Meeting Report  - Graham Stewart

Much Hoole - June 15th 2008

  For the second time this season the forecasted bad weather never reached our meeting and a day of superb racing and high emotion was enjoyed by all who attended.

  Before the meeting began there were two seperate one minute silences observed by everyone present. The first one being in memory of the late Ken Newton and the latter for, conspicuous by his absence, Stuart Mellish. The sons of both these sorely missed supporters of Grasstrack and Speedway were riding with the Lancs club on the day. Following this there were two Laps of Honour from all the competitors, both to rapturous applause from the spectators. A fitting tribute to two of grasstrack's unsung heroes.

  To add to this tribute the racing on the day was nothing short of excellent. The Auto Cadets saw some fantastic action with many riders gating well but no-one being able to hold back the 'on-form' Joe Lawlor who finished the day on maximum points. Jack Parkinson -Blackburn held on to second but was pushed all the way by Tom Stewart and Izzak Aldred, Stewart finally managing to finish in third. Jake Armstrong rode well but the hard and bumpy track proved too much for his light weight and he had a couple of 'offs'. Zach Holme continues to improve and it was nice to welcome Joseph Dickens back to racing at Much Hoole.

  The Cadet class saw equal excitment with two seperate battles raging throughout. Max Cornes showed great form but he just couldn't find an answer to Daniel Van Der Hoeven's continuing domination of this group. The scrap for third was no less hard fought but in the later heats, just as Jack Blackburn was getting on terms with Tom Stewart, he suffered a couple of mechanical failures which resulted in his retirement leaving Stewart to take the third spot.

  The Juniors were dominated by Jack Cornes until his untimely fall in heat 4 left the door open for Joshua Rockley to eclipse him on overall  points scored. Reece Downes, his style of riding not appearing suited to the uneven surface, finished in third place. Harry Slack, Joe Young and James McQuade enjoyed battling it out for the remaining places.

  Inters were led by Josh Birkett but unfortunately he was excluded in heat 3 leaving Darren Drew to win theday with Josh Second and Sam Stewart taking third.

The Adult 250's was well attended with no less than fifteen riders taking part. Rob Bradley was again unstoppable and finished on maximum points. Antony Worrall also put in a superb performance to finish second with last seasons champion Mickey Allen taking third.

  Adult 350's saw Andrew Mellish, desperate to win for the memory of his dad, riding superbly. He looked set to take a maximum points victory until the final heat. During heat six, with Andrew leading again, the race was red-flagged for two fallen riders. The re-run saw Andrew again come out of the gate first looking all set to take the honours when, in a cruel twist, his chain broke and jammed up leaving him unable to even push his machine home for his points! Alan Martin was left to pick up first place Andrew second and Stephen Morriss third. Andrew's brother Paul also rode for the first time in five years and finished a very creditable fifth! As Paul said later 'I'm sure dad knows who the real winner was!'

  The Unlimited Novice was full of the usual thrills and spills. Seventeen riders took part but Colin Gregson was outstanding and took a maximum points victory. Second place was won by Mark Newton and Darren Smart, even after being excluded in heat 1, still came home third overall.

   Adult 500 racing saw the sublime riding Jason Handley giving everyone present a lesson in grasstrack, only the clipping of a track marker in the final heat, which saw him excluded, could demote him to second place. Bert Marshall, on his return to grasstrack racing, benefitted from this to take top spot and John Smart rode into third.

   Moto X 65 was again won by Daniel Van Der Hoeven on maximum points but this doesn't tell the whole story. Daniel was pressured all the way by a hard riding Jake Campbell and we can only hope that this close racing continues from now to the end of the season! Simon Robinson came home in third with Megan Holtby  finishing in fourth.

   Moto X 85 was won once again by Tobias Hosker on a maximum but an early charge from Sam Stewart came to nothing when mechanical failure meant he had to contest the second half of the day on his brothers MX65 machine. Loris Hunt also showed fine form taking the challenge to Toby but he too couldn't find the power to pass. Kerry Heaton again did her bit for the 'lady riders' taking third place overall.

  Adult Moto X was nothing short of fantastic once again. The battle for first place between Tim Greig and James Heaton was one not to be missed. Tim Greig finally finished on a maximum but it was a hard and very entertaining fight which everyone seemed to enjoy. Andrew Williamson finished in third. This class is where many of our Adult grasstrack racers now get their first taste of the sport and is not only very competetive but there is a wide variety of machinery taking part. Two and Four stroke machines, bikes from Japan, Austria, Italian and sometimes even British! Always worth watching!

