The Isle of Man quad enduro held last Saturday at Ballaspit Farm proved to be a resounding success. A number of racers from the mainland took advantage of a special travel package and joined IOM residents for the Manx Grass & Sand Racing Club’s three-hour event which was blessed with perfect weather conditions, prize money and trophies.
Jack Price-Draper took the early lead in the Iron Man class. Joint event co-ordinator Matt Thorpe was in third at the end of the first lap, but locals Tom Cannell and Ben Begbie quickly moved out front, leaving Price-Draper in third. The finishing order was Cannell, Begbie, Price-Draper.
In the 4x4 class England’s Neil Martin took the holeshot, and kept out front for the full three hours with Joe Bacon in second and Andy Keenan holding third for the duration.
The Two-Man class was led by Ste Ennett and Will Duggan. With second, third and fourth changing every other lap, this was a very close clase. Nigel Crellin and Chris Devereau held second with joint event co-ordinator Mike Kerruish and Glen Hargraves in third until Russell Plant and Michael Osbourne put a spurt on and went from fourth to second in the final two laps. Final positions were Ennett/Duggan, Plant/Osbourne, Crellin/Devereau.
The top three in all classes received prize money donated by Income Plus £300 1st, £200 2nd, £100 3rd. Trophies were sponsored by Fast Lane Car Sales.
Co-ordinator Kerrish said; “We had 35 entries in total and received many messages from English and Irish riders who wanted to ride but, for various reasons, they couldn’t make it. The ones who did take part really enjoyed it. 4x4 winner Neil Martin said it was the best course he’s ridden and what’s more he went home with £300. We’re definitely running again next year and will advertise the date earlier so as to avoid clashing with other commitments.”
A rider’s view …
Neil Martin travelled over to the Isle of Man especially for the event and was well rewarded, not just financially, but also in terms of enjoyment. This is what he had to say;
“When you think of the Isle of Man, the first thing that springs to mind is the road racing held in May/June. But, as I found out, there's a lot more to this tiny island, sat right in the middle of the Irish sea. In August, the Manx Grass & Sand Racing Club hosts the quad enduro at Ballaspit Farm near Peel.
The club and riders are very thankful for the use of the land which consists of open-going, ravines, rivers, hill climbs, forestry tracks, and big jumps. It’s 1800 feet from the start to the highest point, which is a real test for man and machine. The track was well thought out and the course easy to follow.
The racing was super-hot, both in temperature and competitiveness. There were a few mistakes made by competitors but all-in-all, everyone had a great day. Personally, I couldn’t stop smiling and to take the win and cash, was a bonus!
Mike Hall of Income Plus sponsored each class with a very generous £600, which I think is a first for this level of quad racing – it certainly was a first for me. Trophies were presented by Log Art and Fast Lane Cars.
It was a great weekend and thanks must go to Mike Kerruish for all his help and the club for making us very welcome. Roll on 2020.”
Report by www.quad-online.co.uk