Dusty conditions forced the abandonment of the Astra Clubs International Champion of Champions Grass Track at Swingfield on Sunday but not before the crowd had been treated to some of the best high speed action seen at this venue. Despite watering for days beforehand the area had no rainfall for approximately two months, something that cannot be catered for in April!
Results were declared after totting up the points scored by the riders in their heats and semi-finals, all having the same number of races. Winners were three times former European Champion Jannick de Jong from the Netherlands who raced unbeaten throughout to defeat current Champion and Kent Kings Speedway rider James Shanes who won the title at this track last year. Shanes finished in third place with James Wright from Weston super Mare splitting them.
Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth demonstrated their usual no fuss form to take the 1000cc Right Hand Sidecar class with yet another unbeaten display defeating their great rivals Gareth Winterburn/Liam Brown when they met. Earlier the latter crew had thrilled the crowd with an incredible burst through the field to win after being last away. Cornwall born Myles Simmons now living in Kent and passenger Kevin Woodley achieved their best result for some time finishing in third place including two wins.
Probably the day’s biggest story involves former European 500cc Sidecar Champions Josh Goodwin and Liam Brown (who competes in both classes). The pair had a big crash in Holland on Easter Monday with Goodwin suffering a broken thumb and torn ligaments in his hand. Determined to race however the Tonbridge born driver cut off the plaster cast and the pair had two wins and two second places to secure the win by one point from Collier Street’s Mitch Godden and Paul Smith with multi British Champions Shaun Harvey/Danny Hogg from Essex just a further point behind.
Next meeting at this venue will be the British Masters Championships on 10
TH September.