This event was a double header and, in the past, has seen a lot of attrition during the weekend. Riders had to contend with a headwind and then crosswind at mid-track on both days.
8.50 Bike.
Twenty three bikes entered the event and all the riders put funds for both rounds of the championship, with the winner, runner up and both semi-finalists of each day collecting some money. Over the weekend Nick Pepper former ACU Pro Stock Bike Champion announced he will sponsor the last round of the championship next month and will sponsor the class in 2023. Michael Piggott headed the field after qualifying 8.503 followed by Stephen Howe 8.525, Andrew Christophi 8.533, Tied at the top of the points Dan De’ath 8.540 with a top speed of 164.35. In fifth was Alex Gordon 8.555. Former Super Street Bike rider Danny Cockerill was back competing on two wheels riding the ex Pete Field bike. Brad Head debut a new bike built by Super Street Bike rider Jake Mechaell. Jasmine Cordelle was the only rider to break out 8.440.
In round one Gordon lost to Paul Adams. Christophi broke out 8.489 against Head. Howe also broke out 8.490 against Reigning Champion and equal points leader Jay Roe. Both points leaders lost in the next round. Andy Haley ran 8.501 to knock out Roe and Martin Hallett put De’ath back on the trailer. Cockerill put out the number one qualifier Piggott. In the semis Cockerill took the win light over Head and reach the final. Last raced on two wheels in 2015 and would face Jonny Hines who was third in the points coming into this event. Hines broke at mid-track and Cockerill took the win light.
9.50 Bike.
Dave Hall topped the field 9.529 just ahead of Philip Harrison 9.530. Dion Hartley had a new clutch setup, resulting in a 9.577 for third spot.
Brett Cordelle ended Hall’s day in round one. Reigning Champion Richard Sawatzki put out Harrison.
In the first semi it was a close race with Cordelle putting a holeshot (rt011to 089) over Hartley and held on to take the win, both riders time was 9.623. In the other semi Carl Thomas did a teeth clenching red light 001 against Sawatzki. The final was decided on the start line with Sawatzki having better reaction off the line as both riders clocked 9.616. Sawatzki takes another step closer to another championship.
ET Bike.
Blade King was the number one qualifier 12.375 (dial in 12.35) followed by Scott Collier 9.716 (9.65), Liam Holgate 9.769 (9.69), Peter Harrison 11.062 (10.95) and rounding the top five was Andrew Burfitt 13.513 (13.35).
Harrison red lit against Carl Hester and King lost to Michael Gooding in round one. In round two Burfitt lost to points leader Gary Hester. Holgate knocked out Reigning Champion Phil Pratt. In the semis Holgate beat Dave Grundy and Collier had a bye to the final. Collier had a better reaction off the line and took the win light over Holgate.
Report by Steven Moxley