  Performance of the day must go to Colin Martin who almost managed to keep his composure throughout the day in very difficult and emotional circumstances. His commentaries are always first class but this day was a very special one and couldn't have been the same without him.

Thanks to all who attended. A bucket collection along with the proceeds from the Burger Bar and Raffle on the day, raised  a donation of £1000 to go the Willow Wood Hospice, where Stuart Mellish was cared for during his illness.

 Buxton Speedway Challenge -  May 18th 2008

  It made a pleasant change to have the weather on our side, particularly at this venue where we have seen racing in rain, hail snow and pestilence in previous years! The sun shone, there was a gentle (if chilly) breeze and as ever, the racing was excellent.

  The Auto Cadet class saw Joe Lawlor continue his run of good form. He didn't have it all his own way mind with some superb competition from Jack Parkinson-Blackburn and even a late charge from Tom Stewart, however, Joe held out to win the day and thoroughly deserved to take home his first place trophy. Yet again we had more 'new to the club' riders competing in the Auto's which is very encouraging, even more so if you'd seen what a good account they gave of themselves.

  The Cadet class was again dominated by, the seemingly unstoppable, Daniel Van Der Hoeven. Daniel was in a class of his own leaving Jack Parkinson-Blackburn to pick up the runner-up spot.

  The Junior races saw another very talented rider running away with first place. Reece Downes showed outstanding style and quality riding yet again. Surely this young man is a star of the future! Joe Young and Sam (Storm) Patchett were left to thrash out the other podium places.

  The Inters Class saw Josh Birkett ride well as we have come to expect but he didn't have it all his own way with Sam Stewart making a couple of good starts during the day. Josh still managed to push his way past to end the day with a maximum points haul.

  MX65 was Daniel Van Der Hoeven's race again winning all heats by a large margin from Simon Robinson. Sam Stewart raced to victory in the MX85 class.

  Adult 250's was well attended but Bryan Pillow and Malcolm Gardiner put on a fantastic display to go into the final heat on level points. Pillow rode superbly in the last race to secure a convincing win.

  The Unlimited Novice class also had a good few competitors and provided the usual enjoyable spectacle with Adrian Guest managing a third place riding a Formula Grasstrack machine! Mark Newton came second and Ken Baldwin rode impressively to take the win in what was a very close contest.

  Geoff Howarth rode to victory in the Adult 500's beating Mark Stevenson and Glyn Edwards. This class saw the only injury of the day when Philip Naylor collided heavily with the safety fence and damaged his fingers which left him needing hospital treatment. Hopefully he will make a full recovery.

  All in all another great day. Many thanks to all who helped organise, marshal, officiate and race. Well done!

 Much Hoole - April 20th 2008

Once again The weather did it's best to try and dampen the spirits of the LGTJRC meeting and thankfully, once again, it failed!

  The early showers caused very heavy conditions, particularly in the early races but all the riders came out with the intention to enjoy and entertain and that's exactly what they did!

  The Auto Cadet class, including several newcomers, got things underway. Joe Lawlor and Jack Blackburn had a day long battle which saw both riders finish on equal points. In the run-off Joe fluffed his start giving Jack the advantage but Lawlor gave the performance of the day to finish well in front. Tom Stewart looked like he was in for a comfortable third place until Izzak Aldred put in a late charge after the interval. Stewart won out in the end but he was pushed hard. It was good to be able to welcome newcomers Jacob Jackson, Callum Doyle and Zach Holme to Much Hoole with Zach managing to take fourth place from Jake Armstrong.

  The Cadet Class was poorly attended but with Daniel Van Der Hoeven riding it was never less than exciting! Daniel was in a class of his own and finished on maximum points with Tom Stewart taking second.

  The Juniors and Inters provided some fantastic racing, Josh Birkett secured a maximum points victory but he was pushed all the way by a hard riding Darren Drew. Sam Stewart finished in third on his maiden ride on a slider. The Junior class saw an amazing performance from Josh Rockley who not only finished on maximum points but also was within spitting distance of Messrs. Birkett and Drew! Reece Downes finished in second with Sam Patchett taking third. Harry Slack and Joe Young also looked comfortable in the poor conditions and we hope to to see them progress throughout the season.

  With an entry of 19 riders the Adult 250 class promised to be very entertaining and it didn't disappoint! Mickey Allen finally won the day after only missing out on first place in one heat. Mark Williams and Malcolm Gardner took second and third respectively.

