The heralded return to Dalton Barracks for grasstrack fans lived up to expectations and probably even surpassed many. A good sized crowd turned up even though the light rain in the morning tried to dampen spirits and probably even put off a few from traveling, those making that decision missed some spectacular racing.
Racing started with the Uprights who again served up excellent racing which has been evident at many previous events, Bob Dolman, Tony Atkin, Graeme Brown & Jason Prynne were always in the mix.
The 500cc solos were also providing outstanding racing, Jake Mulford, Zach Wajtknecht, Chad Wirtzfeld, James Shanes and Andrew Appleton to name a few provided the crowd with top drawer entertainment throughout the day.
Finally, but certainly not least the 1000cc R/H Sidecars were awesome, the big chairs never seem to disappoint and again were prominent in pleasing the crowd. Rob Bradley/Ryan Wharton was making one of his rare appearances, he along with Mark Cossar/Gareth Williams, Tom & Dillon Newton were among the forefront of entertainment.
Unfortunately, the early rain seemed to contribute to the track conditions deteriorating and a decision was made to cut the 4th leg of the heats and also the semis so salvaging the finals and wow what finals they were!
The Uprights saw Atkin and Dolman dicing for the lead with Prynne not far behind, 500cc solos was incredible, mechanical failure kept Wirtzfeld on the start line which left Mulford and Shanes tussling for first place with Appleton waiting for mishaps.
The Big Chairs produced an absolute classic, Colin Blackbourn/Carl Pugh getting an electric start, Mark Cossar/Gareth Williams having to come through traffic then fighting for the lead which was nip and tuck on every lap with Cossar eventually just edging out Blackbourn over the line....incredible racing!
The newly formed Dalton Grasstrack Club should take great credit in staging a superb Grasstrack event which will hopefully be the first of many more to follow.
First 3 in each class;
Uprights
Tony Atkin James Shanes Mark Cossar/Gareth Williams
Bob Dolman Jake Mulford Colin Blackbourn/Carl Pugh