now, and just managed to hang on to the line by about a wheel. Fantastic stuff.

Time for the Semi-Finals, and by this time the track had dried significantly, and the dust was beginning to rise causing visibility problems for the riders and spectators alike. Tim Nobes went down in the dust on the first turn, and was lucky not to be collected as he was holding 3rd position at the time. James Wright took semi-final 2 from Kennett in 2nd and Wajknecht in 3rd.

Jannick de Jong again beat James Shanes in the re-run of the first semi-final, with Paul Cooper 3rd and Paul Hurry back in 4th place. It was at this point that discussions took place between riders and officials as to whether to continue, and it was decided it had got too dangerous and riders safety is always paramount. It was a shame to end such a great meeting on this note, but the large crowd had been thoroughly entertained by some superb racing in all classes all day.

I feel a mention must go to Danish crew of Stinus Lund & Dennis Smit who travel such long distances to race in the UK. Speaking to Stinus after the meeting, when i asked him how long it takes to get here to race, his reply was ”It takes 11 hours to get to Calais, then however long it takes across the water, then drive to meetings here”. That is what i call dedication to the sport. Plus what a nice guy. In my book not just a giant of a man physically, but a giant in stature. Respect Stinus.

Norwich New Stars Spring Grasstrack 2017

Sunday 23rd April 2017

Another Great Days Racing at Norwich New Stars as they continue to pave the way for youth Grasstrack in the East of England. Report by Claire Sutton...

The sun shone at Norwich on Sunday as 17 different youth riders in all classes, including the Youth GT140, competed. No accidents occurred on track,  just brilliant riding.

Kelsie Buck narrowly missed out on second place overall after a bike failure in the last heat. She showed great skill and determination this weekend to finish second in all the 5 heats she rode in.
It was also great to hear the crowd cheer when Alfie Attoe (Cadets) come first in heat 5 overall in a mixed class of bigger bikes. It was the first ride on his geared bike and he was awarded Rider of the Day.

As Norwich has 6 heats in one afternoon, the stamina of the children is amazing, with Oakley Bowman and Austin Riches racing in two groups, they had 12 races over the 4 hours.

Jake Mulford, the club’s rising star, pleased the crowds with his spectacular riding to gain maximum points in the Inters.

The club would like to thank all those who supported the club with its first race meeting of 2017 and welcome all to come and attend a training session and our next race on 3rd September.

500cc Sidecar Association Easter Eggstravaganza

500cc Sidecar Association Easter Eggstravaganza Grasstrack

Sunday 16th April 2017

Report by Bob Ruffle of Grasstracksport.com

Grasstrack's upcoming network- the first ever network entirely dedicated to Grasstrack racing both past and present.

David Howe’s successful return to grasstrack continued at the 500cc Sidecar Association’s “Eggstravaganza” Easter meeting held at the new Writtle circuit near Chelmsford, where he blasted his way to a sensational win from the fast gating and very spectacular Edward Kennett. Howe, although unbeaten all through his heats, Kennett was always hot on his heels, and one mistake from Howe would’ve given Kennett the chance to pass, but that mistake never appeared. Howe looked as sharp as ever as he sailed through the heats. The class, like all bar the 500cc Sidecars, was run on a round robin system, but the final heat saw Howe up against Kennet again. Kennett shot from the start like a scolded cat. Half way down the straight and Kennett was 20 metres clear, and looking like he might finally get one over Howe, but David Howe was in no mood to lose his unbeaten record, he quickly caught Kennett and hounded him for the first two laps, followed closely by Rob Mear right on the pace. Howe finally slipped through exiting the first bend going into lap three when Kennett looked over his shoulder only for Howe pass flash by. Once Howe passed, he extended his lead for a superb victory, showing his pleasure by punching the air as he took the win.

