Tuesday October 16, 2018 at 4:31pm
The East Lothian Club have run very successfully the final 2 rounds of the R T Keedwell sponsored British Trials Championships for a number of years now. The Bob MacGregor academy ground at Dunlop is about as far removed from the last event at the very natural Llanidoes as is possible with it all being in a compact but tough Quarry setting. To win the various Classes you have to show the ability to win over all types of ground but hopefully not with the type of wet weather that descended on day 2 of 2018. In the main Championship class James Dabill looks very likely to secure yet another number 1 plate as he has not been beaten in the series so far. At the Welsh Hafren trial Dabill was untouchable and even 2017 Champion Jack Price was unable to get close to him. Dan Peace holds a 12 point lead over Toby Martyn in the series standings and after his win last year in Scotland on the Sunday he will be hoping for a good end to the 2018 season. Ross Danby has already accumulated enough points to win the ‘Masters’ class. Like Dib’s he has won every round to date and no one is near enough to challenge the Midlands rider who still looks more than good enough to ride in the top echelon. The Experts group looks like a straight fight between –current leader Richard Sadler and Guy Kendrew. Sadler does however hold a good advantage over Kendrew and a steady couple of days from Richard should see him home and dry. One young rider to watch out for in the Experts is Chris Stay who took a superb second at Hafren and currently holds fifth position overall in the class. Mitchell Brightmore looks on course to take the Youth Elite crown. It is always tough for the riders on 125cc machines over the same course as the Experts but they have stuck to their task well throughout the season. The only other rider to win a round this year has been Gus Oblien but it is hard given the overall points standings to see anyone else but Mitchell taking the series win. There should be a good battle between Charlie Smith and Bud Harbud for the third position. Only four points separate them with these final two rounds to go. Totherick Quarry, Dunlop, East Ayrshire KA3 4EH is the venue with a 9.30 start each day.