The Sun is Booked for Round 3 at Darley Moor

Following the excellent racing and fantastic weather most race fans that were at Darley Moor for Round 2 will have Round 3’s date lodged in their mind, or a reminder set in the phone.  For those that missed out Round 3 is due to be held Sunday 18^th June 2023 at the Darley Moor Motorsports Centre, near Ashbourne (DE6 2ET or What3words: bounty.behalf.charm) and this time around be sure to pack the sun cream and, like myself, a hat of some sorts to protect the area where that fine head of hair used to be!

At this moment in time, with many Darley Moor regulars still returning from the Isle of Man TT the Club is anticipating the usual surge of late entries for this round.  At the time of writing though competitors already booking-in include

The top four of the CB500/Suzuki Bandit Championship and with them separated by just 4 points you can be sure the racing will be a little on the frantic side between leader Aaron Howe (Derby), Richard Hughes (Wolverhampton), Matt Zschiesche and Jordan Poole (both Stoke on Trent).

Peter Fell (Burton on Trent) will be out to stretch his lead at the head of the table over Stockport racer Kyle McKinna-Brown, who sits in 2^nd place in table, 10points behind.

Amongst the entries for the Formula 600 class are the entire top5: with Adam Green (Washington) heading the table from Matthew Rostron (Formby), Adam Mather (Nottingham) and Mark Goodings (Doncaster) with David Carson (Northwich) in 5^th spot after having a rare crash at Round 2.  Hopefully, the injuries received will be almost healed and with a point to prove this coming weekend.

Matthew Bell (Sheffield) will be trying to continue his maximum points haul in the Open Solo class, but with 2^nd placeman, Goodings and Adam Walters (Derby), 3^rd also entered the spectators will be kept entertained.

Pre-Injection Solo class leader, Stuart Bradbury (Belper) has Rich Chivers-Jarvis (Belper) currently 4^th after just the one points scoring race and Mark Brailsford (Chesterfield), who is yet to record any points, but will certainly be in the hunt to make his mark in the Championship.

The Barnsley based father and son duo of Adam and Kaine Sheriff both share a points win apiece in the Pre-Electronic 600 and 750 Twin class, although Kaine’s zero-point score at Round 1 allows Nick Clare (Winsford) to split the pair in the Championship table.

Anthony Thane (Stoke on Trent) sits at the head of the 700cc Twins class with a 3^rd place and victory at the last round, however Carson will be looking to correct his no points score and improve on his current 3^rd place in the standings.  Ben Wilkinson (Birmingham), currently 4^th place in the standings is the only other rider within the top6 of the standings.

The Forgotten Era and Classic classes will all see their respective championship leaders in action; Iain Davis (Ashbourne) 250cc; Steve Price (Stockport) 500cc and Mark Brailsford, 1300cc.  Price will also have competition from 2^nd placeman, Mike Lees (Congleton), whilst Brailsford will have to contend with 2^nd and 3^rd in the standings, Adam Sheriff and Martin Davis (Manchester).

Likewise, for the three-wheeled classes, both leading pairings of Howard Baker/Mike Killingsworth (Sutton Coldfield/Lincoln) in the Formula 600 class and Open Class Keith Waddington with new passenger Ian Tennant (Barnsley/Runcorn).  Last year’s Open Champions, Steve Thomas/Danny Lewis (Wirral) are 3^rd in this year’s standings and will be pushing the Waddington/Tennant duo, whilst the Formula 600 leaders will face competition from the 2^nd and 3^rd place crews; Dan Knight/Ben Hughes (Congleton/Longholt) and Bill and Nick Roberts (Coventry).

The three new trophies for the 2023 are all being well supported and this coming weekend is no different; the Ben Godfrey Trophy will see the top two battling it out, Mark Goodings and Matthew Bell.  The Wilson Trophy will see the top four battling; Jordan Giddings (Derby), Aaron Howe (Derby), Peter Fell and Matt Zschiesche, whilst the Darley Cup has five of the top 6 six entered already; Adam Green (Washington), David Carson, Stephen England (Burnley), Matthew Rostron and Patrick Lord (Derby).

 In addition to the usual race action there is more to whet the appetite this weekend with the Secret Copper Coffee Bus returning after their success at the last meeting, plus the Punjabi Kitchen Mickleover will be offering their own selection of culinary delights throughout Saturday evening and Sunday.  There is so much on offer that it could be the opportunity to enjoy a brief mini break at the Gateway to the Peak District and heart of the Derbyshire Dales, especially with camping on offer from Friday night through to Monday morning, for just £7 per night, or £6 if booked in advance.

The action on track is due to begin at 10am, with the first race scheduled for 11.30am. Advance tickets at are available now, just visit www.darleymoorstore.com: Adults £13, Seniors £10 or On The Day prices of £16 and £12, respectively.  

Championship Standings (after Round 2)