Race Reviews – 2013
Why not spend a little time to read the race reports from our Championship Races.
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WEATHER
Overcast, Rain Showers
TRACK CONDITIONS
Overnight rain made conditions heavy but conditions deteriorated too much for all races to complete.
Overnight rain made conditions heavy but with 4 batches of the programmed 6 rides for each rider being run successfully, it was possible to declare a result as conditions deteriorated.
In the Seniors, competition was fierce with the chief protagonists, Richard Guest, Elvis Jones and Ross Wharton racing to their normal high standards. However, returnee Andy Griffiths threatened to spoil the party with Ryan Ashcroft also chipping in with some classy riding and showing a maturity beyond his young age! Finishing off the top 6 were Andy Yates in his best individual finish to date and Andy Binns.
Seniors Finishing Order 1st: Ross Wharton
Joint 2nd: Richard Guest and Andrew Griffiths
4th: Ryan Ashcroft
5th: Andy Yates
6th: Andy Binns
The youth classes were combined and the youngsters made light work of the conditions. In the cubs Thierry Atkinson did well to keep going all day and finished all his races in a good overall position. Jack Walton put down the first marker as the man to beat with winnng all his races and scoring a 4-ride maximum. Liam Ashcroft has clearly inherited his fathers skill along with his brother and rode well on a bike he’d only just picked up to take joint second with long distance traveller Rocco Casale. Newcomer Tommy Astbury got better as the day went on and took a credible fourth. Connor Fletcher started well but faded and failed to finish in two rides and Kieran Swindells took 6th.
Cubs Finishing Order 1st: Thierry Atkinson
Juniors Finishing Order 1st: Jack Walton
Joint 2nd: Rocco Casale and Liam Ashcroft
Whitchurch MCC would like to thank everyone who helped make this meeting happen on the day.
WEATHER
Overcast
TRACK CONDITIONS
Rain on the preceding days made the surface great for Racing
RACE CARD
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Following the wet Round 1 and the cancelled Round 2 of the FGA Championship, Round 3 took place beneath a grey sky on a field which had seen some heavy rain in the few days run up to the meeting.
A Full entry card included, Auto Cadets, Cubs, Juniors and Seniors promised some exciting racing and everyone did there best to raise to the occasion.
In the Auto Cadet class newcomer Liam Cox took 6 wins out of 6.
Auto Cadet Finishing Order 1st: Liam Cox
In the Cub class the ever improving Thierry Atkinson also took 6 wins out of 6.
Cubs Finishing Order 1st: Thierry Atkinson
In the Junior class the “senior” of the field Jack Walton had some ground to make up in nearly all his races to achieve his maximum on the day following some very impressive gating by the newcomer to the championship Liam Ashcroft, with both Keiran Swindells and Tommy Astbury being involved in some very close and exciting racing. This class is going to get harder as the season progresses.
Juniors Finishing Order 1st: Jack Walton
2nd: Liam Ashcroft
3rd: Tommy Astbury
4th Kieran Swindalls
The Senior class saw some very hard and committed racing with Elvis Jones and Richard Guest sharing top spot with 5 out of 6 wins each, closely followed by the returning Phil Thomas in 3rd with Ross Wharton and Ryan Ashcroft sharing joint 4th on the day. Ryan although only just moved up to the seniors this year is going be a real challenger in the senior class.
Seniors Finishing Order Joint 1st: Elvis Jones and Richard Guest
3rd: Phil Thomas
Joint 4th: Ryan Ashcroft and Ross Wharton
5th: Bobby Morgan
Points were hard to come by all day right through the card with all riders really enjoying the fast surface which saw overtaking throughout the whole of the day.
A days racing worthy of any championship and a real scene setter for the rest of the FGA calendar which this year is scheduled for a full 11 rounds weather permitting.
The futures bright – the futures FGA!!
WEATHER
Saturday – Rain Showers
Sunday – Dry and Sunny Spells
TRACK CONDITIONS
Saturday – Damp and Slippery
Sunday – Drying and Grippy
The Formula Grasstrack Association (FGA) celebrated 40 years of low cost affordable racing in style over the weekend of 15 and 16 June just over the border at Gresford in Wales.