  The 350's, although only small in numbers, saw some fine action. Jordan Tyrer rode convincingly in the first heat only to suffer mechanical problems and fail to make the start line again. Mellish, Martin, Whittaker and Adam Wrathall  were left to battle it out for the honours which finally ended with an overall win for Martin with Whittaker and Wrathall taking second and third. Andrew Mellish must have been kicking himself after falling in the first heat!

  With 22 riders entered in the Unlimted Novice class and an unhealthy dose of inclement weather there were bound to be a few fall by the wayside, thankfully no serious injuries were sustained and the racing was as exciting as ever. Ben Holloway, who missed his starts in every heat, put on a display of fine riding to claw his way back and win the day. Mark Newton was consistent as ever to take second and new to our club Colin Gregson rode to a very convincing third.

  The Adult 500's produced the standard of racing we have come to expect. Jon Armstrong, who had driven up from the South Coast where he had been competing in Speedway for Weymouth, was in fine form, despite turning up with a bike minus the carburettor! Unfortunately Jon fell in heat three and didn't continue into the second half of the meeting. Track conditions got the better of the ever exciting Martin Wrathall who managed to fall off in four out of six heats but fortunately only his pride was hurt! Birthday boy Jamie Rodgers looked set to take a maximum points victory until his machine failed to start for heat 5, this left the door open for the smooth riding of Steven Taylor to take first and David Rowlands, who was also celebrating his birthday, to take second. Rodgers completed the day in third.

  The combined MX65 and MX85 class saw, unbeaten this season, Tobias Hosker, continue his fine form for another maximum points haul. Behind him Kerry Heaton, riding in only her second event since breaking her collar-bone and wrist at last seasons Nationals, put on a fantastic display of speed and control to beat her long time arch-rival Sam Stewart to the second step of the podium. In the MX65's it was that man Daniel Van Der Hoeven who again finished the day on maximum points, his all out riding style causing much excitement. Jake Campbell took second and Simon Robinson followed up in third.

  The Adult MX saw Jamie Rodgers push Ben Wells all the way but he didn't have the power to pass last seasons class winner. Ben Worrall took third place after a day long tussle with Andrew Williamson.

  Despite the conditions the club enjoyed an outstanding day of racing and with over 100 riders taking part this sets the standard for the rest of the season. Well done to everyone.

Scunthorpe Speedway Challenge - March 15th 2008

A heavy mist threatened to mar the opener to our season but it cleared just enough for proceedings to take place as scheduled.

  The Auto Cadet class was dominated by a very determined Tom Stewart who managed to win every heat and finish the day with maximum points. Joe Lawlor seemed a little rusty after the winter lay-off but improved as the day went on. Unfortunately Jake Armstrong suffered machine failure after a promising start to the racing.

  The Cadet class also saw a maximum points haul for a very quick Daniel Van Der Hoeven. Max Cornes seemed to take a while to get to grips with his new machine but as the day went on he appeared more comfortable and this class should see some close racing as the season goes on.

  The combined Junior and Intermediate class races saw some outstanding riding from what must surely be the future stars of Grasstrack and Speedway. Jack Cornes was winning every heat in style until his untimely 'get-off' in the final race. Jack injured his knee and this left the door open for a fiercely competetive Nathan Greaves to take the honours. Another rider who deserves mention is Reece Downes whose stylish riding got him a well deserved third place trophy. All three of these riders managed to finish in front of accomplished Intermediate stalwart Josh Birkett in at least one heat which shows the standard of ability in this seasons Junior class. Watch this space!

  Newcomer to oval racetrack Wil Bimson, who is an accomplished Motocross rider, proved quick in his first outing but dropped the plot in the third heat and couldn't re-mount in time to to complete enough laps allowing Sam Stewart to take a points win. Tom Wooley managed to hold off a hard charging Ben Baker in the Junior Short Track class. In the Unlimited Adult MX Tim Greig took the win from Ben Worrall with Ollie Rutter collected third.

  The Short Track was again very competetive and produced a great spectacle as a dozen or so riders tore around the shale in each class. Glyn Pocklington eventually took the honours in the 'A'Grade from Pete Boast in second and super exciting ex-speedway rider Aidan Collins in third. The 'B'Grade was no less exciting with a win for Steve Coles. I'm looking forward very much to seeing the next two rounds of the LGTJRC Short Track Championship.

