|
enduro
news |
|
|
MICHELIN ENDURANCE CHALLENGE 2008 |
|
|
In the run-up to the third round of the popular Michelin XC series, organised by WOR Events, Steve Ireland and his crew opted to make the Robins Mountain course a little less challenging than usual and it turned out to be a smart move. Torrential rain and high winds throughout Saturday and non-stop rain overnight saw several new water features added to the course by the time the hordes blasted off the line on Sunday morning. The course was bathed in brilliant sunshine throughout the event, which was a real bonus for the riders, who initially slipped and splashed their way around the 5 mile loop.
With nine separate classes in the morning race it was a surprised Lincoln Brewster who found himself trailing Ben Wootton, who took of like a rocket. To add to Brewster's problems he had to pit and change his front brake-caliper mid-way through the race but Wootton didn't have things all his own way. A time consuming off in one of the muddy bogs saw him waste his advantage and Brewster hunted him down and passed him to win the Expert class, but only by 11 seconds from Wooton. Wooton and Brewster had a coming together in the spray, which left Brewster with half a footpeg and Wootton with a few mis-shaped spokes but both battled on.
Owain Humphries had a slightly easier time in the 2hr Clubman class. His nine minute lead gave him a comfortable victory ahead of Ryan Faulks, George Knowles and Scott Hughes, all on 11 laps but with over 12 minutes between them. Fifth placed Craig Parkes managed eight laps before his DNF. Jack Twentyman had an interesting day to say the least. His fast but costly journey to the event proved to be well worthwhile as he posted 10 laps and won the Over 35 class by nearly two minutes from Carl Critchlow. The Sagar name was once again on the podium but it was Paul Sagar, who took a creditable third in class ahead of Huw Edwards and Colin Blunt. Moving up an age bracket, the Over 40's went to Chris Wagstaffe who, on 10 laps, had a lap in hand over the following pack., which was lead by Mike Rees. Allan Hopwood was once more in the top three followed by Kevin Humphries and Dave Griffiths.
Although the event was initially scheduled for a 2-hour and a 3-hour race, conditions dictated that everyone completed 2-hours but were scored separately. Phillip Ball just squeezed in an extra lap to take the 3-hour Sportsman class ahead of a string of riders on eight laps. Mark Bill and Craig Attwell joined Ball in the top three as Dan Edwards and Elgan Roberts completed the top five. The 2-hour Sportsman riders saw Mike Erratt neck and neck with Jack Evans and Darren Heyes for half of the race but, gradually he pulled a lead of nearly 10 minutes to win the class with ease. Evan took second and Heyes third, all a lap up on Andrew Donald and Scott Smith in fourth and fifth.
For the Novice riders the weather had made the course a real challenge. William Charnock, first, and Gavin Beech, second, headed the field on eight laps as Daxton Bennett, Dave Jarvis and Leah Jones all trailed in a lap down on the leaders completing the top five. Although the event began with some trepidation from many riders, the combination of sunshine and strong winds made for enjoyable riding conditions as the course improved with each lap, but it was far from easy. It was however, enjoyed by all and very competitive across all classes. Excellent preparation and organisation by WOR certainly helped the smooth running of an enjoyable Sunday out on the hills of North Wales.
"WOR SERVES UP ANOTHER CRACKER!" REPORT BY GWYNNE TURNER. PICTURES BY CETRA EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY. "WOR Events made their annual pilgrimage over the mountains to the awesome Penybontfawr venue on the Powys borders last weekend and served up another cracking weekend of Cross Country motorcycle racing. With this venue WOR have one of the best off road circuits in the UK, with a huge mountainside to go at the course offered everything including a superb grass special test area adjacent to the pits and paddock area that made for great viewing as the riders battled the now customary (for UK!) wet conditions. The weather plays such an important part in the smooth running of any off road event and can certainly make or break an event. Luckily the superbly planned courses that the WOR track building team had in store for the weekend's racing managed to hold out and give the riders a brilliant time on their bikes.
The 65cc group was led from start to finish by the flying Jack Edmondson, taking his 4th win out of 4 in the series. Eddy was ahead by 2 laps come the end of the 1.5hrs from runner up Jack Fewings and 3rd placed Brad Edwards. In the small wheel 85's the 3rd place on the rostrum went to Sion Skinner with Dan Bewlay in 2nd and a convincing class win going to the stylish Dominic Thomas (above). Joe Wootton (top) once again dominated in the big wheel 85's taking not only a class win but a fine 3rd overall. The runners up spot went to the hard charging Simon Jones with Sophie Thomas once again impressing everyone on her little Kawasaki taking a well earned final podium place.
All the young riders responded brilliantly to the demands of the circuit with all finishers deserving their gold WOR medal, A slick awards and trophy presentation done in the beautiful surroundings of the valley and the caterers quality hot pork and apple baps seemed a perfect end to the days proceedings. Results The next round of this growing Youth only off road series is on SATURDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER. Visit www.worevents.com for more details.
