Kent Kings Speedway Star and British Grasstrack Champion, teenager James Shanes, rode the race of his life to win the prestigious Champion of Champions Trophy at Swingfield on Sunday. Among his victim were World Longtrack and European Grasstrack Champion Jannick de Jong, who went into the final unbeaten and International Grand Prix Speedway star Chris Harris who finished second after making an overnight dash from Poland.
The race saw Shanes make a great start with Harris quickly away whilst de Jong made his worst of the afternoon to hit the first turn in seventh place. Harris tried desperately to get on terms with Shanes but he held firm to win while Je Jong moved through to fifth but could do no better. An incredible performance from former European and British Champion Paul Hurry from Maidstone, riding in only his second meeting in six years after many serious injuries, gained him fourth place behind James Wright from Stockport. Shanes received an additional trophy in memory of Kent legend Malcolm Simmons which was presented by his widow, June.
The 1000cc Sidecar Trophy was won by the imperious Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth duo who were only serious challenged when missing the start in the final but soon hit the front after a superb move saw them go through the middle between Colin Blackbourn/Carl Pugh and Gareth Winterburn/Liam Brown and race away to win. The race had been stopped after Kent/Sussex crew Robbie Wilson/Bradley Steer collided with Matt Fumarola/Gareth Williams after the latter locked up scrubbing speed off and the former could not avoid him. Both outfits overturned and unfortunately Wilson came off worst suffering a broken collar bone and ribs.
Also included were the continental 500cc sidecars and this class was won by European Champions Josh Goodwin from Tonbridge and passenger Liam Brown from Skipton, N.Yorks. After a somewhat lacklustre performance in in the heats they came good in the final to go away from eight times British Champions Shaun Harvey/Danny Hogg from Essex and Dave Carvill, Manchester who had young Cameron Godden (Collier Street), grandson of another Kent legend Don Godden, as his crewman. There was another outstanding performance here from all female crew Natasha Bartlett (Chatham) and Ciara Southgate (Hunts) who had some great rides, recovered from a cash not of their own making to miss qualification for the final by only two places.
The meeting ran smoothly on a track that won universal praise from the riders, before a huge crowd. Hopefully most will return when the Astra club stage the European Solo Final at the same venue on September 11
th.
Photos by Darren Nokes
Results
Solos 1.James Shanes, 2.Chris Harris, 3.James Wright, 4.Paul Hurry, 5.Jannick de Jong, 6.Robert Mear 7.Andrew Appleton, 8 Ben Millichap (ef)
1000cc Sidecar 1.Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth, 2.Gareth Winterburn/Liam Brown, 3.Colin Blackbourn/Carl Pugh, 4.Paul Whitelam/Alan Elliott, 5.Robbie Wilson/Bradley Steer. 6.Matt Fumarola/Gareth Williams (EXC)
500cc Sidecar1.Josh Goodwin/Liam Brown, 2.Shaun Harvey/Danny Hogg, 3.Dave Carvill/Cameron Godden, 4.Simon Beard/Ant Goodwin, 5.Dan Berwick/Mark Hopkins, 6.Barrie Bennett/Eifion Hughes.