  Ken Barlow knocked Steve Holland from the previously unbeaten top step of the podium in the Unimited Novice class and Mark Newton pushed his way into second. The Adult 250 racing produced some of the best of the day, former 1000cc Sidecar Masters Champion Rob Bradley ahd a couple of fierce battles with 61yr old veteran Bryan Pillow. Bradley managed to win but Pillow made sure he earned his victory. Mark Heaton also rode well into third place. It was nice to see Bill Hatfields bike being ridden like it should be even if it was by Malcolm Gardner!

  The 350/500 class was good enertainment as usual, Peter Wylbore was in fine form and Managed to stay in front of Andrew Mellish. Unfortunately Jeff Howarth had to retire midway through the day after colliding with the safety fence when trying to lay his bike down to avoid the fallen Jon Smart. Jeff hurt his hand but we are hoping he will be back in action in time for the April 20th Much Hoole metting.

  An altogether enjoyable and well organised day, many thanks must go to the organisers, marshals and medical staff and of course the staff of the refreshments tent!

Sunny Scunny - Oct. 20th 2007

Meeting Report
Graham Stewart

Much Hoole - Preston 10th June Round 2

There were some interesting results from this meeting with many factors affecting final standings. Not least of which was the huge number of riders 'pegging'! Not only is this a safety issue (I thought that Mark Newton could have ended up hitting a cow in the next field!! ) but it's also a pain for the people or persons who have to sit up til all hours making new markers for each meeting and the marshals who have to spend most of the day hammering them in! Please try and keep on the track itself if at all possible!

In the Auto Cadets Tom Stewart suffered mechanical failure in practice and Megan Holtby was in fine form and looked set for a convincing third place overall until her untimely exit during the third race. Megan suffered a neck injury and damage to her knuckles. Let's hope she has a speedy recovery and is soon back on the track! Deklan Brown gave his all but had no answer to the unbelievably quick Daniel Van Der Hoeven. Izaak Aldred rode confidently all day to finish third. Nice to see Joseph Dickens back in action and Joseph Lawlor seemed a lot more confident riding his new machine as the day went on.

The combined Cadet and Junior class, though low in numbers, provided the usual exciting spectacle that we've grown accustomed to with Nathan Greaves, Max Clegg and that man Joshua Rockley. Certainly some future stars of the sport.

In the Inters Jordan Tyrer rode into a comfortable lead only to be excluded from race five handing the win to Joshua Birkett.

If there was a prize for the 'best banter' then the Adult 250 class would win it hands down! James Worral rode to a comfortable victory but second and third places were hotly contested by 'the brothers Hatfield' Colin finally coming out on top.

MX65 was the usual suspects;- Flinders, Rockley and Cambell (Max, Josh and Jake).

Adult 350 saw a consitent performance from Alan Martin to take the win which is no mean feat when competing against the two Andrews of ellish and Whittaker. Fantastic close racing as always in this class!

MX85 - another class a little down in numbers from the last few seasons was as competetive and entertaining as ever. Max Flinders rode superbly but just couldn't quite get the jump on Kyle Howarth, further back Sam Stewart mounted a similar challenge on Tobias Hosker for the third place spot but again couldn't find the openings to pass him. Not too sure why we lsot Kerry Heaton after the interval but it was nice to welcome newcomer Jake Percival to LGTJRC MX85 class, he rode sensibly and with style and I'm sure it wont be too long before he's on the pace.

The Adult Moto X class was again very well attended. Ben Wells snatched first place from Tim Greig with Adam Carrison taking a well earned third.

Unlimited Novice was as spetacular as ever Doug Brankley providing the early entertaiment as he and his evergreen J.A.P. found themselves bouncing and tumbling along the start straight. Nice to see that Doug was okay and well enough to compete in the second half of proceedings.
Stacey Youngman looked all set to take the honours until bieng excluded from the 5th race laving the way open for Phillip Rowlands and Duncan Bower to take the first two places.

Jamie Rodgers suffered the same fate as Youngman in his bid for supremacy in the Adult 500 class. He seemed to have it sown up only to be excluded in the last race leaving the door open for David Wallinger and Eddie Rouse to take the top two places above Rodgers eventual third.

A great days racing, Thanks to all the organisers, marshals and officials as well as the volunteers in the refreshments bar. A big thanks to the St. Johns Ambulance Service and of course to Robin Cowgill for the use of the land.

Site Copyright © LJRGC - Images copyright @  Ron hinsley - Website Design & Built Graham Stewart & Adrian Brown
All Rights Reserved