The ACU British Timecard Enduro Championship makes a return to Scotland with the eagerly awaited new venue at Thirlestane Castle.
The Thirlestane 2 Day Enduro will take place this weekend with the event being held all on land near Lauder. The Dirtbike Evolution club have set a 14-mile lap consisting of clear fell, river sections, hill climb, open woodland plus tight and gnarly woodland making it a proper enduro. There will be two special tests per lap; the 1st one will start on an open and grassy hill then down a technical gulley with a ford/bridge to cross and finishing in a stubble field. The 2nd test being a cross country styled test riding over clear fell, then onto a dry river bed finishing on a grassy gnarly track. The 1st special test is 5 miles from the start while the 2nd one is 11 miles from the start.
Series leader Danny McCanney goes into this round as clear favourite, but Tom Sagar back after his year long absence will be determined to go one better after finishing runner up to the McCanney in the last two rounds. Jack Edmondson will be another hoping to close in on McCanney, along with the rapid Joe Wootton, ex motocross star Alex Snow and ever improving Tom Ellwood. Others hoping to shine will be youngsters Dan Mundell, Jed Etchells, Alex Walton and top Scotsman Fraser Flockhart who will be hoping for some good points on local territory
In the highly competitive Experts class in-form Richard Ely and Aaron Gordon will take some catching, but you can be assured Max Ditchield, Ben Murphy, Jon Hunt and Richard Tucker will be hot on their heels. Ex world champion Paul Edmondson is a surprise entry, can the original “little Ed” clean up and show these youngsters how to do it!
In the Clubman class another close battle will commence between Harry Houghton and Luke Thomas both capable of taking class wins on their day.
Rosie Rowett will no doubt pick up where she left off at in the Ladies class, Nieve Holmes will be hoping to show her European Enduro experience to pay off with another battle with youngster Rowett.
Both Andrew Edwards (Over 40’s) and Paul Davies (Over 50’s) will take some beating in their respective classes.
The start of the event is located on the outskirts of Wanton Walls Farm, Lauder, TD2 6QT within the grounds of Thirlestane Castle.
Signing-on/Scrutineering will take place on the Friday between 10am – 6pm.
First riders will start at 10.00am Saturday and Sunday.
Photos: Gemma James Photography