|

IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR
Finally, the stranglehold that Jack Rowland has had on the 2024 Lincolnshire
Enduro Club Championship may have been somewhat compromised. In the clubs latest
race, and heading for his 4th straight win of the year, Jack had built a lead up
of a minute over his nearest rival Dan Johnson. However, heading towards the
11th lap of the 3 hour race, Jacks bike suffered a 'mechanical' when the GasGas
spat its wheel bearings out. This DNF for Jack allowed Dan to move into the race
lead to take his first victory of the year..This win now sees what was a 5 point
deficit at the top of the years standings turn into a 10 point lead for the Judd
Racing/JBEC Construction GasGas rider. Second home at this, the ever popular
North Willingham track was Lucas Travers. Lucas now moves into 2nd overall, with
50 points. Jack Rowland slips slightly down the table to 3rd spot. Whilst both
Dan and Lucas were on the same amount of laps at the end, Dan's winning margin
was some 8 minutes when the finish flag descended. A further lap back was Wesley
Bell. This keeps him in 4th place for the year.
The 5 mile route in the Lincolnshire Wolds, utilised some of the local wooded
areas, which were surprisingly damp even after the recent warm and dry spells
that the area has witnessed. That dry weather meant that the fast field sections
were hampered by filter clogging dust in one or two places however !
The club has had several cases of father and son racing in the same event
over the years but never has it had father, son and grandson !. The
aforementioned Dan Johnson had not only his son racing on Sunday, but his father
too. At the age of 73 (and riding under the same number) Dan's father Barry was
not only the oldest member of the club out there on the day, but finished the
event well placed in the Over 60's class. Very much proof that there are no
barriers to the competitive spirit. At the other end of the age spectrum, 16
year old Ted Johnson in the Sportsman 2T group finished well, and hopes to
follow in his family's tyre treads ! Staying with the Sportsman class's, Jodie
Lambley increased his slender lead of just 2 points at the top of the 2024
standings with his 2nd victory of the 2T campaign. His win was a little under a
minute from his rival Jake Wilson, and ekes out another couple of points
advantage. Whilst Jake doesn't feature right at the top for the year, Christian
Humphries in 3rd spot on the day keeps up the pressure for a title bid,
finishing just over a minute adrift of the top two. Staying with the Sportsman
class's, there was a clear win for Charlie Edwards in the 4T's. In the runner up
spot was Paige Felipes, but some 6 minutes behind. The time difference between
Paige and third placed rider Simon Owen couldn't have been much closer though,
just 2 seconds divided them. This is probably one of the tightest groups for the
year with just a small hand full of points separating the top 6 or 7 riders. As
yet, nobody can be considered as the odds on victor. One rider who may have a
few fingers on the 2024 trophy in his class is Nicholas King.
In the Clubman
group, a win on Sunday was his third of year and stretches his title bid out to
15 points. Darren Wells came home in the runner up place, some 40 seconds behind
but the gap between himself and third placed jockey Thomas Hodgkinson was a lot
larger; some 8 minutes. Obviously its only half way through the season yet, but
on current form its Nicholas's rivals who will be scrapping for the runner up
spots. As per the norm, the Over 50's produced the biggest class of the event
with 24 entrants. The group was another to produce a hat trick of wins this
year, this time with Gareth lodge adding victory to his top places in rounds 1
and 2. Gareth leads the charge for the title but is followed closely by Ian
Shepherd who took 3rd on the day, albeit a lap down from the winner and 2nd
placed rider Alan Vissian. In the Over 60's it could not be closer, for either
the years spoils or the actual race on Sunday. Mark Peckitt also took his 3rd
win of the year but must have been formation riding with Kev Bartle Sr who came
home just 2 seconds behind. Mark is heading the 2024 table by just 2 points.
Third home on the day and holding the same position for the year was Paul Oates.
Whilst there may be favourites in one or two classes, one group that does not
see anyone taking charge is in the Over 40's. To add to his win back in round 1,
Lee Hattersley took another victory, this time by a full lap over his nearest
rival Andy Myers. Both Lee and Andy have had 2 wins each this year. Andy was 2nd
this time out and its these two who head the table, with Lee now just one point
in front for the year. Richard Cookland came home in 3rd place. The
Trail/Classic bike section saw just 2 riders this time out with Sean Price
taking the win from Andrew Malkinson. The Slam series continues with ever more
interest. Neil Tapper had to bow down to Harry Hinkley this time out, after a
win in every round so far this year. Harry was a full lap in front when the flag
fell, with 3rd placed lad Kyle Ardito some 7 minutes in arrears. The beginners
class had 11 entrant's this time out and whilst no points are awarded in the
group, Rob Carter was the 'winner'.
Riders are reminded that the rules & regs are out for the next event
already. This event is on the 14th of July at Ashby Puerorum.
Details are here for members . . https://www.facebook.com/groups/LincolnshireEnduroClub
.....or for non members here.. https://lincolnshireenduro.wixsite.com/lec2016
Report by Martin Southwick. Photos by David Chapman and A.N.other are of the
"3 Johnson Generations" (L to R..Ted, Dan and Barry), No 106 (Gareth
Lodge) on his way to a win in the Over 50's and No 581 Jodie Lambley, the
Sportsman 2T winner.
|