British SXS Championship Round 6 - Neuadd Farm - 8th September 2013 Richard Avis took two wins from three to take an impressive victory at round six of the British SXS Championship. Held at the scenic Neuadd Farm circuit in Llandrindod Wells, the technical and fast track provided plenty of action at the NORA SXS organised event.
In qualifying and on a dry track, it was Dean Hyde who set the fastest time on the 1.3mile track as his blistering pace put him 2.2 seconds ahead of Avis. Another strong performance from current championship leader Paul Rowlands put him in third with team Park Lane’s Oli Beswick, Alfie Hyde and Mark McCann all on the pace.
With clear skies, the packed grid set off as the green lights appeared. Taking the holeshot and maintaining position, Dean Hyde blasted into the lead, closely pursued by Avis and Rowlands. In lap seven, Rowlands pulled up giving third position to Alfie Hyde. Tom Fletcher was meanwhile making his way from 21st place and had just passed Beswick. With the final lap to go, he passed Alfie Hyde into third. Another driver showing great promise on his first ever outing aboard his Polaris RZR was Geoff Greenwood. Starting in 20th position, he drove superbly to get up into eighth overall. But it was Dean Hyde who took the victory, passing the chequered flag just in front of Avis with Fletcher a further 33 seconds behind in third. Alfie Hyde clung on and claimed fourth ahead of Sam Berry and Beswick, all whom had battled hard and shown excellent skill for their final positions.
Dean Hyde led the opening laps of race two with Avis and Fletcher having an epic battle for position. Fletcher successfully passed Avis and Hyde and began to pull a gap at the front. From sixth on the grid, Berry was looking impressive as he carved his way through the mid pack and up to the front runners. Paul Severn was also driving well as he went from 11th to fourth. At the front, Fletcher was less than a lap from the finish, had taken fastest lap and holding a healthy lead when an a-arm bolt snapped leaving him unable to complete the final lap. That gave Avis the lead as he took the win, 36 seconds ahead of Dean Hyde and Berry in third. Great drives from Severn and Brad Visser got them fourth and fifth with CCS Racing’s Challenge Cup competitor Scott Hughes having an impressive drive finishing overall in sixth.
Full of confidence after taking the win in race two, Avis took the holeshot and commanded race three ahead of the action unfolding behind him. Initially Fletcher was again looking strong before the master cut out switch came out and cut out the engine. Rowlands powered his way up from seventh to second by lap two with Beswick also noticeable making his way through the pack. Visser was having one of his strongest races so far this season as he passed his way to fourth on the final lap. Avis won as Rowlands battled hard and bridged an eight second gap, pushing right to the flag with the fastest lap and a very close finish. Beswick finished third from Visser, Dean Hyde and Joe Bennett (CCS Racing’s Challenge Cup competitor) in an impressive sixth. It was the race of the day with fast, intense action throughout the 18 minute plus two lap race.
Winning overall and taking two wins, a delighted Avis commented: “Good to qualify on front row, I was fast and consistent all day and stayed out of trouble. The track turned out to be a very good, technical track that raced fast. The racing was really clean, some of the best racing we've had all year. The next 3 rounds will be fun, it's all to play for still!”
British SXS Championship Overall Round 6: 1 Richard Avis 37 + 40 + 40 =117, 2 Dean Hyde 40 + 37 + 31 =108, 3 Sam Berry 31 + 35 + 29 =95, 4 Fletcher Racing 35 + 28 + 26 =89, 5 Park Lane Group 29 + 24 + 35 =88, 6 Brad Visser 21 + 31 + 33 =85
CCS Racing Challenge Cup
Scott Hughes had a fantastic weekend claiming two wins and a second place to take the CCS Racing’s Challenge Cup for round six. With both Hughes and Joe Bennett finishing inside the top six overall in the races it highlighted the quality of drivers within the challenge cup.
RZR Challenge Cup Results: 1 Scott Hughes 40 + 40 + 37 =117, 2 Joe Bennett 37 + 37 + 40 =114, 3 Darren Peel 35 + 35 + 0 =70, 4 Adrian Loveridge 0 + 33 + 35 =68
21st & 22nd September - Double Round Weekend
Field House Farm in Wilberfoss will be the location for the next two rounds of the British SXS Championship. Rounds seven and eight will be held on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September 2013. Entry forms will be sent out on Monday 16th with entry deadline on Friday 20th.
NORA SXS Members Meeting
After racing on Saturday 21st, we will be hosting a members meeting. Following on from an email sent by Russell Beswick to all members, we are keen to discuss ideas brought forward to develop the club and listen to your views in taking NORA SXS into the 2014 season and beyond. All members are welcome and we look forward to seeing you.
Latest news on the RZR XP1000
We will also be showcasing the all new Polaris RZR XP1000 at the track. It’s the only model in the country and a first chance to see one of the most hotly anticipated SXS ever produced!
Catering
Meet The Chef will be providing the catering over the weekend with competitive prices on high quality Yorkshire sourced food. They will be open on Saturday 8am - 9pm and Sunday 8am - 5pm. Check out their website for more information:
http://www.meetthechef.co.uk/
Photos by
Catherine Hopwood