Get ready for Bantasia 2, and what a high quality, star-studded entry those hardworking guys at Grasstrack Banter Promotions have pulled together for your entertainment! The entry lists includes World, European and British Champions so Whaddon Farm, Owslebury, near Winchester SO21 1JJ is certainly the place to be on Sunday, April 10th.
So good is the quality of the Elite Solo class that picking a potential winner looks like an almost impossible task! The 16 rider field boasts between them 20 British, 9 British Masters, 6 European and 2 World Team titles, that’s pretty impressive no matter what the sport is! Leading the challenge for GB will be the likes of James Shanes, Zach Wajknecht, Andrew Appleton and Paul Cooper. They are joined by Tom Perry, Edward Kennett, Tony Atkin, Daniel Winterton, Ryan Kinsley, Charley Powell and young stars Chad Wirtzfeld, Jake Mulford and Alfie Bowtell. The Overseas challenge is provided by the experienced Dutchman Theo Pijper and Danes Kenneth Hansen and Jacob Bukhave the current National Longtrack champion.
Also star studded is what promises to be a hugely competitive 1000cc right-hand sidecars class with last year’s Bantasia winner Mark Cossar/Gareth Williams defending their title. Being a six times British Masters winner, Mark will certainly start as the man to beat again. 2021 Bantasia runner-up Tom Cossar/Wayne Rickards goes again on Sunday along with plenty of other potential spoilers. Look out for Paul Whitelam/Richard Webb, Kieran Hicks/Kieron Ivy and Matt Fumarola/Andi Wilson for starters!!
In another super entry, last year’s Bantasia 250cc winner, young Cameron Taylor also defends his title. There’s plenty of quality opposition though with the likes of Tim Greig, Luke Harris, Graham Thomas, Gary Cook, Chris Still and Adam Hawker also coming under starters orders. This class includes youngsters Sam Norris and Ace Pijper. Son of top racer Theo, 15 year-old Ace is certainly one to watch both now and in the future.
Completing the Bantasia 2 programme is an open 500cc Solo contest and an Old and New Sidecar class. In the 500c Support, Daniel Broughton, Dave Mears, Arran Butcher, Will Thurlby, Ryan Ashcroft and Wayne Broadhurst could well be in contention.
So if you want to enjoy this very tasty feast of top class grasstrack racing, then get along to Whaddon Farm on Sunday, April 10th. Admission charges on the day are Adults £18, Concessions £15 and Under 16’s FREE with practice due at 11am and the all- important first race coming to the line at 12.30pm.
Words and Images by Mike Wood