South west motocross club riders traveled to the Garlands moor motocross circuit near Holsworthy for round 2 of the 2013 championship, on the 12th May.

Average weather was had in the upcoming week for the event, and as practice was underway the weather took a turn for the worse.

The youngest classed riders of the automatics showed some strong flowing speed in the demanding conditions in the practice laps for the event. And the hardcore auto pilots displayed some strong ability for wet weather riding with each rider giving it 110 percent effort.

With the rain continuing throughout the day and the track conditions becoming worse after each block of racing. The club respectively took the fair decision to run two blocks of racing, instead of the usual three.
After a great start to the season in April at Tiverton taking second overall, Finley James raced well and attacked the demanding Garlands conditions to a great standard in both moto one and two taking himself to the top of the auto ranks, claiming first overall.
Riley Watts came into the meeting holding third place, bags of effort and determination secured the young rider second overall.
Bradley Way raced himself to the finish flag taking third overall!

The junior 65cc division performed well in the hardest conditions.
Line choices and minimal mistakes were essential for good results in this class, after two tough races Louie Kessell claimed first place.
Championship contender Jason Down took fourth overall at the opening round in Tiverton. With bags of confidence from the previous round along with strong wet weather riding ability, Jason Down secured and even stronger result taking second overall. Harvey James took third place ahead of Bradley Taylor.

Whilst the always hard trying Alfie Calvert put himself into a decent eighth place in the overall ranking.

Great racing was displayed in the 85cc category. The big and small wheel riders raced together for the day. Great riding was shown by the small wheel 85cc class.
Ryan Mundell had two very strong races shredding through the big ruts finishing the days riding in an unbeatable first overall.
Louis Thomas had a good days racing and respectively took second place.
Todd Sawyer road well all day long and took third place ahead of Thomas Andrews in fourth.
In the big wheel 85cc division race one holeshot, Jake Curtis Stevens performed brilliantly in the demanding conditions at a great pace going on to win the opening moto.With the conditions becoming worse later in the day Jake Curtis Stevens stayed absent from the line up for the second race. Jakes choice to be a non starter in the second moto pushed him rapidly down the rankings, handing the overall victory to Ryan Comer who ripped threw the dirt in a good form in both moto’s. Kieran Yorke had a solid day riding taking second place.
Third place was snapped up by the 2 stroke KTM of Lucy Calvert showing poor conditions were not enough to slow her down.
Sam Gill had a brilliant weekend racing taking fourth overall, after showing great form and style in the hardest conditions.

The rookies class as expected showed some fast paced racing with riders riding to a complete maximum.
The first moto of the day had Jack Roberts and Jamie Buckingham fighting for the lead out front along side Dean Symons.
Just like the other classes the rookies raced just two blocks with shortened lap times, due to the worst of the track being cut out.
Many riders in all classes opted out of the second moto, but as the finish flag threw for the second and final time in the rookies. It was Jack Roberts taking overall victory. A strong performance with great choices of lines helped to snap up second place for Jamie Buckingham. Whilst third was secured respectively ahead of Jack Aggett by Callum Warren.

The MX2 adults class had a great attendance with the class being nearly full for the opening mx2 moto.
Showing pure dominance and superb riding in such poor conditions was the husqvarna rider of Leighton Holmes. Storming at a good pace and trying to keep of the limiter, Stuart Smith was holding second shortly behind Holmes in the early stages of the race. Whilst standing out in the pack as a great rider, newly upgraded from the rookies, Korey Kidd was looking on top form at the front of the pack a perfect start to the hard days riding.
The second and final moto of the day was as for everyone the hardest conditions, despite with the shortened track. Leighton Holmes had another strong riding snapping up the overall win!
Ben Puddy had his great riding credited with second ahead of third placed, Micheal Goldsworthy.

In the MX1 class raced together with the VMX adults class.
With local motocross sensation Luke Hill attending riding his 250 2 stroke machine to save his four-stroke race machine from the conditions.
As expected in the opening moto it was Luke Hill on a charge at the front leading the mixed class around. After a dominating performance taking the moto one win. Luke Hill again in moto two dominated from gates to flag, taking overall victory! The racing behind him was close, Ryan Redwood claimed second overall. Whilst two great results secured strong riding Scott Ardren third overall. In the VMX rankings it was Gary Down that claimed the overall win!
Mark Pickard secured second. Whilst third was grabbed by Ben Braddick.

