Don't Knock Ireland
By TMX Archives on 6th Aug 08
THE Northern Ireland Classic Scrambles club will this weekend be heading for one of the best-known and respected motocross venues in Ireland. Bell's Hill in Crossgar has run with the sound of motorcycles for as long as anyone can remember and has hosted some very prestigious high profile events, and this weekend sees two days of top class motocross action bring this magical circuit back to life again. The Knock MC, who is hosting the Ulster championship event on Saturday, August 9, have once again extended an invitation to the Classic Club to run an event on the Friday evening (tonight).
This is the second year of this format after a great event last year and a good turnout of classic machinery is excpected.
The fun should start around 6.30pm and a full race programme is planned with catering facilities available on site.
The club would like to thank the Knock club for their invitation and the landowners for the use of the land.
Further information about the NI Classic Scrambles club and the meeting can be obtained from secretary Davy Buckley on 07775-653940 or from the web site www.nicsc.net.
Saturday, August 9, meanwhile the annual Bell's Hill Scramble and Billy Hutton Memorial Motocross will be the main attraction.
This has been a regular event since 1952 at the Bell's Hill track, formerly known as the Tommy Stewart Scramble, and in 2006 the club introduced the new cup in memory of Billy Hutton for his work and support of motorcycling.
This year's event will run in the form of a challenge race with the riders qualifying to a grand final by means of heats, last chance and semi-final races. This format builds to a grand final where the winner will collect £300.
The entry is headed by former grand prix star Gordon Crockard. Gordon last rode at Bell's Hill in 2005 and was the last rider to receive the Tommy Stewart Trophy from Billy Hutton. The track is special to Gordon as it where he won his first adult motocross, beating local star Alan Morrison.
Also making a return to Bell's Hill is Robert Hamilton on the Pioneer Yamaha. Robert was the first winner of Billy Hutton in 2006 after a wheel-to-wheel battle with Wayne Garrett. Also on the entry list is Gary Gibson a lightening quick starter from Ballygowan, former Irish champion Michael Sinton from Tandragee, and Richard Bird from Lisburn.
The main local interest is Adam McKee on the UK KTM. Adam has grown up in the shadow of Bell's Hill and will giving his best to get his hands on the trophy.
Also adding spice to the event is the Open format where all grades of rider compete together, so there is the opportunity for a Grade B or C rider to make a name for himself, as Crockard did when he beat Alan Morrison as a Grade B rider himself.
Racing starts about 11am with a full programme.