In perfect conditions both with weather and track preparation by the Frome and District Club the ACU got its British Veterans and Evo British Championships underway on Sunday April 3rd.
Running alongside the Maxxis ACU British Sidecar Cross at the same meeting was an excellent formula for an action packed day of high class racing in front of the usual large volume of spectators which the Asham Woods circuit always attracts. With Club stalwart Paul Loveridge in charge of track layout a completely revamped circuit welcomed the large entry which included a different uphill start straight and a combination of sweeping bends which allowed for plenty of overtaking in the main field.
The Veterans were the first to take to the 1670 metre circuit and a battle immediately developed between Brian Wheeler on a 500 two stroke Honda who was out of the gate like a rocket whilst Terry House had to work hard in the first few laps to stay with and catch the flying Wheeler. House eventually squeezed by on one of the many wide sweeping bends but Wheeler stuck with House and the two had the spectators running from side to side to cheer on their favourite. The following two motos were almost a repeat with the fast starting Wheeler always first out of the blocks but House became more dominant in the later stages to take a trio of well-earned wins with Wheeler always second. James Russell and Rick De Feu were never separated by very much throughout all three motos with Russell posting 3-4-3 scores whilst De Feu had to settle for 4-3-4.
Within minutes of the race finishing, Wheeler was back on the start gate on a Kawasaki stroker– this time in readiness for the three Evo 500 and Clubmen motos. With Ben Harrison effectively ruling himself out of the overall with a DNF in the opening 8 lap encounter, Wheeler had a slightly easier time in this class with 1-2-1 finishes whilst Harrison headed him home in the second race. Tim Cole and Lee Holland traded places behind them with some terrific scraps throughout the day. The race also incorporated the Clubmen class and it was the Series Co – Ordinator Dave King who scored maximum points in the opening moto to hold the bragging rights of “leading a British Championship”. However, a non-start in race three ruled him out of a possible podium position which was taken by Mike Caddick.
Martin Izzard dominated the Evo 250 class only being beaten by Wayne Butt in the final 12 minute moto with Daniel Brunt returning a consistent 3
rd, 2
nd 4
th finishes to keep in contention. This class also incorporated the Evo 125 riders and it was Phil Lewis who scored maximum points in all three motos whilst mixing it with the more powerful 250s on the steep Somerset hills and actually finished with 3-5-3 moto scores against the more powerful quarter litre machines.
Fresh from his European exploits, Lewis Gregory dominated to Super Evo class with three straight moto wins whilst Cornwall’s ex top 35 rider Mark Roberts bagged two moto wins and backed it up with a second to take the top step in the Evo over 50s class from Lancashire’s Alan Eaves who produced better results as the day went on.
With virtually full line – ups in all the Evo Classes and excellent racing right down through the places everyone is now looking forward to the next round at Milton Park on May 1
st.
Photos By Pip Spicer