The club would like to thank everyone who had input in the meeting.
And would also like to thank all the riders for attending and doing there best in the poor conditions.
The clubs next event is this bank holiday weekend , 26th & 27th May at Cheddar moto park!
This event is club championship rounds on both days so cannot be missed.
The event is also in conjunction with south somerset mxc, so book in early to avoid disappointment.
See you there..!

OVERALL RESULTS

MX1
1ST LUKE HILL

2ND RYAN REDWOOD
3RD SCOTT ARDREN
4TH DANIEL GRIFFIN
5TH SHAUN GROVES

MX2

1ST LEIGHTON HOLMES
2ND BEN PUDDY
3RD MICHEAL GOLDSWORTHY
4TH SIMEON LOXLEY
5TH RUSSEL WATTS
6TH MATTHEW SELWAY

VMX

1ST GARY DOWN
2ND MARK PICKARD
3RD BEN BRADDICK
4TH RICKY FURSE
5TH LUKE COWELL
6TH NEVILLE CALBY

ROOKIES

1ST JACK ROBERTS
2ND JAMIE BUCKINGHAM
3RD CALUM PRIDDLE
4TH CALLUM WARREN
5TH JACK AGGETT
6TH DEAN SYMONS

BIG WHEEL 85CC

1ST RYAN COMER
2ND KIERAN YORKE
3RD LUCY CALVERT
4TH SAM GILL
5TH JORDAN ALLEN
6TH ASHTON HEWITT

SMALL WHEEL 85CC

1ST RYAN MUNDELL
2ND LOUIS THOMAS
3RD TODD SAWYER
4TH THOMAS ANDREW
5TH MORGAN TIMMS
6TH FRAZER BUCKINGHAM

JUNIORS 65CC

1ST LOUIE KESSELL
2ND JASON DOWN
3RD HARVEY JAMES
4TH BRADLEY TAYLOR
5TH JAKE WARE
6TH LUKE WOOLGROVE

AUTO

1ST FINLEY JAMES
2ND RILEY WATTS
3RD BRADLEY WAY
4TH BEN ZEALE
5TH HENRY LIFE

Next month another path will be swept for 11-14 year olds with a brave throttle hand and burgeoning motorcycle technique as the first of five rounds in the Honda 150 European Championship gets underway at Ernee and the Grand Prix of France on June 9th.

The fact that the series even exists in motocross circles is unusual. Participants and fans of the sport are normally self-reliant as parents dutifully drive their children around the country or countries in the name of competition. Now this one-make contest – that will also appear at Grands Prix in Italy, Germany, Belgium and the UK – is making it as easy, cheap and glamorous as possible for kids to get out and race. The big question is whether it is with the right product.

Honda launched their CRF150R back in 2006 to fill a hole in their declining and eventually doomed two-stroke programme and also to offer a means for novice off-roaders to acclimatise early to the four-stroke age. While riding laws have proved difficult in some countries (France have a limitation of age when it comes to engine capacity) changing attitudes has also presented a battle in schooling parents and kids that a 150 four-stroke is an equally viable riding tool. “The bike’s equivalent is an 85cc two-stroke and youngsters have the option to take either when it comes to the two-stroke or the four-stroke route,” explains Honda Motor Europe’s Off-road Racing Manager Roger Harvey, one of the key individuals in the set-up of the new championship. “The two-stroke is popular of course but the CRF150R gives kids an insight into what they are likely to be riding later in life. It is only four kilos heavier than an 85cc two-stroke and young ones that have ridden both have made comments about enjoying the torque of the four-stroke. It is a sturdy thing; we have people riding around with more than 300 hours on the bike, so it is reliable. It has been manufactured and built in a robust way taking into account the parent and child that will learn about it and maintain it. An example of a small detail is the use of steel rather than aluminium for the gear lever.”

Electing to indulge in the European Championship and buy a CRF150R carries obvious benefits. It is cost effective to compete in five rounds at Grand Prix with the transport, servicing and maintenance carried out by a three man crew and a full semi articulated truck for €7950. At the end of the schedule the riders keep the €5000 euro motorcycle.