Although rain fell throughout Friday night into the early hours, the track, after the recent dry spell was in perfect condition to provide some of the best racing the FGA has seen in many years.
SATURDAY – FGA ROUND 4
Saturday’s race meeting took on the usual Championship format with a 30 heat programme of racing enjoyed by good crowds including a number of former FGA and Bantam grasstrack racers. At the end of the day in the Senior class only 7 points separated the top 12 riders, with everyone dropping points on the day in the ultra-competitive races.
The Junior and Cub class were combined and with the season’s newcomers coming on well, the reigning champion Jack Walton certainly had to work for his points.
Final Placings on the day;
Seniors Finishing Order 1st: Elvis Jones
2nd: Ryan Ashcroft
3rd: Philip Thomas
4th: Gareth Tregilgas
5th: Richard Guest
6th: Ross Wharton
Juniors Finishing Order 1st: Jack Walton
2nd: Connor Fletcher
3rd: Liam Ashcroft
4th: Tommy Astbury
5th: Kieran Swindells
Cubs Finishing Order 1st: Thierry Atkinson
Following the racing, more competition was enjoyed by the FGA’ers with Skittles and Spacehopper grasstrack with ladies and gents racing going on into the night.
SUNDAY – TEAM EVENT
Back The celebration event on Sunday took on the form of a 3-Team Tournament with teams comprising of both senior and youth riders. With all points scored going into the pot, racing was fast and very close.
Whilst Andrew Appleton was top scorer on the day with an unbeaten 36 point maximum, this doesn’t take away from the fact that he had to work hard for his points and often came from mid-pack to take the win on the line. Riders and spectators alike thoroughly enjoyed his company and the opportunity to race with a genuine star and the FGA’s thanks go to Andrew for entering into the spirit of FGA.
Andrew has subsequently emailed and has commented on FGA;
“After experiencing for the very first time Formula Grasstrack Racing, I must say that it was an absolutely fabulous weekend! I was completely blown away by the friendly atmosphere that surrounded the pits and to be there for the 40th anniversary was a brilliant experience!
Watching the championship meeting on the Saturday, I was slightly nervous about how I would fair up racing in the team event the next day. The racing was so close and technical and it was very exciting! It was good to get on Ross Wharton’s spare bike the next day and have a blast in practice and I soon felt first hand that it was going to be more difficult than it looked. It is very technical to ride making sure that the rear wheel doesn’t spin too much and you have to keep the bike flowing.
In my opinion FGA is a fantastic starting point for any new comer that wants to get in to grasstrack racing, It teaches you the technical side to riding a bike, Its a cheap, good fun and most of all has a friendly sociable atmosphere with everyone willing to help out what ever the circumstance!
Great weekend and thank you to everyone for making me welcome.”
Andrew Appleton
British & European Grasstrack Champion
Another guest of the FGA to help celebrate our “birthday” was our founder, Carl Stanton who came along with his wife Sylvia and son, evergreen racer Glyn – great to see you and thanks for your kind words. The FGA presented Carl and Sylvia with commemorative t-shirts and mug on the day.
Spare a thought for Kieran Swindells who got the award for the unluckiest rider in high-siding and then writing-off his front wheel in the youth races. Fortunately the damage to Kieran is just pride but the wheel was less lucky!
Final Scores for the Team Event;
1st: Team 1 comprising of Elvis Jones, Luke Keeling, Bobby Morgan, John Potton, Jack Morgan, Andrew Appleton, Liam Ashcroft (youth) and Thierry Atkinson (youth) 179 points
2nd: Team 2 comprising Mark Evans, Richard Guest, Arran Swindells, Ryan Ashcroft, Amanda Keeling, Mick Keeling, Callum Loundes (youth) and Jack Walton (youth) 161 Points
3rd: Team 3 comprising Philip Thomas, Ross Wharton, Gareth Tregilgas, Andy Yates, Marcus Crutchington, Zoe Keeling, Tommy Astbury (youth) and Kieran Swindells (youth): 156 points.
