This Sunday April 30th sees the return of the Dalton Barracks Bonanza spectacle, this premier event that has once again attracted an array of Grasstrack’s top riders from all across the country plus the continent and they will do battle and endeavour to add their name to the list of illustrious former winners. Last year’s inaugural event at this iconic venue witnessed racing and in particular finals that will never be forgotten from all those who were fortunate to be in attendance.
Dalton Grasstrack Club have been working tirelessly in preparing for their big day and are very pleased with the top quality entry that they have assembled in the three classes on show. Unfortunately due to injury James Shanes will not be able to defend his title in the 500cc solos however established stars on show will be Chris ‘Bomber’ Harris, Theo Pijper and fellow Dutchman David Meijerink, as well as Paul Cooper, Paul Hurry, Charley Powell and Chad Wirtzfeld. Also adding their youthful exuberance and skill to the line up will be Cameron Taylor, Mickie Simpson and Eli Meadows.
The awesome 1000cc sidecars are sure to have the crowd on the edge once again, Mark Cossar/ Gareth Williams will be the crew to beat however Colin Blackbourn/Carl Pugh will be hoping to go that one step further than the epic 2022 final with the aforementioned. Other crews who are sure to be in the thick of the action include Tom Cossar/Wayne Rickards, Paul Whitelam/Richard Webb, Terry Saunters/Liam Brown, Trevor Heath/ Sam Heath, Matt Fumarola/Andi Wilson, Will Offen/ Ricky Pay, Thomas & Dillon Newton, and of course not forgetting Local Favourites Mike Austin & Vinny Branch.
Tony Atkin heads the list in the Upright class however he will surely be tested by Jason Prynne, Bob Dolman and Dave Mears to name a few in a very competitive field.
The club have kept admission prices at £18 for adults with under 16’s free, practice starts at 10.15am with racing commencing at 12.30am. The pits are accessible to the public so you can wander amongst the riders who are always available for a chat and photo etc. The kids can test their skills on the free to use Climbing Wall, or if they prefer there will be a small funfair in attendance with Dodgems and a Helter Skelter. Alongside will be hot and cold food, plus a bar so it really is a fantastic day out for the whole family at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon OX13 6QJ. Please use this postcode and not the one some of you may have seen on our flyers and posters. The entrance being used this year is the main base entrance as back in the day over 20 years ago, this is the opposite end of the Airfield to last year, and very easily accessible and signposted from the adjacent A34. There will be plenty of orange arrow signs for anyone arriving from other routes. Dalton Barracks is a live MOD base, so please stick to the designated route in and to our Grasstrack area at all times which will be clearly marked.