All roads this weekend head for Swingfield Minnis in Kent for the 33rd running of the ACU British Grasstrack Masters.
Over the years there have been some great names that have taken the title. In the Solos the late Simon Wigg was a five time winner; both Paul Hurry and Sky Sports Kelvin Tatum have four wins each, Sheffield Speedway manager Joe Screen and Andrew Appleton all have three apiece. In the Sidecars Roger Measor has five wins, Rob Bradley four, Mark Cossar four, Gary Jackson three and Steve Smith two to add to his four British titles.
The Solos defending Champion is Australian Cameron Woodward having won the last two events but unfortunately due to an injury gained riding for his Polish Speedway team he will not be able to defend his title. This leaves the field wide open and amongst the front runners are previous winners Andrew Appleton, Glen Phillips, Paul Copper who took third last year, David Howe who makes only his third appearance, Richard Hall who took fourth his best finish last year and won last week’s World Longtrack Round, Mitch Godden will be competing in his twentieth Championship and has been in the top ten six times, Mark Baseby and Danny Warwick both make their third appearance, the Challenge winner and Under 21 Champion James Shanes gets his first start as does Georgie Wood who has had some great results already this season.
In the Sidecars there are a number of crews who could take the title this term. Defending Champions Mark Cossar & Carl Blyth are going for their fifth Championship. Rob Wilson & Terry Saunters two times winners and runners-up last year are always ones to look out for. Four times winner Rob Bradley & Shaun Simpson were third in 2013. Rod Winterburn & Liam Brown winners in 2012 missed last year through injury. Much fancied Gareth Winterburn & Billy Winterburn won this year’s Challenge at Ledbury. Paul Whitelam has twelve consecutive top ten finishes and one win, and is passengered by Kieron Ivy. Robbie Wilson & Bradley Steer are going well this year.
It should be a cracking day at the Kent circuit