Under Starter’s Orders at Darley Moor

This coming weekend will see the Darley Moor Motorsport Centre, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire (DE6 2ET (What3words: bounty.behalf.charm)) firing back into life for the 2023 Season, firstly with a Test Day on Saturday 25^th and then Round 1 of the Darley Moor Motor Cycle Road Race Club’s 7 Round Championship on Sunday 26^th March, both days bursting into life from 10am.

However, prior to this opening day for competitors and spectators alike the Club’s small army of willing volunteers have been busy through all weathers making improvements for everyone.  Competitors will see and feel the benefit of some resurfacing around the track and safety improvements at the newly named Wilson’s Chicane, so despite it being only March, if it is dry, lap times could well see a drop.

As usual the Club Championship classes will cater for two and three-wheeled motorsport, plus regular guests, Superkart UK, will satisfy fans of four-wheeled motorsport.  This weekend will see an extra class opening proceedings when the solo machines of the ACU 50cc Championship also have their first Round.

Fans of the three-wheeled motorsport are in for a treat with the added spectacle of regular World Championship team, Mansfield’s Ben and Tom Birchall, plus British Championship pairing Bruce Moore and Amy Dodd (Southam/Crewe).

In addition to the regular Championship classes for a wide variety and size of machinery there will be three extra pieces of silverware to challenge for this season:

The Wilson Trophy, and Wilson’s Chicane, are in memory of Allan & Joyce Wilson who were both lifelong supporters of Darley Moor and spent many years working for the betterment of the Club.  Unfortunately, both recently passed away and the Darley Moor Motor Cycle Road Race Club were quick to ensure their efforts would never be forgotten.  The Wilson Trophy will be contested throughout the season with competitors racing machines Over 100cc and no bigger than 500cc, but still including Suzuki Bandits.

The Ben Godfrey Trophy is in memory of the Nottingham based 2017 Stars at Darley Winner, who sadly lost his life in an accident, at Donington Park, in 2020.  The Stars Trophy was Ben’s first at Darley Moor, after narrowly missing out on a ‘Champion’ title earlier in his career on three consecutive years when he finished Runner-Up in 2009 & 2010 in the Formula 125 Championship and a similar position in the Lightweight Championship in 2011.  This new Championship is supported by Ben’s father, Steve, and open to competitors on solo machines between 500cc and 1300cc, with no other restrictions.

The Darley Cup is a trophy from the past and open to competitors on machines between 500cc and 850cc, with no other restrictions.

Despite the increasing cost of living the Club have already received many entries which include, in addition to the above-mentioned International sidecar competitors 2022 Champions – Howard Baker/Mike Killingsworth (Sutton Coldfield/Washingborough, Lincs), Mark Brailsford (Chesterfield), David Carson(Northwich), Ben Dale(Warrington), Peter Fell(Burton on Trent), Mark Goodings(Doncaster), Paul Hawksworth(Castle Donington), Oliver Presswood(Bath) and Adam Walters(Derby).   2022 Runners Up: Martin Davis(Manchester), Anthony Eades(Hyde), Ian McKenzie(Long Eaton), Steve Price(Cheadle, Stockport) and Bill & Nick Roberts(Coventry).

There are also many local competitors and former Champions striving to ensure they will be amongst those above, in the hunt for a large championship points haul, which could include: Stuart Bradbury(Kilburn), Mark Goodings(Doncaster), Jim Hodson(Wigan), McAuley Longmore(Willenhall), Ben Scranage(Bolton), Matt Zschiesche(Biddulph).

Bucking the trend of many things recently the Darley Moor Club have been able to keep the entrance fees down to the same as last year with Advance ticket prices for Adults £13, Seniors £10 or On The Day prices of £16 and £12, respectively.  Be sure not to forget that it isn’t just the competitors that are able to spend the whole weekend at the circuit, spectators are also able to camp over throughout the weekend, for just £7 per night, or £6 if booked in advance and take advantage of getting an early opportunity to claim their favoured vantage point.  Please visit www.darleymoorstore.com.

The full list of race dates at the Darley Moor Motorsport Centre are as follows.

Saturday 25th March                     Club Test Day Darley Moor MCRRC

Sunday 26th March                        Round 1 Club Championships Darley Moor MCRRC

Saturday 8th April                          Club Championships Classic RMC

Sunday 9th April                             Club Championships Classic RMC

Sunday 21st May                            Round 2 Club Championships Darley Moor MCRRC

Sunday 18th June                           Round 3 Club Championships Darley Moor MCRRC

Saturday 15th July                          Club Championships British Historic Racing

Sunday 16th July                             Club Championships British Historic Racing

Sunday 13th August                       Round 4 Club Championships Darley Moor MCRRC

Sunday 10th September               Round 5 Club Championships Darley Moor MCRRC

Saturday 7th October                    Club Round 6 Championships Darley Moor MCRRC