WOR have now returned to the "Old School" format of running just one race in a day. All the classes combine in one big race now for a 10am start and at the 2hr point the intermediate classes get the chequered flag and their stuff is done. The Experts and the Clubman and Championship Vets then carry on for the rest of the race whether that be for 2.5 hrs or 3hrs. The "new" format had a great feel to it and most riders are glad to see it back. With the change in race format comes several bonus' for the event with less noise and impact on the venue and surrounding neighbours along with an easier clear up for the track construction team but best of all an early home for the riders. Getting home that little bit earlier is always nice for the tired XC racer and families. In the Expert class it was that man Lincoln Brewster (above) who once again was top dog. Leading from lap one the 38year old car dealer from Bolton was super smooth on the KBR KTM 200. Brewster took a nasty cut to the throat area and at one stage was pouring with blood, The events clerk of the course Steve Ireland had Lincoln pulled into the pits for the Medics to have a look at and after tending to him allowed him back on to the track still in front of the chasing hounds. Even a cut throat is not stopping Brewster doing his winning at the moment, Tough lad indeed! The 2nd and 3rd place battle was truly brilliant to watch with young Harry Hillas and Craig Reynolds not letting go of sight of one another. Swapping places and racing bar to bar saw the wiry Hillas just edge out Reynolds come the chequered flag just after the 2.5hr mark. Hillas (KTM) and Reynolds (Manchester Xtreme Yam) were literally only 5 seconds apart at the end, close XC racing indeed. Martin Sandiford was pushing for honours until a fall hurt his shoulder and the new Husky dealer had to retire. In the Clubman class it was a top 3 of young testosterone as the 3 lads are all under 19 years of age. The 3rd place on the Michelin podium was owned by TM mounted Scott Hughes with 11 laps to his credit. Six minutes clear of Scott was young CF racing rider Daf Jones. Jones riding the GG ec 125. The top spot glory went to Gary Daniels as he came from dead last to win the group. A very special mention must go to Young Owain Humphries though. The older brother of Junior FMF race winner Gethin was in flying form. Out his new KTM 200 the committed 16 year old was miles ahead of the clubman and was about to finish his 12th lap, unmatched by the other clubman poor Owain ran of petrol cruelly within sight of the finish. After receiving petrol from a marshal the honest young Welshman owned up to his illegal fuelling (non prompted!!) and said he was a none finisher. Fine stuff from Humphries and the podium will certainly see a lot more of him.
The conditions were very slippy at times and the better riders were doing laps in about 12-14 minutes.
In the 2hr over 40 class it was John Littler that took the win from Kev Humphries (Owain and Gethins dad make it 2 trophies for that family!) in second and Allan Hopwood in third. Hopwood struggling with the bikes handling and grip on the day, A few adjustments will soon see Hopwood back on it!. In the youth class Joe Wootton took his second trophy of the day with a fine win from second placed Huw Jones and 3rd placed rostrum visitor Josh Parry. All of these riders putting on a great show in the wet conditions. Finally in the novice group it was Darren Evans from Carl Thomas and Elgan Roberts in that order that took the superb trophies home. Results
WOR's next event is on the 26/27th July at a brand new venue that will be announced very shortly. WOR will be announcing several new and very exciting venues in the coming weeks keeping the their fingers on the pulse in this busy off road industry and offering the riding public some of the best circuits the UK has to offer. More details can be found at www.worevents.com
"FAST EDDY'S FAST CROSS" "WOR Events tried their new format of the MICHELIN FAST CROSS out on Sunday gone and it was well received by all the riders. The format was simple each class got two 1 hour races with individual results, then both races were pooled together and an overall was decided. Add in the bonus of hole shot points in each of the classes in all of the races and you have something "a little different". The riders loved it and certainly enjoyed the little 30 minute break they got between races. In searing heat and temperatures the halftime break offered bikes and riders time to cool down and prepare themselves for the next assault on the flowing and fast mountainside circuit. The track if ridden in the middle was certainly very bumpy indeed, however the sharper riders were finding lovely smooth lines on the boundaries of the track and the 5.5 mile loop was berming and chopping up lovely.
The top clubman after the 2 sessions was Young Jamie Robinson, Two wins put him at the top of the pile and to be fair the Expert class is looming for this young lad that has come right through the WOR academy from a small boy through to the excellent rider he is nowadays. Robinsons Gas Gas finished ahead of Josh Taylor in second place and Steve Hughes in 3rd. Taylor's little YAMAHA YZ 125 was absolutely flying around the mountain and the Halifax based youngster deserved his silver runners up award. A 4th and a 2nd were his race results. Hughes took 3rd overall as mentioned with a 2nd and a 5th place.