Our grateful thanks to go to all those who made the weekend possible by helping set up the marquee, bbq organisation, running the skittles and spacehopper racing, the music and all the marshals who stepped up to wave flags…without you all, we could not have celebrated in style!
Photos’ and video from the weekend are in the Gallery as well as the sale of FGA merchandise including the 40th anniversary special commemorative t-shirts are available from the Shop
WEATHER
Very Hot and Sunny
TRACK CONDITIONS
Dry, Hard and Dusty
Round 6 of the Formula Grasstrack Association’s multiple round season took place on Saturday in soaring temperatures at the Rally Site. Although with a reduced entry due to holidays and work commitments the quality and excitement of the days racing matched the temperature leading to an exciting finale with the running of the Jonathan Rogers Memorial Finals.
In the cubs, Thierry Atkinson showed increasing skill and speed during the course of the day to secure another first place with Brandon Gutteridge, son of pre-75 rider Ian, improved in each of his races to take a well earned 2nd place. Mechanical misfortune on the start line in the trophy final for Atkinson meant that Gutteridge was un-opposed and won the cub trophy.
Cubs Finishing Order 1st: Thierry Atkinson
2nd: Brandon Gutteridge
In the Juniors, defending champion Jack Walton and Rocco Casale had a keenly fought battle with Connor Fletcher storming from the back to be in the mix with them. However Fletcher was unlucky in his second ride, coming to grief after brushing the back wheel of another rider, resulting in an in-elegant hi-side and necessitating a trip to A&E. Fortunately for Connor, nothing was broken and he’s been left with bruising and a headache! In the Junior Final, Walton just pipped Casale on the line to take the win.
Juniors Finishing Order 1st: Jack Walton
2nd: Rocco Casale
3rd: Tommy Astbury
4th Louis Skelding
5th Connor Fletcher
In the Seniors, with defending champion and current league leader Richard Guest missing from the field this meant that the overall series was thrown wide open to the key “protagonists” for this year’s title. The nearest challenger, 2011 Champion Elvis Jones overcame his early season set up gremlins and rode to an immaculate maximum, returnee Philip Thomas took a hard fought second with Andy Yates, Adrian Guest, Ross Wharton and John Potton all closely following. This means that Jones now heads the table heading for the Alveley meeting this weekend with Thomas in 2nd, some 6 league points behind.
Seniors Finishing Order 1st: Elvis Jones
2nd: Phil Thomas
3rd: Andy Yates
4th: Adrian Guest
5th: Ross Wharton
6th: John Potton
The focus of the day following the normal championship races moved on to the prestigious Jonathan Rogers Memorial Salver for the man who was arguably one of the best ever FGA riders of his time. With his Mum, Ann present at the meeting, Elvis Jones who, for so long was a good friend via the racing with Jonathan took the final by storm and made sure that his name will be engraved on the trophy for this year. Fellow FGA racer, Andy Binns, who was also a close friend of Jonathan, rode his old “number 10” race bike during the meeting, evoking memories for many of the day’s attendees.
Other riders deserving a mention for quality performances are; Scott Jarman in his first meeting after a 10 year absence, Junior class Rookies Tommy Astbury and Louis Skelding, Kieran Swindells in his first senior event, Rob Rodgers and last but by no means least, the “evergreen” Mike Flynn.
Whitchurch MCC would like to thank the following, without who’s help we could not have raced. Bill and Pat Evans our landowners, Brian Crump for running the starts, Barbara Flynn and Rhiannon Atkinson for lap-scoring, Marc Casale, Bobby Morgan, Tricia Davis and John Stronagh for marshalling and paddock control, Sam Flowers for ad-hoc “gardening duties” for on-track repairs, Andy Walton, John Potton, Terry Atkinson, Zoe Keeling, Andy Binns, Philip Thomas, Gaz Dixon, Andy Yates, Jack Walton and Connor Fletcher for helping with posts, pegs and set up and Alison Atkinson for a unique selling technique on the raffle!
