It's up to Rew
By TMX Archives on 12th Jun 09
ALTHOUGH it is only the beginning of June the 2009 ACU Events-sponsored British Solo Trials Championships will pass the half way stage with the Anthony Rew Trial that will be staged in South Devon on Sunday, June 14, writes Colin Bullock.
James Dabill, winner of the first three rounds of the series on his Gas Gas, still holds a solid championship lead over Michael Brown who took his first win in the 2009 series for Sherco at the recent Mitchell Trial in Wales. To add a little more spice to the class, Beta EVO-mounted Alexz Wigg also moved up a standard by taking second place last time out and he is keen to remain right up there at the sharp end.
Sam Connor has a firm grip on the Experts A category and is going to take some shifting from the number one position, although it is great to see the younger riders fighting their way through. Ben Morphett, Jonathan Richardson, both still on 125cc machines, are riding exceptionally well at the moment, as is Jack Sheppard in the small (non-championship) Youth class.
In Expert B, Sam Ludgate goes quietly about his business and with two wins, a second and third placing so far, a high level of consistency is what the Yorkshireman offers. It has allowed Sam to build-up a handy 14 point championship lead. North-easterner John Crinson is another Scorpa rider who is going very well this season and at The Mitchell he had Michael Phillipson as his minder and a formidable team they looked. Also right in the mix is Ricky Wiggins, who won the season opener at Scarborough. He has scored consistently since then, but ideally needs another win to bring him back into series contention.
One thing to note is that there is a venue change this year and the organising West of England club returns to Ruby Rocks, Islington, on Dartmoor, this Sunday. The first rider will leave the start at 9.30am.
The venue is still close to Bovey Tracey and will be signposted from the By-pass. If you are travelling from the north just carry-on past Exeter and keep going onto the A38 and then pick up the signs.
The level of riding has been outstanding this year so if you are thinking of spectating on Sunday then get yourself to Ruby Rocks. You won't regret it.
Championship points after four rounds: 1 James Dabill (Gas Gas) 75, 2 Michael Brown (Sherco) 67, 3 Alexz Wigg (Beta) 52.
Expert A: 1 Sam Connor (Beta) 77, 2 Ian Austermuhle (Beta) 52, 3 Gary Macdonald (Sherco) 52.
Expert B: 1 Sam Ludgate (Scorpa) 72, 2 John Crinson (Scorpa) 58, 3 Ricky Wiggins (Gas Gas) 56.