Colin Jones on his trusty Yamaha yz 250 battled all day with his Rival Ray Whittle. Whittle took the first race and Jones the second, Whittle however took both race hole shots and secured more points in the overall series. The win on the day however went to Jones by default of winning the last race. CF Racing boss Gareth Lloyd took third overall with a fourth and third to secure the last trophy on the podium in the Pm races. The morning warriors had faced their two 1 hour sessions in the brightest sunshine you could imagine. The track however despite the warmth and sunshine did have some wet and tricky area out there that if ridden correctly would splash a lovely cold mud puddle over the rider. Several riders were spotted rolling in these puddles (ala hippopotamus!!) to chill themselves out. Top rider over all of the morning was Sportsman and moto x rider Mike Hicken. Runner up to Mike was Ben Ball with another fine ride and Jason Hicken to the 3rd place trophy. Hicken took third from level on point s Kev Freeman by virtue of the rule ..Last race result … Allan Hopwood was double race winner in the over 40 group with Paul Davies and John Mcleod in second and third place respectively.
With the summer conditions and clock work organisation all present had once again had a great days off road motorcycle sport thanks to the WOR Events team. WOR's next event is on Wednesday night (14th may) and is rd 1 of the CF Racing Wednesday night XC series. Following on from that is the 24/25th May at the superb Robins Mountain circuit near Abergele, If this weather stays good than that place in the sunshine is about as good as it gets for Off road riding. Results AM Race 1 AM Race 2 AM Final PM Race 1 PM Race 2 PM Final More details at www.worevents.com MICHELIN FAST CROSS HOLES SHOT POINTS AM RACE ALLAN HOPWOOD....# 69 = 4PTS BEN BALL ...#35 = 4 PTS OLIVER COOP....#256 = 4PTS JOE WOOTTON...#32 = 2PTS LUKE THOMAS...#319 = 2PTS PM RACE CRAIG REYNOLDS..#18 = 2PTS BEN WOOTTON...#33 = 2PTS JAMIE ROBINSON..#70 =2PTS STEVE HUGHES ..#152 = 2PTS RAY WHITTLE ..# 50 = 4PTS KARL CLAYBROOK...#325 = 2PTS JASON HOPE...#282 = 2Pts
Report: G Turner Photos: Aspect Event Photography Results: WOR Events
" KB Racing rider Lincoln Brewster secured his second WOR championship for 2007 with a fine win at the last round of the MICHELIN ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS. Riding his Gas Gas 300 with the determination and commitment he is famed for, the wiry Bolton based rider was simply untouchable on the circuit and took the race win and enough points to take the prestigious overall title. A fortnight ago Lincoln had secured the CF Racing wed night series and is now going all out to take the Gas Gas Motos UKXC with a win at the final round in October which will see him take 3 of the 4 championships that WOR have organised this year. No mean feat at all and one that will see him sport the number 1 plate for 2008. Well done Lincoln. This last MICHELIN round was run at the fantastic Robins Mountain circuit near the coast in Abergele. The course had had a facelift and was just about perfect with a technical and flowing 6 mile lap that every rider commented with praise about. With 10 separate sections of woodland coupled with linking farm tracks and shale quarry areas the riders were treated to a feast of off road goodies with several big natural jumps included in the mix. Finishing in the open class behind Lincoln on the day was Aled Evans on his Jl Beta 525. A solid and strong ride indeed from the powerful Welshman. Young Ashley fox took third place and finished as runner up in the series. Harry Hillas took the clubman class win on the day and infact finished 2nd overall to Lincoln in days results. Hillas is a man on form at the moment and once he has smoothed out a bit and gets beefier and stronger he will certainly play a major part in the Expert class when he moves up (very soon!) Jamie Robinson had a cracking ride and was in act the race leader for nearly an hour and a half. Jamie (gg200) eventually finished 2nd and was really on the pace with some smooth riding indeed. 3rd place on the day went to Damien Butler (KTM 200) who did just enough to secure the clubman title overall and deservedly so as he has battled over 17 hours and approx 600 miles to earn that right!!!!. Richard Main deserves a mention as he was absolutely flying (again!!) on his Yam 250. Main was well in front of every one in his over 35's class and was infact catching Lincoln at the front of the pack when he had a big smash and had to call it a day and limp his way home….hard luck Richard. That left the hard charging Jack Twentyman to keep up his momentum and take the class win with some proper aggressive riding. Beta mounted Rob Morris took a fine 2nd place and John Lofthouse secured 3rd. Lofthouse making a welcome return to the WOR ranks. In the over 45's it was that man Dave Smith that once again showed his class, taking a clear and concise victory. 2nd place went Garteh "Rhug" Jones (ktm 250f) and shows how determination gets results as he has stood on the podium in 2nd place twice in one week. Same goes again for 3rd placed Paul Robson, by battling on and finishing he as Jones did, finished on the podium twice in one week (last rnd was last weekend!). Young Michael Briggs took the solo Sportsman class with his usual style…fast, tidy, Job done. Lewis Belfield took a well earned second albeit 7 minutes down on the hard charging Briggs. Both Briggs and Belfield will now step up to the WOR clubman ranks. 