“This has never been done before in motocross and I think people will need to come and grasp how the series is run,” opines Harvey.

“Kids literally need to roll up with their kitbags as everything else is taken care of. In some ways it is a process of breaking away from the usual way of coming to races with a camper and van or a trailer but it’s a different concept. I think it is cracking value.”

Depending on the initial subscription volume it is an economical equation that could potentially see Honda ‘in the red’ for investing in and supporting the youth scene and their product. The championship is not the only push for the CRF by the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles either; the Xtreme Academy that transported factory Honda riders like Evgeny Bobryshev, Rui Goncalves and Jonathan Barragan the length of Europe ran into six figures and was a well-meaning scheme and the first step towards formation of the European Championship. Harvey: “We have a sister series in road racing, the European Junior Cup, and the first year was a process of setting it up and establishing a slightly different way for people to go racing. The entries were initially slow in coming through but they increased a lot for the second year and for the third it is oversubscribed. We have a three year project for motocross so we hope it will have a beneficial effect for the youngster looking to progress.”

“In the UK I can see how popular the two-strokes are and some brands allow a clear route through those machines up to 125s, although there doesn’t seem to be much choice when it comes to 125cc two-strokes anymore,” says TV commentator, instructor and former GP rider Paul Malin. “Honda offers a different path on the four-stroke trail. Regardless I think the series might need time to grow on people but it is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters.”

Grand Prix promoters Youthstream have somehow found enough space on their schedule to stage the 150 European Championship and it is a fit that accommodates all parties; Honda get the best exposure for their project and technology, Youthstream bolster further their credentials for promoting the future of the sport and for CRF riders and kids themselves it’s like playing six-a-side inside Wembley stadium. Harvey has the last word: “For kids to be able to come and ride a full Grand Prix track is a great experience. They will be close and in and around the factory and Gariboldi race teams. They will get a feel for how a Grand Prix works and runs and it will be an educational experience. Hopefully we will get to see some of our future GP riders.”

For more information check out: www.honda150championship.com

By Adam Wheeler

Adamson started the weekend by falling off in timed practice but after a trip to the pits still managed fifth fastest time.  His weekend didn’t get much better in the races, suffering a broken chain and numerous crashes.  He did, however, keep his AAA / Bikesport Newcastle KTM upright for long enough for him to win the fourth race en route to fourth place overall.  This is his first BYN win which many had been predicting.

The plucky Auto’s kicked off the proceedings with some magnificent racing during every block of racing, Ethan Martin crossed the finish first in the first block with Freddie Wyard taking second and Harvey Cashmore third. Race two and this time the win for Freddie Wyard, second for Harvey Cashmore and third for Callum Murfitt. The final race and with the crowd cheering them to the finish Harvey Cashmore crossed the line just ahead of Freddie Wyard in second and Callum Murfitt in third.

Ike Carter can sure race sand taking three brilliant race wins in the Junior 65cc Class, Reece Martin took second in race one and Dylan Woodall third. Race two and second position again for Reece Martin with Sam Nunn taking third position. The final moto saw Dylan Woodall coming in second behind Ike with Reece Martin crossing the finish in third.

Danny Rapson rode his heart out to take maximum points in the Small Wheel 85cc group with three straight wins. Second in race one went to Calum Mitchell and third for Ryan Allison. Race two and second for Reegan Brooks with Calum Mitchell crossing the line in third. The final race and second again for Reagan Brooks with a cracking third place for Drew Anderson.

The Big Wheel groups saw battles a plenty but no one could stop Jordan Eccles from crossing the finish line first in every moto scoring himself well deserved maximum points. Race one and second place after a great race for Mitchell Warhurst with Toby Avis coming in third. Race two and second this time for Tommie Schofield just ahead of Toby Avis in third. The final race and a stunner it was with Jordan taking the win ahead of Tommie in second and third this time going to George Gregg-Pettit. Brilliant racing from start to finish !