In the 500cc Sidecar Class, the only class to have a final, Scott Dunn & Scott Goodwin had looked a class apart, although Dan Berwick & Mark Hopkins looked to be the only crew who might give them problems in the final. And so it proved. Dunn lifted coming off the start, which allowed Berwick/Hopkins to get away after making another electric start, something they had done all day. Dunn/Goodwin quickly made it up into second place to chase after Berwick/Hopkins, and as much as he tried, Berwick & Hopkins had their sights firmly set on the win. Dunn/Goodwin looked like having to settle for second, but started to get closed down by Bennett & Hughes. As they went into lap three Dunn seemed to have a problem as the bike started to get out of control, and turned over going into the bend. The close-up Bennett doing very well not to collect the machine. Dunn rose to his feet quickly, but passenger Scott Goodwin took a little longer to recover, but did eventually get to his feet, if looking somewhat shaking by the spill. A bright future in this class looks assured for the sons of Bennett & Hughes, as Shaun Hughes and passenger Louis Bennett progressing with each meeting, and taking a race win in one heat. Although they had a spill off the start in one heat, they are definitely a young crew to look out for.

The 250cc sensation of the season and winner from the previous week at Ledbury, 15 year old schoolboy Charlie Brooks took the 250cc class with an awesome display of riding. Not always making the start, that was usually done by Tim Greig on his new Husky, Brooks simply rode round the outside of Greig to make it look so easy, but Greig was always in the firing line and getting hassled by another young rider in the shape of Arran Butcher. Having spoken with Arran before practice, he was saying he was having trouble getting off the starts, as the bike seemed to lose power, but once he got going it felt fine. It looked as though whatever they changed or tweeked worked, as although he never really made the start, he was always just a few metres behind the front two. From then on always giving Tim Greig something to think about, and finishing 3rd over all.

Rob Wilson was simply in a class of his own and this must’ve been the easiest win in the triple Masters Champion’s career to date. The real competition was the battle for second place, with Left Hand man Joe Butcher having his first go on a Right Hander. He said he was “Just having a go to see if i like it”. I think he will probably be delighted with his result of a 3rd place with experienced RH passenger Adam Cowper-Smith in the chair. Even looking like he would take a race win until Mick Stace & Kizz Ivy got up the inside on lap 3. Good to see some new crews as well in Tony Brockwell/Rick Moule, and Sam & Jack Lewsy .

Bob Dolman. Stevie Green, and Graeme Brown were the big 3 in the Upright class, it was Dolman with his years of experience that lead every race, staying unbeaten all day. Green was trying all the way, but just could not keep with the man from Kent.
Good performances in the Youth classes from Cooper Rushen in the Auto Cadets unbeaten all day, and Cameron Taylor looking very quick in the Juniors, while Max Perry taking a very good 2nd place especially after his spectacular spill at Ledbury the week before. He had some really close battles with Daniel Clark through all the heats. The Intermediates was all about 13 year old Jake Mulford. What a future this youngster has in front of him. His all action style of racing is so entertaining to watch, let’s hope he stays on the grass. Winning most of his races by the length of the straight. Here again the race was more about 2nd place, with Chad Wirtzfeld, Sam Norris, and George Fenner mixing it up in every heat, but it was Norris who grabbed the 2nd, and Fenner the 3rd.

Some of the most fiercely fought racing all day was in the GT140 class. On machines that are bogg standard no one rider was able to pull well clear of the others, and most heats saw 4-6 riders battling for the lead, but eventual winner Shayne Hill taking most wins, closely followed by Jed Rolph, followed by Lewis Denham’s father Lester, who had got quicker as the day went on.

The 500cc Sidecar Club can be proud of the meeting they put on. Very smoothly run, 30 races run in 2 hours, and all done by 4:30pm. With a 44 race program. Next meeting is on May 14th win the same track. Don’t miss it.

Cornwall Solo Grasstrack Easter Sunday

Cornwall Solo Grasstrack 2017

Sunday 16th April 2017

Meeting Report

Bristol Grasstracker Chris Malone appeared to be targeting an iron man award on Sunday at Cornwall Solo Grasstrack Club’s excellently ran event at St. Erme. The experienced Bristolian stood on the podium in three of the four solo classes held during the day and in all of his 15 races, he never finished lower than 4^th. Along with Malone’s heroics, several stand-out performances were witnessed throughout the 49 races, all completed on a decent racing surface by 4:30pm.