WEATHER
Hot and Sunny
TRACK CONDITIONS
Dry, Hard and Dusty
Round 7 of the Formula Grasstrack Association’s multiple round season took place on Saturday at the Alveley track sharing with Bewdley MCC. The entry was bolstered with the return of a few of the more senior riders and returnees from holidays which added to the excitement of the days racing.
In the auto cadet class, Liam Cox continued to show his improving skills with a top score.
Auto Cadets Finishing Order 1st: Liam Cox
In the cubs, Thierry Atkinson again showed the increasing skill and speed during the course of the day to secure another first place, however Brandon Gutteridge was hot on his tail and took a heat win to deny Atkinson his maximum.
Cubs Finishing Order 1st: Thierry Atkinson
2nd: Brandon Gutteridge
In the Juniors, defending champion Jack Walton and Liam Ashcroft battled hard with Liam Ashcroft giving a master class in gating and riding with confidence to take the overall win. As in previous rounds, Connor Fletcher; who had recovered from his fall last time out; was always in the mix chasing hard to secure 3rd on the day and new boy Tommy Astbury continuing to grow and develop.
Juniors Finishing Order 1st: Liam Ashcroft
2nd: Jack Walton
3rd: Connor Fletcher
4th: Tommy Astbury
With defending champion Richard Guest returning to action, this was always going to raise the bar for the Seniors. Elvis Jones however showed his skill and determination to take the win with a maximum. Ross Wharton riding with a more relaxed determination shared second with Guest with 2 other returnees John John and Phil Thomas completing the top 5. Young Ryan Ashcroft in only his first full season in the seniors raced hard to secure 6th on the day with Robert Morgan, Andy Yates, Marcus Crutchington and “Quad” specialist Lee Hazlewood having his first taste of FGA rounding out the top 10.
Seniors Finishing Order 1st: Elvis Jones
Joint 2nd: Richard Guest and Ross Wharton
4th: John Jones
5th: Phil Thomas
6th: Ryan Ashcroft
Also, worthy of a mention are newcomers in the seniors Katie Astbury who has got the bug and has taken up the sport just like her son and has added to the growing number of female competitors, Rob Dugdale who took a tumble in his last ride but only bruised his pride and returnee Robin Jones also dusting off the race gear and getting back on track having been a regular spectator for a considerable time.
Wrekin GTC would like to thank the following, without who’s help we could not have raced. Bewdley MCC and their landowner Kim Lawley for allowing us “share” the venue. Sam Flowers for running the starts and tremendous work behind the scenes, Judy Guest for paddock control and the volunteers on the day for supporting the event by marshalling and all the generous supporters who not only contributed to, but took part in the raffle which is key to balancing the books!
WEATHER
Dry with Sunny Spells
TRACK CONDITIONS
Wet, Slippy in places
Round 8 of the Formula Grasstrack Championship took place on Saturday with a return to the Minsterley Showground. The days racing also featured the return of the Tom Thomas Memorial Trophy Final which added to the excitement of the days racing.
All the riders involved in all the classes put on exciting, close and fiercely competitive racing worthy of any showground in the country.
The Seniors saw current championship leader Elvis Jones giving a master class to record another championship maximum to take the win. Ryan Ashcoft, Ross Wharton and Phil Thomas couldn’t be separated on points to be awarded joint second on the day. Taking 5th on the day Andy Yates continued with his impressive form this season with Bobby Morgan and Adrian Guest again unseparable on points completing the top order.
Seniors Finishing Order 1st: Elvis Jones
Joint 2nd: Ryan Ashcroft, Ross Wharton and Phil Thomas
5th: Andy Yates
Joint 6th: Adrian Guest and Bobby Morgan
In the Juniors, defending champion Jack Walton and Liam Ashcroft were again the main protagonists battling hard all day only on this occasion it was Jack who came out on top by just 2 points, with the returning Rocco Casale, Connor Fletcher and Tommy Astbury always in the mix chasing hard for every point.