William Keogh stormed to a first race win in the Senior MXY2 Group with Alfie Bowtell close behind in second and Daniel Neale in third. Race two and a brilliant race from Max Acres ensured he crossed the finish line first ahead of Alfie Bowtell in second and Will Keogh in third. The final moto and it was chop and change right to the end but Will Keogh pipped everyone else to take the race win with Alfie Bowtell in second and Joe Borrett taking the final podium position.

The spectators eagerly awaited the MX2 Race and were not disappointed with Arron Jenner putting on a star performance taking three straight wins.
A brilliant ride by Carl Hayward in race one ensured he came in second with Sean Bardwell taking third. Race two and second again for Carl Hayward with third this time for Dean Hakes. The final race and second for a deserving Dean Hakes with Mitchell Bligh taking the final podium position.

Brad O’leary proved there’s life in the old dog yet with a fantastic performance taking the first race win in the MX1 Group ahead of Jared Goodwin in second and Ryan Fellows in third. Race two and this time the win went to Jared Goodwin with Brad O’Leary taking second spot and a cracking third place for John Waghorne. The final race and the crowd were going wild from start to finish with all the chopping and changing that was taking place but Jared Goodwin managed to remain cool and take the race win ahead of Ryan Fellows in second and third going to Brad O’Leary.

Finally the Vets had their turn but no-one came close to keeping Matt French off the first place podium with three excellent race wins and coating the backup lapscorers in sand !
Second in race one went to Chris Keeble with third place going to Lee Scott. Race two and second again for Chris Keeble with third this time going to Mark Mitchell. The final moto and Mark Mitchell snatched second place behind Matt French with Chris Keeble taking third place.

A thoroughly entertaining day from start to finish.

Thanks must go to everyone that took part or helped out in any small way with special thanks going to Stuart Nunn and his team for a great race track.

Race report by Julie Hambridge

Auto’s
1st – Freddie Wyard
2nd – Harvey Cashmore
3rd – Callum Murfitt
4th – Ethan Martin
5th – Bradley French
6th – Kayde Rayns

Juniors
1st – Ike Carter
2nd – Reece Martin
3rd – Dylan Woodall
4th – Sam Nunn
5th – Tai Elvin-Andrews
6th – Tom Murphy

Small Wheels
1st – Danny Rapson
2nd – Reagan Brooks
3rd – Calum Mitchell
4th – Lewis Cloud
5th – Ryan Allison
6th – Drew Anderson

Big Wheels
1st – Jordan Eccles
2nd – Mitchell Warhurst
3rd – Tommie Schofield
4th – Toby Avis
5th – Joshua Keeble
6th – George Gregg-Pettit

Senior MXY2
1st – William Keogh
2nd – Alfie Bowtell
3rd – Daniel Neale
4th – Oliver McMurray
5th – Joe Tobutt
6th – Jack Camwell

MX2
1st – Arron Jenner
2nd – Carl Hayward
3rd – Dean Hakes
4th – Mitchell Bligh
5th – Sean Bardwell
6th – Paul Kilsby

MX1
1st – Jared Goodwin
2nd – Brad O’Leary
3rd – Ryan Fellows
4th – Michael White
5th – John Waghorne
6th – Ben Hayward

Vets Class
1st – Matt French
2nd – Chris Keeble
3rd – Mark Mitchell
4th – Lee Scott
5th – Andy Thorpe
6th – Rob Mortimer

The British Youth Nationals Series got off to a flying start at Wooley Grange with quality grids providing fantastic racing in all five classes in the sunshine. With grids of more than twenty bikes the order of the day, spectators at the most northerly round of the series were treated to two days of glorious competition.

Conditions were difficult – “It was rubbish,” according to 85cc Small Wheel rider Dylan Woodcock – on the Saturday, with strong winds and little rain leaving the track dry and dusty. Dedicated overnight work from the track team left the circuit vastly better for racing on the Sunday.

From the get go, star of the Junior 65cc class was Lewis Hall, the KTM rider taking six out of the seven races over the weekend to steal victory from Husqvana mounted Curtis Trimble. Joel Rizi, also KTM mounted, took third.

Derbyshire lad Hall, racing with #9, very nearly took every single race win. “I came down, then fought back and took the lead again, but then managed to fall again at the next turn, so I’m pretty gutted not to win them all. I can’t complain too much with an overall win, though.”