3rd in class went to Lee Taylor who was riding very well indeed for the duration and said at the end of the event, quote:" That was a fantastic track and event!!" Josh Taylor is a young man who can't stop winning at the moment and once again took the Youth Solo class with ease and also becomes a MICHELIN champion of 2007. 2nd to Josh in the Youth was Joe Wootton with big bike pace on his little wheeled KTM. 3Rd was #59 Adam Barrat. Remember that these guys did the 4 hour duration on their own and have shown great strength and stamina. William Hillas, Jon Hill and Thomas Pritchard all deserve a mention too as the y battled on and finished with good laps to their credit. In the novice solo category it was John Roberts that took the spoils and after a year of steady good results he will be moving up to Sportsman as WOR will reshuffle and regroup riders with some interesting class changes on the cards. 2nd went to Karl Chadwick with Adam Jenkins in 3rd. The 2 man team section of these events has been really popular with a great atmosphere amongst the teams of friends, dad's and Lad's, brothers etc… However the championship did not include the teams even though they were scored and points collated for the 4 rounds (just to let everyone know how they got on). The quickest 2 man team out there was the veteran pairing of Colin Jones and Gareth Lloyd and in true gentleman style they gave up their award as Clubman winners because they were "too good!" well done guys. This left the door open for Aled Humphreys and Aled Pritchard to take the spoils from Si Douglas and Daz Cowen. Scott Hughes and Rob Lambert were 3rd. Top two man in the sportsman class was Dewi and Gareth Roberts (no relation!) With Ryan Faulks and Jamie Carrol in second. The final podium place going to Wyn Williams and Rhys Evans. Novice 2man was topped by the father and son pairing of Elwyn and Tom Beedles. The Brothers Hughes…Steve and Paul were 2nd and another dad and lad team were in third…the Allinsons…Martin and James. Kate Lloyd and Leah Jones took the ladies class from Jane Daniels and Abi Blackshaw, with both the girls teams doing really well on the technical circuit.
So another cracking series wrapped up for WOR and title sponsors MICHELIN. A very professional and well organised series indeed with some great courses and challenges. The 17 hours and 600 miles of track were a long old slog but the hardy souls that took on the challenge are all worthy and true competitors in the 2007 MICHELIN endurance championship. Assistant WOR race boss, Liam Hughes said at the end :" It's been a great championship and myself and the team would like to thank all the landowners involved in the series for their superb venues and help. It's the venues that we have that make us stand out as the UK's number 1 in this field and also a big thanks to the sponsors MICHELIN for helping raise the profile of the WOR Events by getting involved with us and allowing us to put their prestigious name alongside ours." Well done to all the class victors…prizes and final standings will be announced soon.
Big powdered berms' with rocks and roots to catch the riders out mixed with the fast and flowing grass test area had the riders and the spectators enthralled for the 4hour duration. Closing the entry at a sensible level to ensure non over crowding of the circuit was a wise move by the WOR team and this piece of quality control is really an attribute that keeps this club at the top of the quality tree. One rider that was certainly at the top of the tree was Sandiford Honda teamster Paul Bolton (above). Bolton had had an earlier ding dong with his team boss Martin Sandiford as the two were inseparable for the first 5 or 6 laps. Martin then got trapped on some wire and spent a little time freeing himself off and fro then on had to play catch up. In the meantime KB Racings Lincoln Brewster had managed to t himself in-between the two matching Honda teamsters and stayed there right to the end with another fine and committed ride. The top 3 panned out with Bolts and Brewster on 29laps and Martin on 28. There were 14 classes running on the day including 2 man teams and all of the top 3 in each category received a trophy at the presentation which was no mean feat to organise as over 60 actual trophies were given away.
Richard Main (below #497)was unstoppable in the over 35's and also took 7th overall in the race with another very fast performance on his Yam 250 2t. Dave Smith (below #164) once again cleaned up in over 45's, Michael Briggs won the Sportsman solos. Young Josh Taylor (below #8) won the Youth solo with yet another strong and stylish ride on his Yam 125. The top open 2 man team were the Roberts family with Chris and Mark flying all race to easily win their class. Top 2 man clubman team was Ben Howard and Andrew Knoakley. Tom Potter and Norman Hayhurst took the sportsman 2 man win in style and in the Novice 2 man's Dad and Lad team of Elwyn and Tom Beedles were the team to beat. The top 2 ladies did a fine 21 laps and that duo was made up of Jane Daniels and Georgina Hayhurst. It would take forever to mention all the class winners and podium finishers and to be fair all the riders deserve a pat on the back for finishing the event. These team events create a lovely family atmosphere and with the tremendous setting this event had and the fact that the rain managed to stay away for the duration made this event stand out as one of the best of the series.