The only solo class that Malone did not compete in saw another gargantuan effort, albeit from a racer at the very beginning of his career. Young Plymouth Devils racer Henry Atkins took the first of his two event wins in the 250cc class, never looking troubled throughout the day. Although beaten from the gate several times, the Exeter teenager had all five races fully under control by the exit of the first turn. A day-long battle ensued behind him, with two-stroke campaigner Kevin Bull looking most likely to pick up the second. However, a non-finish in his 3^rd heat, followed by a determined ride by Atkins’ team mate at Plymouth, Saul Bulley in their final ride pushed Bull back to 4^th. Consistent riding from local racer Julian Collings meant that he was able to capitalise on Bull’s non-finish and he took the final spot on the rostrum. 

The second of Atkins’ wins came aboard the same 250cc machine, but this time in amongst the 350cc racers. In the first heat, he led home Cornishman Jake Quintrell, with the latter keeping within striking distance of Atkins. However, in the second heat disaster would strike Quintrell. After gating well and passing Atkins in the first turn, his frame snapped. He used all of his experience to maintain control of the machine, but his day was done, and from here on it was straightforward for Atkins. Following him home in the remaining four rides was Chris Malone, with several good dices between Steve Pearce and father and son riders Mark and Stevie Anderson occurring behind the leaders. Anderson Snr looked most likely to take the 3^rd spot, but again a non-finish in his third ride cost him dearly. The five heat wins for Atkins meant 10 out of 10 for him in a gruelling day’s racing for the youngster.

The Upright class began spectacularly, but as several front runners fell by the wayside, Chris Malone was left to cruise home and win the class. Another Plymouth Devils rider Richard Andrews looked to be the favourite, but only managed to finish one race, coming home 2^nd behind Malone. Another impressive looking rider was Luke Cox. He pushed Malone hard, but was defeated after an incident on the back straight. This opening Upright heat was highly entertaining and it was a shame that all of the top racers had indifferent days. Eventually, Chris Bovingdon and Steve Cox were left to tussle over the 2^nd and 3^rd placings, with Bovingdon winning the race for runner-up.

The open solo class proved to be a two-horse race, featuring returning Cornish star Josh Dingle and fresh from a 15 point maximum for Plymouth Devils the previous Friday, Steve Boxall. Boxall, trialling his new Grasstrack machine, clearly was struggling with set up as several times he overshot the pit corner, running wide. Dingle though looked like he’d never been away. Several strong rides saw him battle from behind the fast-starting Boxall in all of the heats. The most entertaining of Dingle’s exploits occurred in their third heat, where it looked like Boxall had finally got the better of him, only for the Cornishman to dive underneath him exiting the final corner, taking another win. A fine overall win for Dingle, leaving the crowd wondering if retirement really was the right decision for this highly skilled Grasstrack racer. Iron man Chris Malone picked up second place after Boxall failed to finish his fourth ride. The third of Malone’s rostrum performances of the day.

Cornish ex-pat and his Cornish passenger Myles Simmons and Kevin Woodley looked very impressive during the heats, storming to four heat wins. Closest to him was Welsh racer Neal Owen crewed by another Cornishman, Jason Farwell. It had been Simmons/Woodley who had got the better of the Welshman in the opening race of the day. Several strong rides from Bridgwater crew Simon Heal/Rowland Broomfield ensured them a place in the final, whilst their Somerset compatriots Joe Mogg/Jake Cutler had pulled out of an earlier heat after colliding with Heal/Broomfield. The non-finish placed them in the B Final, which they duly won, earning them a spot in the main A Final. Pete Shaw paired with former 2x British Masters champion Carl Pugh to take two heat wins throughout the day and a comfortable spot in the final. 

In the final itself, Simmons/Woodley once again made an excellent start, the Ducker Suzuki really working out of the trap. But Owen/Farwell managed to squeeze past the early leaders in the middle of the first bend, with contact occurring as the two outfits fought for the same piece of Cornish turf. Try as they might, Simmons/Woodley couldn’t get back on terms with the Owen/Farwell, who really had shown a great turn of speed. Mogg/Cutler and Heal/Broomfield engaged in an excellent battle of their own for 3^rd, with Mogg managing  to get the better of Heal on the final lap. 

The visiting Lefthand sidecar class put on several fine races, and a tie on points at the end of the day was testimony to how open their meeting had been. British Champions Will Penfold/Ricky Pay started the day with an excellent win, having to fight their way to the front, but from there on their day was anything but plain sailing. Relative newcomers Gary Potter and Will Naden are proving something of a sensation in the Lefthand class. After some trademark fast gating, they managed to win two heats, whilst another British championship winning crew Martin Cuff/Colin Clarke upset the apple cart by rounding both crews to win the third leg. Added to this excitement was several fast gates by Welsh crew Darren Morris/Craig Pembury. The four crews put on some excellent racing, and the event was decided over the final leg with any one of Cuff, Penfold and Potter in a position to win the meeting. But it was the reigning British Champions who pushed and overtook the newcomers, showing a great deal of speed in this final heat. This was Penfold’s second heat win of the day, equally Potter’s haul. The crews decided to share the spoils of the meeting, both being announced winners. Cuff/Clarke failed to finish their final race after looking solid throughout the day. Fine racing from a class packed with entertainment this season. 

The final sidecar class is the old and new class, although no old sidecars were to be seen on this day. Young driver Thomas Newton and his Uncle and passenger Ben Bushell stalled on the line in the first heat, leaving the more experienced sidecar man Mark Courtney/Leon Torres to win the opening ride, although they were chased hard by new crew Alan and Patrick Keat. From then on Newton/Bushell made up for their disappointing first ride by winning every following heat. Several times, they were forced to chase down and pass Courtney/Torres, although their job was made easier by a very sick sounding GS 500 engine in Courtney’s machine. The day provided another entertaining set of rides from this fledgling class.

The final class of the day was the Quad entry. The 7 racers were competing in their first Grasstrack event, having previously campaigned mainly in Enduro events. The 7 riders produced some close racing all day, with Jack Hodge coming out on top. Hodge did not have it all his own way, however and was forced to scrap his way through the field in every race. Fast starting Brandon Christian managed to get himself in amongst the front runners several times early in the day, but Roche racer Stephen Udy made things very difficult for Hodge, leading him in every race and even getting the better of him in their 4^th ride. Hodge though managed to win 4 out of the 5 races, showing some real class aboard a four-wheeled machine, with Udy picking up 2^nd and colourfully presented Steve Hone racing consistently all day to pick up 3^rd.

A fine day’s racing was witnessed in Cornwall Solo’s return to the sport for 2017. The club are keen to build on this day, but as always rely on racers and fans wishing to travel to the deep Westcountry for racing. The club have given themselves a real shot in the arm for the time being with this well run event, with the possibility of more meetings later in the season.

Ledbury Leader Grasstrack 2017

Ledbury Leader Grasstrack 2017

Sunday 9th April 2017

Race Report

A good crowd, a fantastic circuit and glorious weather provided the perfect opportunity for Ledbury club to stage the season opener on Sunday 9^th April, and the day did not disappoint. A bumper programme of 60 races was completed in front of an appreciative crowd (appreciation for the event has been all over social media since Sunday evening) even though some early incidents caused the majority of the racing to be run over 3 laps. The action on the track, although fast and exciting, produced some of the usual suspects on top of the rostrum, but many familiar famous names returned and gave good accounts of themselves.

One name in particular garnering plenty of pre-race attention was former Team GB speedway rider and World Longtrack competitor David Howe. He lived up to expectation after his year-long lay off by storming to two perfect heat wins in the 500cc Solo class. This feat was matched by James Shanes in the other heats.  The reigning European champion looked in devastating form as he looked to continue his dominance of domestic Grasstrack in 2017. Other riders never too far from the back wheels of these two were Tim Nobes, who is beginning to look more and more like his old self, and Ben Millichap who seems to go quicker every time he competes. In fact, the aforementioned pairing produced a fantastic heat of racing in the third leg. Millichap led for the majority of the race before Nobes, showing some of his never-say-die style that propelled him to Grasstrack stardom in his late teens, managed to round Millichap on the final bend. In the other 3^rd leg, we got to witness Howe take on Shanes, with Shanes dominating from start to finish on this occasion.

Such was the number of entries for this meeting, the club were able to give riders in all classes a ‘last chance’ B Final to compete in, with the top 3 riders in each joining the finalists. The 500cc Solo B Final was won by another promising young rider Luke Harris, who found himself in the B Final after throwing a chain whilst holding second in an earlier heat. In the A Final, it was Shanes once again who showed his class, winning from the first bend to the flag in tremendous style. He was duly followed home by David Howe, who must surely be pleased to be so on pace after a layoff, with Tim Nobes holding onto 3^rd. Racing for minor placings was furious with a race-long battle occurring between Luke Harris and Ben Millichap, the former winning that particular battle.

The one sad point of the day for this class was the loss to the meeting of 250cc British Champion Jed Collins. In his first heat, whilst involved in an enthralling dice with Howe and Nobes, his primary chain broke, dumping Collins unceremoniously onto the Herefordshire soil, rendering him instantly unconscious. As is the ruling for head injuries, Collins was unable to compete in the rest of the meeting, but in just three laps he showed that he is one to watch for this season.

Although Collins appears to have left his championship winning 250cc class, many suggested that we have witnessed the pretender to his throne dominate the 24-strong 250cc line-up throughout the meeting. 15-year-old Charlie Brooks stormed to three impressive victories, before winning the final equally as convincingly. The closest challenger to the Suffolk teenagers dominance was former British Champion David Knowles who rode determinedly to try and stop Brooks, but no matter how many tricks he tried, he had no answer to the sheer speed shown by the youngster. The Yorkshireman was forced to settle for second, whilst another youngster, Plymouth Devils racer Henry Atkins, came home 3^rd after a consistent day’s racing. Tim Greig, aboard his new Husqvarna powered machine, looked impressive all day and finished a solid 4^th, holding off another returnee and legend of the 250cc class Graham Thomas. Grasstrack Banter admin Russell Little rode well to finish off the top six, holding off a strong challenge from Arran Butcher.

Another former British Champion was in tremendous form in the 350cc class. 2012 350cc champion Andy Mellish won the final in convincing fashion, leading home Mark Taylor, although Taylor had been the only man to get the better of the Lancashire racer in an earlier heat. Dave Mears made the journey up from Kent worthwhile with a strong showing for 3^rd in the final, and Barry Powell made a great return from injuries to come home 4^th. Powell looked even better than he had been before his long layoff. Another returning legend picked up 5^th place. Wayne Broadhurst fought his way through a tough B Final to take his place in the A Final, and took a solid 5^th.  The Ashcroft brothers tussled for the entirety of the race over 6^th spot with Ryan getting the better of Liam on the run to the line.

 

The Upright and Pre 75 classes produced some of the closest racing of the day, with racers wheel-to-wheel and elbow-to-elbow throughout the competition. In the Uprights, it was Mike Dowling who made no mistakes to win the final. Having suffered mechanical problems early in the day, Dowling needed to score strongly for his remaining two heats. He won his first, but had to settle for 2^nd to Ian Dudley in his second, and the possibility of the B Final loomed. As it was, Dowling just sneaked into the A Final, and made good of the opportunity by winning it outright. Racing was ferocious in the rest of the field as several riders tussled over 3^rd, after Dudley had secured 2^nd. Chris Malone, who had ridden well all day, eventually broke away from the melee to claim 3^rd, with Kent rider Nigel Coates putting in a stunning performance to finish 4^th. 

Another Kentish invader dominated the Pre 75 class. Grasstrack Banter’s rider of the year Chris Mackett produced three strong wins on his way to winning the final, again in convincing style. Once again, racing behind him was close, but always respectful, with racers banging bars and elbows once again. Former Paris-Dakar competitor Dave Hammond managed to claim a solid 2^nd place with another heat winner Kenny Blain riding home for 3^rd. 

The Youth racing was well supported with the Auto Cadets and Cadets combined, although Zak Batey was the lone competitor in the latter class. Aboard his new machine, Batey looked to have made huge strides in speed and style, leading home the cadets by half a lap or more. The cadets swapped places several times, but it was another famous Grasstrack name, who rose to the top of the class. George Colvin led home Leyland Phillips throughout the day, whilst Charlotte Arthur had looked good early in the heats.

The Junior class began in heart-stopping catastrophe for a number of reasons. The first running of the first heat produced three laps of hellacious racing from Cameron Taylor and Max Perry. The pairing swapped places constantly for three laps and at great speed. But tragedy was to follow. Whilst the pair raced up the hill and past the commentary box, Perry failing to see backmarker Liam Cox up ahead. Perry collided heavily with Cox and the race was instantly brought to a halt. It is with great relief that the crowd (not to mention the boy’s parents) saw both boys get to their feet, although neither took part again in the day. This left Cameron Taylor to dominate the Junior class, taking a convincing win. Closest to the RTS boy was Sonny Springer, who battled with Taylor Springer all day, although the elder Springer was competing in the Inters class. After dropping a heat late on, Taylor Springer lost out on his top step in the Inters class and Nathan Alder rode home to take the Inters honours. 

The 500cc sidecar class saw 5 of the top 6 in last year’s British Championships competing, and the racing was fast and furious. British and former European Champions Josh Goodwin/Liam Brown looked the quickest outfit on the day, although a problem in their 3^rd heat meant that they had one blemish to their otherwise perfect afternoon’s racing. Closest to them was Super Series champions Mitch Godden/Paul Smith. Try as they might, they could not get the better of Goodwin/Brown, although it was a valiant effort by the former solo racer and his passenger. Dave Carvill/Cameron Godden rode well all day to claim 3^rd, after several close tussles throughout the day. Even in the final, Carvill/Godden embarked in a fantastic race with Scott Dunn/Scott Goodwin, Barrie Bennett/Eifion Hughes and Shaun Hughes/Louis Bennett. However, the day was all about Goodwin/Brown’s performance, laying down a statement before the Super Series kicks off at Swingfield in 2 weeks time.

The final class of the day were the 1000cc sidecars, and once again Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth looked like they would dominate the day. They won their three heats convincingly, leading home their closest contenders Rob Wilson/Terry Saunters in their final heat. Young riders Tom Cossar/Ryan Barker provided much excitement throughout the day, with determined rides to better their positions. They had some tremendous battles in particular with Westcountry pairing Simon Heal/Rowland Broomfield, with the latter coming out on top in the final, pushing Cossar/Barker back to 4^th.

Drama at the front though for the other Cossar crew once again in the final, as for the second meeting in a row, their outfit (although a different outfit than the one used at their last meeting) shed its chain. This time, whilst leading out of the first bend, Carl Blyth’s arm was raised and near-certain victory was snatched cruelly from them. This left Wilson/Saunters to lead the pack home, with another impressive crew, Matt Fumarola/Gareth Williams, complete with new kevlars and livery, rode safely home for 2^nd. The Heal/Cossar battle culminated with Heal finishing 3^rd.

The final gentlemanly gesture of the day occurred after the final. Rob Wilson, recognising that fate had snatched victory cruelly away from Cossar/Blyth, offered his outfit to the pairing to perform a lap of honour, much to the delight of the onlooking crowd.

After a long day’s racing, a positive air of optimism seems to be growing amongst the Grasstrack fraternity. Ledbury club members should be commended for their efforts, as do all of the riders who produced a fantastic day’s racing. Last mention must go to Clerk of the Course Matthew Wear, whose decision to cut races down to three laps after the first set of heats proved the perfect call.