It was a Kawasaki victory in 85cc Small Wheel, but it was very nearly a KTM victory. Dylan Woodcock stole the overall win by claiming the final race, equalling Nathan Claughan’s 297 score but earning the honours for the round by taking that final win. Harry Kimber was third on another KTN, just eight points further back.

“It’s good to start the season like this,” explained Woodcock after claiming the trophy on the podium. “I’ll try and keep consistent at all the rounds now, and go to Fat Cats with a little more practice under my belt, hopefully get another win.”

85cc Big Wheel saw local knowledge brought forth with Jay Hague, who only lives down the road from the Wooley Grange track, take top honours. The KTM mounted rider beat David Galvin and Albie Wilkie to second and third respectively, despite Wilkie holding the overnight aggregate lead.

“It’s always good to start off with a win, gives you confidence for the season,” smiled the local lad. “I’ll get some practice in for the next round so I’m prepared, and do my best to get a win there too.”

The Open class was dominated by Brad Todd. The youngster, also leading the Maxxis MX2 series, was on top form and stamped his authority on the class with a winning margin of 18 points. The KTM mounted rider beat Jack Kelly into second and Rickie Roderick into third place.

“It’s mega really,” grinned Todd. “I’m totally enjoying the bike and everything’s going well. I’m loving it. I love the jumps and the technical sections here, it really suits my style. For the rest of the season I just want to keep it consistent, keep winning, keep doing what I’m doing!”

The British Youth Nationals also welcomed the Under 23 class for the first time in its history, after the cancellation of the BSMA series. A few no-shows and an early injury meant that only 11 riders took part, but the racing was still close and hard fought. Daniel Hutchinson starred, winning three of the four events to claim the honours. Carlton Husband, who won the first ever British Youth Nationals Under 23 race, took second with Luke Newman third.

“Considering how late we put this together it’s been a good weekend,” explained Hutchinson, another local who showed good speed. “I literally live a couple of miles away from here, but the track was prepared totally unlike any club meeting I’ve had here. At least I knew the layout of the track, so some home advantage. I’m not sure about continuing – I want to be British Champion, but I’d like some more competition.”

The BYN moves onto Culham in Oxfordshire next, and after a thrilling start to the season it will be fascinating to see how the competition stacks up again. Gareth Hockey, of organisers RHL Activities, reckons it will keep on entertaining.

“The racing has been fantastic, the feedback on the format has been positive and the weather was great. We can only hope that that continues at Culham – it’s a brilliant venue and I’m sure we’ll see top turn outs again. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The series races at Culham on June 8th and 9th.

Full results can be found here

If you would like your club added to the fixture list please leave details in the comment box below and we will update as we go through the week.

Coventry Junior MXC – Track Stratford – Two day event May 11/12
More info here

Banbury MX – Track Enstone – May 11
More info here

Wem MXC – Track Tunstall Hall – May 12
More info here

Wilden MXC – Track Wolverly – May 12
More info here

North Midland AMCA – Track Condover – May 12
More info here

South West MXC – Track Garlands Moor – May 12
More info here

RYMXC – Track Neuadd Penybont – Two day event May 11/12
More info here

Winchester MCC – Track Whaddon Farm – May 12
More info here

AMCA

North Area at Condover – SY5 7AP – Sam Webster – 07806 092243

Druids at Ceri – SY16 4PL (2-STROKE & VETS CHAMPIONSHIP RD2) - Tracy Jones – 07732 614147

Shepshed at Wymeswold – LE12 6SU - Lorraine Wardle – 07976 052874

Stratford at Weatheroak – B48 7EH - Chris Collett – 07729 459463 – EVENINGS ONLY

Dursley at Nympsfield – GL10 3UJ - Betty Sams – 01453 546280

Unfortunately, the short time available does not allow to perform the necessary work to
make the track accessible again and the organizers had no other choice but to cancel
the event.

Despite the shocking theft from the paddock of five bikes, tools and equipment – this before the event even began – round three of the GT Cup held at Brookthorpe proved to be an otherwise ultimate success. With the magical number of 300 riders yet again achieved the series just builds and builds.