The last round is now next Sunday (9th September) at the awesome Robins Mountain Venue near Abergele. The track will be brand new to spice things up and the final Championship positions will be decided. WOR would like to thank the series sponsors MICHELIN UK and all the land owners so far involved in the running of this superb championship.
"KB RACING STARS CLEAN UP AT TYN TWYLL"REPORT BY : GWYNNE TURNER. PHOTOS BY : ASPECT EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY "5 Hours of proper Enduro and x country racing was exactly what WOR Events provided at the 2nd round of the MICHELIN ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS. Over night rain had made the stunning venue (Brand new for WOR) in the deepest North Wales valley very slick underfoot to say the least, however a very dry and clear day saw the track dry out lap after lap and in fact by the 3rd hour it was in awesome condition and everybody was enjoying themselves. A 10:30 am start saw a very well supported event get underway with over 90 solo riders and 50+ 2-man teams taking on the challenge that lay ahead. In the expert Iron man class it was Martin Sandiford that was the leader till the 3 hour mark, Never far behind was the always "super committed" KB Racing rider Lincoln Brewster. Brewster (above) had a game plan and was going to step it up come the last 2 hours of the marathon. He did just that and went on to take a fantastic win lapping the entire field including 2nd placed Andrew Cripps. KB Racing's other top rider Cripps did really well and is starting to make inroads back to the form he is capable of. 3rd went to Young Ben Wootton with another spirited and determined ride. Martin Sandiford sadly retired due to a smashed in finger just about the 3 hour point, the 5hour race duration was also maybe a little too long for the vastly experienced Honda rider. Damien Butler was in fine form in the Clubman solo's taking a solid win and 2-lap cushion from 2nd placed Harry Hillas. 3rd went to Jim Bucanan and Jim was also best 4t rider in class. Top 0ver 35 man was Ian Barnett who managed to just sneak another lap in ahead of Jack Twentyman in second place. Those two really battling early on in the event. Final podium position went to BETA mounted Rob Morris who did well by riding to and then from the event on the bike he competed on, a fair feat indeed. Over 45's had Colin Jones pushing Dave Smith hard for 3.5 hours, Jones then retired due to not being able to hold on whilst Smith did his usual thing of taking a well earned an pretty much uncatchable win. Even after a big tumble and collision with another rider Smith took a 3 lap cushion from second placed Ray Whittall. 3rd palced OVER 45 went to Gareth Jones with a fine determined ride.
Finally in the solo Iron man category was the novice 1-2-3 of John Roberts, Stan Brooks and Jordan Blackshaw. All deserving their trophies. The event catered for 2 man teams and the craic and atmosphere around the pits and rider swap area was really good, even more so as the sun got warmer throughout the day. Top open 2 man team was Hackett and Butterworth who put on a brilliant ride to take 3rd place overall and top their class with ease. Good to see Andrew Hackett back in the thick of top level racing and going very well. WOR Top brass Steve Ireland got a rare outing in one of his own events and made up a team with the multi talented Andy Daniels. Ireland went out and did 1 and a half laps then had to stop and assist his marshal's in some of the trickier sections of the track, this meant the Hardy Daniels did more or less the whole 5 hours on his own and ensured the team still finished in second place. Well done Andy. 3rd went to Sloane/ Sheirs. The 2-man clubmen class was topped by Jones/Davies from 2nd placed Dyson/Shannon with Price and Essex in 3rd place. The top 2 teams doing 22 laps. Thornton and Thornton the father and son team topped the Sportsman 2man with the young team of Faulks and Carrol in 2nd place. Final podium places went to Bell and Ashby. In the youth 2 man the 2 Humpreys Brothers were unstoppable although The Lee Brothers put up a very good fight indeed and fully deserved the runner up position. 3rd went to Deakin and Robinson with a committed ride. Novice two man was won by yet another set of the brothers, this time the Hughes's and they took a near 2 minute advantage from Carpenter and Joyce in 2nd place. Third place was father and son team, Beedles and Beedles with young Tom going very well out on the track indeed. A special mention for the 2 girls who teamed up and really did well in the tough conditions…. Kate Lloyd and Leah Jones..With 10 laps to their credit. So another great WOR EVENT and quality round to the MICHELIN SERIES. Next WOR Events is the GAS GAS MOTOS UK XC on 12th August 2007. MICHELIN MEN OF THE MOMENT…….KB RACING! ROUND 1 @ NANTMAWR QUARRY, SHROPS. 4 HOUR MULTI LAP ENDURO Sunday 24.06.07 Report : Gwynne Turner Pictures : Aspect Event Photography
