THUNDERFEST MACHINES ON TRACK AT DARLEY MOOR

Wednesday September 11, 2013 at 9:25am

The penultimate round of the Darley Moor Road Race Championship takes place on Sunday 15th September 2013, in addition to the regular action on two, three and four wheeled modern machinery there is the added attraction for fans of classic machinery when the Thunderfest machines take to the track, near Wyaston, Ashbourne.

Thunderfest is open to any motorcycle, road or race, built before 1978, from 50cc through to 990cc and with almost 40 riders registered there will be huge selection of machines out on track bringing the sounds of the past back to life. Although there will be a ‘Le Mans’ style start, with riders running across the track to their machine, it is not a race. After practice, the riders set their own target speed and attempt to lap the circuit for 20 minutes, as close to this time as possible, the rider nearest to their target wins. With the huge variety of machinery on track at the same time this requires a high degree of riding skill and concentration, in the past the winner has managed to lap within 0.05mph of his target! There will be a number of local riders taking part on their classic machines including –

Phil Bootherstone Morini Settebello 200

Dave Clarke Honda 350 1972

Martyn Hartshorne Honda 500 1972

Brian Jackson Honda CB450 1972

Rick Quinlan Honda CB990 1978

Bob Vernon Laverda Montjuich 1978

With just two rounds remaining of the regular championship and a total of 36 points up for grabs the majority of classes are still to have their champion crowned; the closest margin being that in the Formula 600 class, with just 2 points separating Jamie Hodson (Wigan) and Tim Poole (Northwich). Of the 19 championship classes 5 have already been decided and include local riders coming to Round 7 as champions already;

Anthony Porter - Pre Injection 600 Champion

Brad Vicars - Mini Sound of Thunder Champion

Steven Hill - Sound of Thunder Champion

Shane Pearson – Pre98’s (Up to 1300cc) Champion

Gordon Thorpe – Classic 500 Champion

Practice will begin at 10.00am and the first race is anticipated to start at 11.30am, the cost of adult admission to Darley Moor for all meetings, except the end of season Stars at Darley meeting, is £11.00 per day, children under 16 are free, and Senior Citizens are £6.00. Parking and Paddock Transfer is free and a programme costs just £3.00.

For the Stars at Darley meeting adult admission is £15 and Senior Citizens £10.00, adult admission to the Test Days is £5.00.

Advance Tickets at discount prices are also available on-line just visit the Darley Race Shop for full details - http://www.darleymoorstore.co.uk/.

There is ample room for spectators to camp and caravan at Darley Moor over the race weekends. The cost is £5.00 per unit per night. You can normally arrive after 5.00 pm on the Friday and stay until 10.00 am on the morning after the meeting.

Championship standings after 6 Rounds

Peak Cup

1st Jim Hodson, 87pts; 2nd Danny Smith, 65pts; 3rd Louis Turner-Laurent, 28pts

Press Release issued by

Brian George Photography, Press/PR briangeorgepr@aol.co.uk, 07841 571237 3/4

Open Solos

1st Jim Hodson, 84pts; 2nd Danny Smith, 72pts; 3rd Alan Hughes, 25pts

Open Sidecar

1st Dave Holden / Heath Fairbrother, 73pts; 2nd Tony Thompson / Jack Jones, 57pts; 3rd Ray Thomas / Neil

Aslaksen, 56pts;

Lightweight

1st Adam Hoare, 69pts; 2nd Matt Zschiesche, 43pts; 3rd Fred Burbidge, 38pts