On track Charlie Heyman continued his total domination of the Auto 50cc class by once again winning all five races. With a solid weekend display going 3-4-4-5-4 Callum Murfit nicked section silver. Third on the podium was Jaygo Beasty then followed by Harrison Borg and
Freddie Wyard with Luke Batty rounding out the top six.

The heat wins in the 65cc Junior division went mainly to Ike Carter as he scooped up three. Louie Kessell and Eddie Jay Wade were the other two race victors. Carter backed up with one second place result but one costly error on the weekend dropped him to third overall. Wade won the final heat of the weekend and this coupled to his previous results – (never lower than third) gave him the overall win. Kessell with another polished show settled for second overall. Lewis Wood carded three fifths as best claiming a more than decent fourth overall as Tom Leadbitter and Frankie Cutmore totalled in fifth and sixth.

In the small wheel 85cc division three boys walked the walk best, eventual overall winner Christopher Mills, his Powerband teamster Tom Grimshaw and wildcard entrant Callum Gasson. On day one with Grimshaw a might battered and bruised following a couple of incidents it was Gasson who starred with a 2-1-1 return. Chris Mills won the days opener in a closer than close finish but on day two it was Grimshaw who came to the front taking both heat wins. All totalled in championship terms Mills now closes right down on Grimshaw (second overall ) at the top. Connor Ford was well happy bunny with his third overall – Connors result bested with a points second in heat one. Oliver Cook, Carl Budge, and Callum Beekan fought hard and long for the other podium places.

Going 2-4-1-2-2 Henry Siddiqui claimed a hard fought win in the Big Wheel 85cc section. Henry also taking over as section leader heading into round four at Wroxton. The remaining four heat wins went the way of Albie Wilkie as he put on a truly brilliant show – just one poor result knocking Wilkie back to third overall. Splitting the two heat winners on the podium was Michael Ellis, his weekend bested with a brace of second place returns. Following a poor start, on day two Will Jeonney recovered well with a 3-3-5 show – Jeonney taking fourth overall.

Rickie Roderick was also a four times winner in the MXY2 division. Roderick also carded one second place result for a conclusive overall win. In the title race Roderick is now putting some pressure on leader Kieran Banks. The only rider crossing the line in front of Roderick down in Gloucestershire was indeed Banks as he took second overall. Ben Harrison always looked quick enough to steal a heat win but he had to settle for second in heat one as best and third overall. In a tight old squabble for the places 4-6 Charlie Putnam just got it from Tony Saunders and Karl Noble.

Young bloods going head to head with a more experienced hand proved to be the story line in the 125cc smoker class. Robert Yates and Henry Williams being the whipper snapper duo who won all before them in the opening three heats. Yates won the first two with Williams winning heat three. After this it was mainly all about Davis as he took the chequers first in heats four and five. All totalled with Yates dropping out of the meeting in heat four Davies with a 3-3-2-1-1 card claimed a terrific overall win. Following an awesome weekend show Williams ended up just two points adrift in second overall. Jonathon Roderick Evans ran consistently well for section third overall. Leighton Holmes finished with a day two flourish grabbing fourth as Luke Smith beat off Ryan Butler for section fifth.
In the Adult Clubman MX2 class there was a day one exhibition of how to do it right coming from Greg Hanson as he won both of the days motos. In Sunday action with Hanson not racing Ashley Watt and Scott Hambridge were the days winners. As far as the championship is concerned Scott Hambridge claimed the overall win. Myles Duffy finished in second with Ady Peedle in third.

Clinton Barrs (1-2) and Nathan Watson (2-1) were the star turns winning one heat a piece in the combined capacity Experts on day one. Josh Spinks to his massive credit riding on borrowed machinery was able to put the otherwise disappointments of the weekend behind him (while out on track at least) to record a memorable winning brace on day two. In the championship stakes Spinks increases his lead in MX1 as does MX2 overall winner Seb Osbourne.

FULL RESULTS HERE

Words and Images by Mike Gurney

Junior Race 1:

Junior Race 2:

Junior Race 3:

Junior Overall:

MSMXC RD2 Golden Barn 21/04/2013

BW85 Race 1:

BW85 Race 2:

BW85 Race 3:

BW85 Overall: