Wednesday March 14, 2018 at 11:57am
Hookwoods was the venue last weekend for round 1 of the 2018 RT Keedwell sponsored ACU British Trials Championships. Hookwoods provides spectacular action all within close reach for spectating. The series had a new look to it with a Masters Class, and the Youth riders being an Elite entry but not constituting the A class Championship. Conditions were muddy at Hookwoods after recent weeks but competition in all classes was superb. In the main series the returning James Dabill took the win in fine style with Jack Price second but some 19 marks adrift of Dib’s. It was James’ second lap that really did the damage as he completed the 12 sections for the loss of just 7 marks and that included a five at the very difficult eighth hazard which was not cleaned all day. In third place was Dan Peace who after winning the last round of 2017 is now cementing his place at the top table. It was also good to see Toby Martyn out on the 4 stroke Montesa, Toby just one of a number of the riders to have changed machines over the winter. The Masters who rode a 50/50 route, part Championship, part Expert was on by Ross Danby with Tom Affleck in second. Duncan MacColl up from last year’s Youth class was third. There was perhaps a surprise winner in the Expert class where Ben Morphett riding an elderly but immaculate 2 stroke Montesa just came home in first. Ben does not ride as often as he used to, but he was on it from the start. His first lap for just 3 marks set the tone leaving Richard Sadler to battle hard to get back on terms. He almost made it but eventually had to settle second on the tie break rule having had just one less clean ride. Chris Stay who has caught the eye early on this season had his best ever result by taking third ahead of Guy Kendrew. With last year’s Youth riders having moved classes we saw a new band of competitors. Gus Oblein took the win from Mitchell Brightmore with Charlie Smith in third place. Photos by CJB Photographic