With 3 other top drawer championships already running in 2007 (Gas Gas ukxc, CF racing Wed night, Motul GBHS) this Michelin series was starting in June and runs to September with 4 races that are all 4hours or more in duration. Gone was the usual 2-race format that WOR have and all classes lined up together for a 4-hour race from 10am till 2 PM. "Packed to the rafters" was the only way to describe the entry list, 180 was the limit and over 80 riders were turned away. The circuit was brilliant with everyone commenting on how technical and challenging it was. One of the best things about the day was the fact the rain stayed away and the sunshine helped create a great atmosphere around the quarry paddock. With laps taking the faster riders around the 12-minute mark and covering lots of new and innovative parts of the quarry, excellent spectating points and semi extreme sections were the order of the day. MICHELIN UK have put in some massive support for WOR in general for all events and this 4 round series is WOR's way of giving something back… A big banner and logo presence along with a great entry, fantastic venue and good weather ensured a special weekend for all involved. With the race running for 4 hours solid and most riders only used to Hare scrambles with 2 or 3 hour limits this was always going to be an interesting event come the final extra hour. To be fair most riders took on the duration of the event without too much hassle and fuss and there were some strong last hour performances taking place amongst the solo riders and the teams that had linked forces. Young midlander, Ashley Fox 17 (pictured: above) has always been a rider that WOR boss Steve Ireland has said to watch out for. Ashley has progressed with style and speed through the junior ranks at WOR and now first time out on his new ERW Yamaha YZ 250 was simply in dazzling form. Leading from the very start and for the first 2 hours, then riding very steady and comfortable in 2nd place for the next 2, Ashley fully deserved his overall victory. A last lap mistake by the also flying Sandiford Honda Boss, Martin which unfortunately injured Martins foot and ankle, was all young Fox needed to sneak past and take the win.
Unbelievably yet another WOR youth rider that has come through the ranks took the overall win in the clubman class. Jamie Robinson on his 200 GG was in great form and fully deserved his win over 2nd placed rider Damien Butler. Robinson took a clear 2 minutes from Butler. Jim Bucanan was in 3rd place although he was a lap down on 18 laps. The racing stayed true and strong in the class right through the 4 hours and although there were some tired faces at the end it all somehow seemed worth it. Harry Hillas who is really flying at the moment was literally miles out in front until he had a big crash and went for a visit to hospital. He was given all clear and was safe and sound at home on Sunday night. Hillas is not far from taking a well-earned place in the expert class, his riding is very strong indeed.
Once again travelling from the Isle of Man was young David Pearce out on his Pagetts Suzuki 125. He did brilliant 18 laps and would have been top 5 in clubman. However he took sportsman honors from Gareth Roberts by 3 minutes and Tom Potter in 3rd by one clear lap. Pearce is only 15 and again is one to watch for the very near Future. (Ironically Ash Fox and Dave Pearce are related! Must be some quick genes in the family!) The novice solo class was headed by John Roberts who will think of a move up to Sportsman very soon. Adam Jenkins was in a strong second place and the man they call the "fire starter" Rob Lambert took 3rd place. Josh Taylor was victorious in the Youth category taking a 35 second advantage from 2 nd placed Scott Clifford. Remarkable really that just 30 seconds separated them after 4 solid hours. 3rd place went to Billy Robinson on 16 laps and a well-earned 4th place went to the determined Josh Parry. A very special well done to all the solo 4-hour riders that took on the challenge and completed it. The 2 man teams as always have a great sense of comarardary and spirit. This showed in the 3 categories, as first of all in the sportsman class was the winners, Scott Hughes and Jamie Carol took a 3-lap advantage over second placed Iain Mcgugian and Callum Mcgugian. 3rd went to the pair of Simon Chapman and Ian Marriott. In the ladies class only 2 teams went out at the start of play. They both finished well with Sophie Thomas and Jane Daniel's taking the win and Kate Lloyd and Leah Jones 2 laps down. Novice 2 man has the Hughes, Steve and Paul as the class winners with the Wrigley Brothers in a fine second place and Bryn Price and Guy Hemmings in 3rd. First time trophies for the 2nd and 3rd placed guys which is really nice to see.
With very minimal fuss a great event was once again staged by the WOR Events team and as always expected it was run safely, fairly, professionally and most of all with a smile. WOR'S next event is this WEDNEDAY night (June 27th) back at Nantmawr on a completely new track for a 2 hour CF RACING sponsored evening event. Starting at 6.30 PM the event is open to all comers and is round 2 of a four round series (3 to count) with classes for everyone. Anyone interested in riding should call Entries Secretary Carol on 07944378432 for a phone entry or alternatively e-mail entries@worevents.com The Michelin second round is a 5-hour event (not 6) at the awesome Penybontfawr Venue on the Powys Borders on July 29th. MICHELIN MAN of the moment is ASHLEY FOX, well done!!!!
Pictured above: Barry Urand of Michelin & Steve Ireland of WOR Events
The dates for the series are: ROUND 1 23/24th JUNE 2007 ROUND 2 28/29TH JULY 2007 ROUND 3 1/2ND SEPT 2007 ROUND 4 8/9TH SEPT 2007 Add into the huge calendar that the WOR Events team already impressively organise, The popular stepping stone into the sport, Race Experience Days, a few classic Time Card Enduros (tba very shortly) , some Wednesday night events and The current Trail Tech Dark One series and it's obvious to see why The WOR team have the backing and support of Britain's best ……RIDERS and INDUSTRY movers. Every rider in any championship with WOR this year will need to be affiliated and registered with WOR to obtain their race number and licence for the year. All details can be found at www.worevents.com
|
A combination
of stone tracks, steep banks with a few short woodland sections thrown in for
good measure gave riders a series of challenges which caught out the unwary at
times.
The even more elderly Ray Whittall, in the Over 45 class, had a nightmare
start but fought his way through the field to take the honours. Gareth Lloyd
and Colin Jones matched Whittall lap for lap to join him on the podium as
Gareth Jones and Del Pugh completed the top five.
Jane Daniels
took the top spot in the ladies class and also third place in the
ultra-competitive Youth class, beaten only by Gethin Humphries and Joe Wootton,
and then only just! Josh Parry and Owain Davies took fourth and fifth
respectively.
SAT/SUN
5/6TH JULY 2008 - PENYBONTFAWR, POWYS
THE
JUNIOR RACE…. Saturday was the better day out of the two as far as the
weather was concerned but the wet stuff still came down. The FMF Junior Hare
Scrambles has so far run at top quality venues and this one was even better
offering the future stars a smaller but equally technical circuit as in the
previous rounds. This was the 4th round of the 6 round championship and a
healthy field turned out to support it.
The
bigger class with the up to 150cc machines had some very quick youth riders in
it indeed with once again that young man Gethin Humphries taking a brilliant
win with those scary speeds he is capable of. Gethin Placed 4 minutes clear of
his nearest rival, Adam Barrat who in turn managed to get an extra lap in over
3rd placed Morgan Lewis.
The
Over 35 's was Jack Twentymans' once again with his nearest rival Jason Hope
being a lap down on 11 to Jacks' 12. Third place went to Emrys Price on 10
laps. Twentyman (right) now has moved back down south to Devon and is
continuing to ride and support the WOR Events, true commitment to the cause
and shows this mans determination in everything he does.
One
of those better riders was CF Racing shop owner and WOR supporter Gareth Lloyd
(left). Out on a new 200 2 stroke as opposed to the 250f he has recently been
racing saw the 47 year old simply destroy his opposition over the fast Powys
mountainside. As the race wore on Lloyd passed early race leader Raymond
Whittal and pulled clear to take a near 2 minute advantage from Honda mounted
Whittal. Colin Jones is always there or there abouts and kept up his trophy
collection with a sold bronze finish.
The
top Sportsman of the day was Ben Ball with the two Wrigerly brothers Tim
(right) and Neil finishing in second and third respectively. That was the top
3 for the longer race in the sportsman group over in the 2hr Sportsman
category it was Chris Wagstaff, Kev Freeman and Chris Parkes in that order
making up the podium places.
With
the race and the presentation over by 1.30pm it was then that the sun decided
to come out and play and as the car park emptied the hard working WOR team set
about dismantling and leaving the venue clean and tidy to move across the
mountains and over to the new venue for this weekends GBXC which is sure to be
a real classic as the best in Britain descend on the Berwyn Mountain ranges to
battle out on the telly for the GBXC title.
In the PM races Paul Edmondson on his Relentless Suzuki 450 was just in a
race of his own as he put on a display of sheer speed that had other riders
and spectators alike in awe of the yellow blur they had just witnessed. With 2
x 1 hr race wins to his credit "Fast Eddy" topped the Fast Cross
with Lincoln Brewster on his new KTM 200 (absolutely flying) in a comfortable
second place. Craig Reyonlds (left) on his Manchester Xtreme Yam 250 was also riding
very well and consistent. Reynolds with a win and a second placed as top
Expert on the day, also claiming some of the valuable hole shot points as well
to count towards his overall WOR championship. Pete Lightfoot was a deserved
2nd and Craig Chadwick finished 3rd taking the final trophy in that class.
In
the over 35's it was a win in two races that put Evergreen Jack Twentyman on
top of the podium once more. Although in the second race Richard Main was
flying out front on his Yam 250 2t only to run out of fuel with a lap to go.
Runner up overall on the podium to Twentyman was Carl Claybrook (left) . The
local motocross specialist Claybrook, suiting the 1 hour race formats and
going very smooth and fast for the duration. Claybrook also took a Hole Shot
award for his efforts. Jason Hope secured 3rd place on the rostrum with a
determined and fine ride on his KTM 250 2t with a 6th place and a 4th.