Juniors Finishing Order 1st: Jack Walton
2nd: Liam Ashcroft
3rd: Rocco Casale
4th: Connor Fletcher
5th: Tommy Astbury
In the cubs, Thierry Atkinson secured another first place with a championship maximum.
Cubs Finishing Order 1st: Thierry Atkinson
The Tom Thomas Memorial Trophy Finals were a fitting culmination to the days racing.
The Juniors final again saw Jack Walton and Liam Ashcroft wheel to wheel with the others hot on their back wheels. Jack Walton finally taking the honours for the juniors.
The Seniors final was wheel to wheel racing at its best. With Ryan Ashcroft leading from the tapes and showing real determination for three laps he held off the attempts of Elvis Jones, Ross Wharton and Phil Thomas only to leave the smallest of gaps going into lap 4 which Elvis Jones needed no second invitation to pounce to take the win, closely followed by Ross Wharton and Ryan finishing in 3rd with Phil Thomas, Bobby Morgan and Andy Yates all crossing the line within a bikes length.
Both finals demonstrating the pride, passion and skill required to hold aloft the trophy and truly a fitting memorial to Tom Thomas.
Wrekin GTC would like to thank the following, without who’s help we could not have raced, Landowner Kim Martin Hamer for allowing us the use of the venue. Andy Walton and Adrian Guest for heading up a team of members whose behind the scenes work ensured that riders, mechanics and spectators alike all had a fantastic and safe day. Judy Guest for paddock control and the volunteers on the day for supporting the event by marshalling, with a particular thanks to the generous supporters who not only contributed to, but took part in the raffle which is key to balancing the books!
WEATHER
Overcast with Sunny Intervals
TRACK CONDITIONS
Damp start, progressively dry and grippy
The latest round of the FGA Championship was hosted by Whitchurch MCC at the Rally Site, near Malpas last Saturday. After heavy rain on the Friday night, which would have spoiled many other events, the track had just about perfect racing conditions, grippy, fast and with the benefit of no dust.
With a strong entry in both youth and senior classes some great racing was anticipated in all categories and this proved to be the case. With all Championship classes going to the wire, points were keenly fought for all day and the added incentive of “winner takes all” trophy finals, every rider upped their game resulting in some of the closest battles seen this year.
As has been the case all season, the FGA welcomed some more new starters with Jon Parsonage (Seniors) and Luke Postlethwaite (Juniors) joining us for the first time and taking the overall tally of riders this season to nearly 60 – all on Honda 125cc engines! They both received a warm FGA welcome and we hope they enjoyed their day with us.
In the Cub Class, Brandon Gutteridge took maximum points from Thierry Atkinson who had the misfortune to not finish in his first race. In the Tom Farrell Memorial final, Atkinson had another misfortune to take an uncharacteristic fall going into the last lap whilst challenging Gutteridge for first place having been passed.
Cubs Finishing Order 1st: Brandon Gutteridge
2nd: Thierry Atkinson
The junior class (12-16) was equally as competitive with Liam Ashcroft, Rocco Casale and Jack Walton all challenging for the honours on the day. Connor Fletcher suffered mechanical misfortune with a freak incident that saw his spark plug snap in half, he was an early withdrawal but up to that point had been in the mix all afternoon. Tommy Astbury enjoyed his best meeting to date with an increasingly accomplished performance. At the end of the day it was Walton who claimed the maximum 25 championship points to add to an already impressive total. Result: Walton, Ashcroft, Casale, Astbury, Skelding, Postlethwaite, Fletcher.
Juniors Finishing Order 1st: Jack Walton
2nd: Liam Ashcroft
3rd: Rocco Casale
4th: Tommy Astbury
5th: Louis Skelding
The Minsterley Motor Club Shield final was closely contested and all money was on Liam Ashcroft for a Tapes to Flag victory after a stunning start which caught his challengers napping. However Walton battled through the pack to catch Ashcroft after a mistake on the last corner of the last lap to take the win by a short wheel!
