Penultimate Weekend of Action at Darley Moor

Wednesday September 7, 2022 at 4:51pm

The Darley Moor Motor Cycle Road Race Club are preparing for their penultimate weekend of racing at the Darley Moor Sports Centre, near Ashbourne, DE6 2ET on Sunday 11th September 2022 when Round 6 of their Championship gets underway.

There is already one champion this year, Glenn Atkinson (Northampton) has secured the Forgotten Era 250 class, although everybody will be hoping his return to Darley Moor will be far more successful than his previous, very short, outing at Round 4 in which another competitor crashed into him on the opening lap of his first Practice session, resulting in a short stay in Hospital!

With three Rounds remaining the 13 championship classes are still to be decided, but this coming weekend could see five Champions crowned, if luck plays a part. To prevent last year’s Runner-Up in both 700 Twins and Formula 600 classes, David Carson (Northwich), lifting a title this weekend Patrick Lord (Hatton) needs to record 5 more points than the 700 Twins Championship leader, whilst Ian Robinson (Eccleshall) needs to record an extra 7points. Anything less and Carson will add another title to his tally and given the leader’s consistency over the season this will be a huge task for both.

However, the ‘shoe is on the other foot’ for Carson in the Formula 600 class, sitting 2nd in the standings, once more, 21points behind leader and reigning Pre-Electronic/700 Twins Champion, Ben Dale (Warrington) with a maximum of 45points left at stake over these final three Rounds. Richard Cooper (Hucknall) sits a further 10 points adrift and if his own race calendar doesn’t ‘interfere’ with Darley’s then he could pull off a surprise.

The Pre-Injection 1300 class has the same points difference as the Formula 600, 21points the advantage for, Runner-Up in 2021, Adam Walters (Derby) at the head of the table, over Ian McKenzie (Long Eaton).

Peter Fell (Burton on Trent) enjoys a similar position to Carson and registering just 2 more points than nearest rival, 2021 Champion, Andy Whale (Birmingham) will see him crowned 2022 Lightweight Champion this weekend.

Making the trip up from the spa town of Bath, Somerset could prove worthwhile for Oliver Presswood if he can register just 3points more than his closest rival Rob Hodson (Wigan) as he will return home Classic 500 Champion.

Now to look at those Championships that will most likely go down to the wire and continue keeping the spectators entertained until the last race of the final round; the Forgotten Era 500 class has just 3points separating 1st and 2nd place; Paul Hawksworth (Castle Donington) is ‘enjoying’ the slim advantage over Mike Lees (Congleton), last year’s Classic & Forgotten Era Champion.

The Honda CB500/Suzuki Bandit class has just 10points between the top three places with Connor Woodman (Poulton Le Fylde) heading the table by 4points from Alistair Corr (Alfreton), with Jordan Poole (Stoke on Trent) a further 6 points back.

Chesterfield’s, 2021 CB500/Bandit Champion, Mark Brailsford has just a 7point deficit to make up on Martin Davis (Manchester) in the Forgotten Era 1300cc class.

The Pre-Electronic 600/750 Twin class has three competitors split by just 14points with Stuart Bradbury (Belper), Runner-Up in 2021, heading the table by 10points from Dean Ephgrave (Hucknall), with Nick Clare (Wilmslow) only a further 4points back in 3rd place.

The remaining class for solo machines, the Open Solos, has last year’s Runner-Up Mark Goodings (Doncaster) leading the 2021 Champion Josh Daley (Wigan) by 15points, with Matthew Bell (Sheffield) a further 7points behind the pair.

Fans of three wheeled motorsport can also be looking forward to these remaining rounds with both classes having a slim advantage at the head of the field. 2021 Champions Howard Baker/Mike Killingsworth (Sutton Coldfield/Washingborough) are once again holding the advantage in the Formula 600 sidecar Championship with an 11point lead over Bill & Nick Roberts (Hyde) and Charlie Moss/Adam Geddes (Ashford/Waterlooville) a further 7points behind in 3rd place. The Open Sidecar class sees 3rd place finishers last year, Steve Thomas/Danny Lewis (Rockferry/Saughall Massie) currently heading this year’s series by 12points over 2021 Champions Anthony Eades/Ash Gibson (Hyde).

So Sunday is set to be another busy day of entertaining and close racing so be sure to claim your vantage point early. As always Practice will begin at 10.00 am with the first race scheduled for 11.30am.

The cost of adult admission to Darley Moor Motor Cycle Road Race Club meetings, except the end of season Stars at Darley meeting, is £16.00 per day, children under 16 are free, and Senior Citizens are £12.00.

Advance Tickets at discount prices (£13 and £10) are also available on-line just visit the Darley Race Shop for full details - http://www.darleymoorstore.co.uk/.

There is ample room for spectators to camp and caravan at Darley Moor over the race weekends. The cost is £7.00 per unit per night (£6 in advance). Camping will normally be available from 4.00pm on the Friday evening until 10.00 am on the day after the meeting or by special arrangement with the circuit management – Call 01335 343833.

Championship Tables (after Round 5)

Open Solos

1st Mark Goodings, 57pts; 2nd Josh Daley, 42pts; 3rd Matthew Bell, 35pts

Open Sidecars

1st Steve Thomas / Danny Lewis , 66pts; 2nd Anthony Eades /Ash Gibson, 54pts; 3rd Martin Kirk/ Kyle Masters, 30pts

Lightweight

1st Peter Fell, 64pts; 2nd Andy Whale, 36pts; 3rd Ben Brown, 31pts

Formula 600

1st Ben Dale, 61pts; 2nd David Carson, 40pts; 3rd Richard Cooper, 30pts

Formula 600 Sidecar

1st Howard Baker/Mike Killingsworth, 57pts; 2nd Bill Roberts/Nick Roberts, 46pts; 3rd Charlie Moss/ Adam Geddes, 39pts

Pre-Electronic 600/750 Twin