The
novice group had Matt Gill in 3rd place with Andrew Roberts in second and the
overall going to Oliver Coop. Coop also had two hole shots and is riding with
lots more style than his peers nowadays, a move up a class is ready for him
now. Finally the youth class and once again the young KTM mounted Joe Wootton
stole the show with yet another classy ride. Wootton (left) just picks good
racing lines and makes things look easy for himself. He was hounded on Sunday
however by Simon Jones on his little Yam 85, Jones finishing in second with
125 mounted Josh Parry in a well deserved 3rd place.
ENDURANCE
CHAMPIONSHIP 2007 Rd 4 and Final 9/9/07 @ Robins Mountain, Abergele.
BREWSTER'S YA MAN!!!
Finally in the youth 2 man Gary Daniels and Joe Deakin were on top form
with a comprehensive victory over the Humphrey's brothers. 3rd place went to
the two Jones', Huw and Simon (no relation).
"Another
fantastic setting and venue was the order of the day at yesterdays 3rd round
of the MICHELIN ENDURANCE SERIES organised by WOR Events in the majestic
grounds of the old mansion and gardens of Llywn Ynn Hall near Ruthin. On a
smaller than normal WOR track the venue was almost split into 2 parts with a
"Full on" grass special test type section at the start of the lap
that led to the twisting and technical woodland park area that had riders
concentrating on every single corner of the 5k loop. There was a very good
section by the mansions front garden gates that wound its way down some
concrete steps and alongside the riverbank almost resembling a mini extreme
section that was "doable" for all abilities.
Everyone deserves a mention for their top three achievements and the
results will do just that however some other names that stood out on the day
was Flying youngster and at the moment unmatchable clubman, Harry Hillas
(left).
Hillas finished the event as class winner and was in a brilliant 4th place
overall in the event.
Another KB Racing rider to have success was Lewis Belfield, son of race
team boss Kenny. Lewis took the holeshot and the class win with another fine
ride and showed that he can go the distance with 5 hours proving no problem
for the young lad. 2nd went to Scott Hughes and 3rd to Neil Hawksey, both
Hughes and Hawksey were on 19 laps and Lewis was on 21. Josh Taylor took the
youth solo class with ease and did 18 laps to his credit. Adam Barratt was 2nd
and William Hillas in 3rd. Little Jon Hill showed true spirit finishing in 4th
place but most of all by battling the 5hours and finishing.
WOR
Events unleashed yet another high profile championship to their loyal riders
and supporters yesterday as the MICHELIN ENDURANCE series got under way at the
awesome Nantmawr Quarry in Shropshire.
With a lovely flowing riding style and a seemingly spooky gelling with the
standard YZ 250, Fox will now be looking to keep consistent and further his CV
of riding achievements. He now leads the series after completing 21 laps.
Martin Sandiford (20 laps) as stated earlier was in fine form also and it was
great to see him back competing in these quality WOR events. Third place went
to another youngster whom has cut his teeth at WOR, 18 year old Ben Wootton.
His Honda 250 never losing sight of the podium for the duration. KBR rider
Lincoln Brewster had a very uncharacteristic DNF due to a broken radiator.
The over 35's had Dai Lewis in 1st place from Dave Carthy and Andy Wilson
with all 3 of them completing 17 laps. Fastest Vet overall was Dave Smith
(left) taking the over 45 class as well. Smith is simply untouchable in the Vets
class at the moment and once again showed that fact. Smith did 18 laps lapping
the entire field with Ray Whittal in second place and the evergreen Colin
Jones in 3rd.
Finally the youth 2 man and what a result for two other young promising
riders… Gary Daniels and Joe deakin stormed to 18 laps and the class win.
Their result would have put them in a top 15 overall place. Second was the
irrepressible Humpherys Brothers less than a minute down on the winners and
3rd went to another set of Brothers, the Lee's, Sam and Gareth.
Once again working with a market leader in UK, this time for
Tyres,
MICHELIN the country's most popular tyre choice have linked with WOR
Events and are pleased to announce details of the forthcoming 4 round
series. The championship will run from June 2007 through to September
2007 and will take place in Shropshire, N Wales and M Wales. The
format is simple, 4 individual Endurance events with all the rounds
to count….one is the WOR BIG ONE…a huge lap with a set amount of
distance to travel in a given time, One is a 6 hour Iron man event (2
man teams will also be allowed in this although only iron men would
score champ points.) and the other Two events will be straight 4 HOUR
races. The classes will be kept simple with
OPEN/CLUBMAN/VETERAN/SPORTSMAN variations. All the events are on a
Sunday with the Saturday before seeing a 4 round MICHELIN YOUTH
ENDURO series take place with the same classes as the GBHS welcome
including quads. A full prize package for this series will be
announced shortly but obviously the main criteria for this fund will
be tyres along with quality silverware, great press coverage and of
course a prestigious title.