Chair champs kick off in IOM
By TMX Archives on 30th Jan 08
THE fourth annual Andy Smith Trophy Trial, promoted by the Peveril MCC, has attracted a record entry of 32 chairs and 37 Twin-shock solos to the Isle of Man this Saturday. The feature event forms the opening round of the ACU British Sidecar Trials Championship, which promises to be a closely contested three-way battle between the last three holders of the title, writes John Watterson.
Reigning champions Jon Tuck and Matt Sparkes remain loyal to their tried and tested two-stroke 270cc Wessex Beta REV3 in a bid to claim back-to-back wins in the Manx event, which kick-started a successful year for them 12 months ago. Missing in 2007 were Robin and Gill Morewood, but the only ever other winners of the Andy Smith Trial will, this year, be astride a new MRS four-stroke Sherco for the first time.
Morewood's long-time rival, Robin Luscombe, commences his 29th year in sidecar trials, but insists he won't be taking the event seriously. He and Les Ashby were hoping to have a full-spec Dabill replica 300 Montesa TRW engine to slot into an all-new outfit, complete with standard suspension, but this has been delayed in Italy and won't be in the country for another week or more. They will be using last year's outfit in what Luscy says will be a social event for him. He should know, he's done plenty of socialising in the Isle of Man over the last 20 years or more. Nevertheless, the winner of 13 British Sidecar Championships, stretching back to 1986, remains a serious threat to his main two rivals.
The various promoters of forthcoming rounds of the series will be heartened to see 12 outfits entered for the Expert class, with other notables including Bernie Chambers and Helene Allaway, 2007 Masters class champions Lee Granby and Amelia Haigh, top all-rounder Juan Knight and passenger Chris Molyneux, Manx champions Gary Flowers and Antony Smith plus fellow locals Jamie Teare and Jane Birchall, Jonathan Kelly and Ealish Baxter and Adrian and Aaron Smith.
The new Intermediate class (formerly Masters) sees a smaller field of six crews, from which the experienced home duo of Mark Bimson and Julie Owen emerge as marginal favourites. 2007 Clubman winners, Peter and Daryl Dale, will be making their debuts in the class.
Last year's Newcomers class winners, Andy Abraham and Sam Luscombe, lead another strong field of 14 crews in the Clubman category, along with Mark Kemp and Ian Allaway. Local crews Martyn Kissack and Nigel Woods and the evergreen Trevor Moore and Jimmy Davidson should similarly provide stern opposition.
The support solo Twin-shock class also has a bigger entry than its inaugural event 12 months ago. This year's field includes 14 UK entrants and could well exceed 40 starters with a few last-minute latecomers.
The Expert solo class, with a quality field of 26, including a strong Yorkshire contingent and last year's inaugural winner Stephen Collins on the MacDonald Cub, is again difficult to call, but the clever money could go on 2006 Isle of Man Centre champion Nigel Crellin on a 200 Majesty Yamaha. Seasoned two and three-wheel campaigner Michael Owen will be on his ex-Eddy Lejeune 360 Honda.
Fancied runners on the Clubman route are stalwart 65-year-old Stuart Clague and Ramsey MCC chairman Peter Lace.
The event starts from Peveril MCC's Knock Froy headquarters at 9am (signing on from 8am) and will include groups at the following venues: Knock Froy Glen, Ballahowin Parkland, Old Stoney Mountain, Cooilingel, Kings Forest, Ballavitchell, Glen Lough and Corvalley Farm.