Fantastic, Incredible, Breathtaking are just a few words describing the Dalton Club’s Executive Fire & Security Summer Trophy event held at Blewbury near Didcot however it’s easy to run out of superlatives. The excellently prepared & maintained track produced racing out of the top drawer delivering unbelievable speeds plus outstanding action.
The 500cc solos were lightning fast & close racing was evident throughout the day keeping the large crowd entertained. Taylor, Mudgway, Derrick & Roberts were consistent performers together with Oxford Chargers Arran Butcher & Darryl Ritchings although in the heats it was speedster Mickie Simpson who caught the eye. Come the final & Butcher got a super quick start, although his counterparts battled to catch him they failed so he won the honours along with the David Durham Memorial Trophy.
Awesome is a description for the 1000cc sidecars & these ‘Big Chairs’ never fail to entertain. Racing from top crews was hard & fast displaying amazing skills to navigate their way around the 450 metre track. Crews battled to gain enough points to reach the final, Saunters/Brown, Fumerola/Wilson, Austin/Rickards, Simmons/Courtney to name a few pushed Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth during the heats but now come the eagerly anticipated final. Saunters/Brown made the best start & maintained the lead for a couple of laps whilst under immense pressure however eventually the imperious Cossar/Blyth on their ultra fast Suzuki powered outfit took the win. Simon Beaney/Brook Fowler were the well deserved recipients of the Chris Townsend Rider of the Day award.
Youth were prominent at the event kicking off the day were the combined Auto/Cadets & they were not overawed by the large track, Dalton Wright & Albie South were unbeaten in their respective classes.
The competitive Juniors followed, Archie Whitelam & Rex Austin amongst others tussled all day trying to get the upper hand with Whitelam eventually edging the winning position.
Intermediates were the final Youth section, Kane Newby, Ollie Binns & Finley Theobald were always in the mix however the very impressive Archie Rolph returning to the grass was impeccable & took the winners rostrum.
250cc solos provided excellent racing supporting the event, Richies, Wicks & Phillips were prominent however Ashton Vale was unbeaten all day which pleased the Oxford Charger fans in the crowd. Also the Old & New sidecar class provided support races with Mark Courtney/Leon Torres sweeping the board in their usual manner.
The Dalton Club really must be congratulated as they produced yet another brilliant Grasstrack, all aspects seemed to go like clockwork which is testament to their organisational skills & hardwork, riders & spectators are already looking forward to their next venture.