Thanks to a few highly dedicated enthusiasts, one of the oldest clubs in the South Eastern Centre managed to get a meeting to the tapes on Sunday. Things were looking seriously concerning for the Maidstone Aces club, a club who has been organising meetings for the best part of a century. But race fans must be delighted to see the club run a hugely successful Kent Kracker Grasstrack meeting on Sunday. Lots of work went into preparing the Grafty Green circuit and a vastly improved racing surface provided some good racing.
The 1000cc sidecar final produced an excellent race. Will Penfold, aboard a newly purchased Yamaha Crossplane machine, and passengered by Bradley Steer, looked set to win the final. They led for three laps, but were hunted down by Rob Wilson/Terry Saunters, and passed entering the final lap and taking his first victory of the year. A great display of their experience and expertise. Several strong performances from Will Penfold see him towards the top of the National Gradings List as he and regular passenger Ricky Pay continue to make an impact in the big chair class.
The Lefthand Sidecar class saw a good final win for Rob Heath/Kyle Fish. They had enough to keep Tom Penfold Jnr/Ryan Barker at bay.
Newly crowned British Masters Qualifier champion Charley Powell was no match for Former European and multi-British Masters champion Paul Hurry. He was in tremendous form heading into this weekend’s European Semi Final at Midshires.
Rodney McDonald clinched the win in the Uprights after an entertaining tussle with Midlander Tim Curnock. The club ran a ‘Vintage’ class also, and it was won by Chris Mackett.
Mackett doubled up by competing in the GT140 class and managed to get onto the podium. Nobody had an answer to former British 250cc champion Adam Shipp, who was having his first outing in the class for 2019.
It’s pleasing to report that the youth competitors had their second meeting of the season in Kent as the Youth movement continues in the South Eastern Centre. Similarly to the Youth Battle of Britain last month, Berkshire youngster Max Perry was sensational. He won the final from lone Intermediate rider Vinny Smith, who had managed to beat Perry in an earlier heat. Austin Riches continued his fine season by finishing 3
rd, and 2
nd overall in the Junior class.
The final word must go to the 250cc Solo class, which was won by Grasstrack Banter admin Russell Little. Bouyed by his fine performance at Frittenden’s Battle of Britain last month, Little was in a determined mood. He hunted down and passed Chris Still, who was on yet another comeback meeting! An excellent win for Little, who continues to establish himself as the top South Eastern centre quarter-litre rider.
Well done to all involved with getting this meeting to happen, after much soul-searching in the close-season. We hope that this is the beginning of the resurgence of this famous Kent club. It would have been a travesty to have seen it go under. As we understand it, the club would still value help in continuing to grow going forward. Therefore, if you are interested in getting involved in organising Grasstrack, Maidstone Aces might be a good place to start.