In the Seniors, a great entry battled hard and close all day with many tight finishes. Philip Thomas further showed his championship credentials with hard but fair riding and was right in the mix. A sluggish start including a fall and mechanical issues did not seem to unduly hinder Rob Morgan who put up a fine challenge.
However, 2011 Champion Elvis Jones took his fourth straight 6 ride maximum to claim the full league points for his assault on the Title and first gate pick in the Martin Parry Memorial Final. Thomas took overall 2nd with Ross Wharton in 3rd. Ryan Ashcroft, Rob Morgan and Adrian Guest made up the top 6 who progressed to the Memorial, 6-lap final race, Whitchurch MCC club stalwart John Potton missed out by 1 point in 7th.
In the final, the odds were on Jones to make his usual charge to the front, but it wasn’t to be. Wharton and Ashcroft led the field to the first bend with Morgan and Thomas in close company. Jones was caught at the start and became blocked up in the field with no way of passing. The whole race was captivating and a true reflection of the quality of the racing at FGA and until the flag dropped at the end of lap 6, the winner could not be determined. At the final reckoning, Wharton was the victor, by a bike length from Morgan and Thomas but at any given point in the race, any one of the 6 racers could have taken the prize.
Seniors Finishing Order 1st: Elvis Jones
2nd: Phil Thomas
Joint 3rd: Ross Wharton and Ryan Ashcroft
5th: Bobby Morgan
Whitchurch MCC would like to thank all riders and helpers who have supported their meetings this year, without this support it would not have been possible to run.
WEATHER
Overcast with Rainy Intervals
TRACK CONDITIONS
Muddy and Slippery
The Final round of the Formula Grasstrack Championship took place on Saturday 19th Oct after a lot of hard work by some dedicated club members, the co-operation of the farmer John Hewitt and a break in the recent weather.
Not only the final championship round but the days racing also featured the Sheila Reece Memorial Trophy Final.
The Seniors saw the current champion elect Elvis Jones having a rare off day and current champion Richard Guest at his best to not only record a championship maximum but to also take away the Sheila Reece trophy, with Phil Thomas hot on Guest’s heels and Ryan Ashcroft matching Jones on points to record joint 3rd on the day. With only 3 points separating the top 4 demonstrating how close the racing was.
Seniors Finishing Order 1st: Richard Guest
2nd: Phil Thomas
Joint 3rd: Elvis Jones and Ryan Ashcroft
5th: Bobby Morgan
In the Juniors, defending champion Jack Walton and Liam Ashcroft were again the main protagonists battling hard all day only on this occasion it was Walton who came out on top by just 2 points, with Rocco Casale, Connor Fletcher and newcomer Luke Postlethwaite always chasing hard for every point.
Juniors Finishing Order 1st: Jack Walton
2nd: Liam Ashcroft
3rd: Rocco Casale
4th: Connor Fletcher
5th: Luke Postlethwaite
In the cubs, Thierry Atkinson secured another first place after taking a hard tumble in his second outing of the day only to get up dust himself off and get back into the thick of it.
Cubs Finishing Order 1st: Thierry Atkinson
The Sheila Reece Trophy Finals were a fitting culmination to the days racing.
The Juniors final again saw Jack Walton and Liam Ashcroft battling hard with the others hot on their back wheels. Jack Walton finally taking the honours for the juniors
The Seniors final was wheel to wheel racing at its best following a short burst of rain to make the track that little bit more of a challenge. With Phil Thomas and Ryan Ashcroft the early leaders leaving Richard Guest a lot of work to do which he relished taking sweeping wide bends to pass all in his way to record the win. Elvis Jones, Bobby Morgan and Ross Wharton all battled hard in an extremely close finish.
Wrekin GTC would like to thank the following, without who’s help we could not have raced, Landowner John Hewitt for allowing us the use of the venue. Sam Flowers, Andy Walton and Adrian Guest for heading up a team of members whose behind the scenes work ensured that riders, mechanics and spectators alike all had a fantastic and safe day. Judy Guest for paddock control and the volunteers on the day for supporting the event by marshalling, with a particular thanks to the generous supporters who not only contributed to, but took part in the raffle which is key to balancing the books!