The H&N Supplies Ltd. Formula Grasstrack championship rolls into the picturesque village of Pontesbury this Saturday, and fittingly, the meeting also incorporates the Tom Thomas memorial finals. Tom was a stalwart of Grasstrack racing in the area and is honoured every year by the FGA. His three sons have all competed in the FGA over the years.
This season sees Graham Thomas heading to his local venue at the top of the Senior table after winning at Ledbury 2 weeks ago and will be looking to clinch his dad’s memorial trophy. He’ll have his work cut out as the usual suspects head to the Shropshire village with a 26-rider field in the Senior class. The 2 Broadhurst’s, Wayne and Max both finished on the rostrum behind Thomas last time out and will be keen to try and outscore the championship leader.
Local brothers Andrew & Anthony Rowson both had their best performances to date at Ledbury, so they will be looking towards the top 3 steps, whilst another local front-runner, Colin How will be hoping for more after finishing inside the top 8 last time. Adam Hawker continues his impressive return from injury and Sam Hall makes his season debut in the FGA after missing round 3.
As always, Formula Grasstrack produces close racing right down the order, and plenty of riders are capable of making the top 8 final should one of the favourites slip up in the heats.
In the youngest class, the E-Bikes, Lilly Bence will be the favourite to take victory after showing superb form at Ledbury, the champion from Kingswinford will look to extend her lead. With Cooper Greenwood missing, Kobi Gutteridge will be aiming to take the challenge to Bence and will have to contend with Jonah Bott returning to FGA action after missing round 3. JJ Falconer will have plenty of support in his home village in his 2nd ever Grasstrack. Noah Bakewell makes his debut in the class.
Dalton Wright is the sole Auto cadet and will do battle against the cadets in which his older Brother Dakota competes against Eccles Charlie Dowd will be looking to continue leading the championship.
Archie Whitelam heads the Cubs’ lineup after winning round 3. He will be up against FGA regulars Jess Cox, AJ Bence, and Kaylem Bourne, with Roman Ratcliffe looking to improve on his third-place finish two weeks ago.
The Junior class sees Charly Arthur and Isaac Collins-Bullock entered and looking to add to their championship points tally as well as win the Tom Thomas junior trophy.
Practice is at 12pm with 1st race at 1pm. Signposted from Pontesbury village SY5 0QX
Free admission to spectators. more information at www.formulagrasstrack.com
Words by Ross Wharton