Rounds 7 & 8 Beckons at Darley Moor

Wednesday September 4, 2024 at 3:59pm

A busy time approaching for the Darly Moor Motor Cycle Road Race Club as they prepare for a fast and furious second half of the 2024 season with Rounds 7 and 8 next Sunday, 8^th September, followed by the big season finale, Stars at Darley, over the first weekend of next month, 5^th – 6^th October 2024.

Whilst there have been some dominant displays from competitors in several classes during the first half of the season the different format at the Stars at Darley meeting this year means there are still a maximum of 90points at stake, so plenty can change.

Once again amongst the entries received, to date, we will see the top 3 for most classes battling it out next weekend, plus many others trying to get into those positions for a share of the silverware. In addition to the regular Championship classes there will be the Final Round of the ACU’s National 50cc Championship with plenty of local interest; Morgan Fulop (Bolton), Will Greenway (Cleobury Mortimer), Jay Gilbert (Warrington), Steve Lawton (Oldham) and Paul Livesey (Glossop) who are sure to be amongst some of the front runners.

Of the Darley Moor Club Championships it will be the Sidecars that should see the hardest battles through these final Rounds with just 8points separating the top3; the Dan Knight/Ash Gibson (Congleton/Denton) pairing have just a 5point lead over the Coventry outfit of Bill and Nick Roberts, with Richard Butler/Kenny Cole (Leicester/Bath) just a further 3points adrift. The Open Class Championship, which will be on the grid alongside the 600’s has Alan Molyneux/Rob Coppock (Ormskirk/Runcorn) leading with a 26point advantage over Keith Waddington/Chris Whitlock (Barnsley/Wadebridge).

Closest of the solo classes sees Matthew Bell (Sheffield) leading the Ben Godfrey Trophy class by just 8points from Mark Goodings (Doncaster), with Adam Walters (Derby) just 3points behind. This trio are also heading the Open Solo class, but with Goodings having a 14point lead over Bell, with Walters, 3^rd, just another 4points behind. Whilst Goodings is also leading the Open 600 Championship, by 12points over David Carson (Northwich), another competitor with a three-pronged championship challenge, who sits 9points ahead of Joe Holdsworth (Huddersfield). Leading both the Twin Cylinder 655 – 700cc Championship and Darley Cup, Carson will have to contend with Nick Clare (Winsford) in the Cup races, just 12points separating the pair. Clare is also in a similar position in the Pre-Electronic 600 Championship, although this time he trails Adam Sheriff (Barnsley). Sheriff also leads the Forgotten Era 501 – 1300cc class by a comfortable margin, but it is a different scenario in the Pre-Electronic Open Solo class where he is currently in 6^th place, 74points behind leader, Daniel Stubbs (Derby). Closest challenger to Stubbs, 20points behind, is Mark Brailsford (Chesterfield), who enjoys a 16point advantage over 3^rd placed Andy Boulton (Newcastle under Lyme).

The Twin Cylinder up to 650cc class has Daniel Pearson (Brough) with just a 9point lead at the head of the table, Anthony Thane (Stoke on Trent) 2^nd holding an 8point advantage over 3^rd placed Paul Evans (Awsworth). Sunday will also see a small group of competitors from the ACU Ultra Lightweight Championship; Martin Fulop, Will Greenway and Jay Gilbert bringing their second machines along for some extra track time.

Just 14points is the difference at the head of the Wilson Trophy class, Peter Fell (Burton on Trent) enjoying the advantage over Matt Zschiesche (Stoke on Trent) with Jordan Poole (Stoke on Trent), a further 7points adrift in 3^rd place, whilst Lee Threlfall (Doncaster) another 9points behind in 4^th place. Zschiesche and Poole head the Honda CB500/Suzuki Bandit class, with Poole needing to close a 30point gap. Liam Taylor (Cannock) is 3^rd, with Threlfall 4^th again, but just 1point behind Taylor.

Peter Fell meanwhile holds a 31point advantage in the Lightweight class over Iain Davis (Ashbourne), with Mike Lees (Congleton), in 3^rd, just 5points behind. Whilst Davis, is 2^nd and Lees, 3^rd in the Forgotten Era & Classic up to 500cc class, trailing leader Steve Price (Stockport) by 24 and 52points, respectively.

There is a slim chance of a Champion, or two being crowned next weekend, but with yet another 60points still available at the final meeting of the year this forthcoming meeting should set things up nicely for an exciting finale to the 2024 season. So, why not camp over from Friday night through to Monday morning, for just £7 per night, or £6 if booked in advance. Raceday action on track will begin at 10am, with the first race scheduled for 11.30am. Advance tickets are available now, just visit www.darleymoorstore.com: Sunday Adults £13, Seniors £10 (Sunday On The Day prices of £16 and £12, respectively). Plus, the recently upgraded Chequered Flag Café opening from Saturday 9am – 8pm, Sunday 8am – 6pm) to keep you fed and watered with their fast-growing reputation for quality food.

Championship Standings (after Round 6)

Forgotten Era & Classic up to 500cc

1st Steve Price, 90pts; 2nd Iain Davis, 66pts; 3rd Mike Lees, 38pts

Forgotten Era & Classic up to 1300cc

1st Adam Sheriff, 90pts; 2nd Martin Davis, 48pts; 3rd Martyn Cooper, 20pts

Wilson Trophy

1st Peter Fell, 75pts; 2nd Matt Zschiesche, 61pts, 3rd Jordan Poole, 54pts

Darley Cup

1st David Carson, 82pts; 2nd Nick Clare,70pts; 3rd Mark Pattinson, 30pts

Ben Godfrey Trophy

1st Matthew Bell, 77pts; 2nd Mark Goodings, 69pts; 3rd Adam Walters, 66pts

Open 600cc 2024