The stars head North
By TMX Archives on 26th Feb 09
THE opening round of the 2009 ACU Events Ltd British Solo Trials Championship kicks-off at Low North Park, Harwood Dale, Scarborough, this weekend with a brand new event that should get the expanded eight-round domestic series away to a cracking start. And with reigning British champ Graham Jarvis and Expert champ Joe Baker both electing not to defend their titles the field is wide open. Last year's runner-up, after leading the series all year right to the final round, Michael Brown will be hoping for local support to get him off to a flying start. A change of mount from Beta to Sherco is now well behind him now and Michael should be on top form.
But there are no shortage of challengers starting with his pal James Dabill, another who has jumped ship in the close season and is now spearheading the Gas Gas UK effort. John Shirt is looking for wins, pure and simple, so Dibs has plenty of incentive to do well or suffer Shirty's hairdryer'.
Then there's John Lampkin's Beta squad which is back in force with Shaun Morris and Alexz Wigg, both close-season signings and both looking to prove a point. They also have Alexz Wigg and top teenager Jack Challoner on their tails, the latter looking to jump straight from the Youth class to British Championship challenger. Jack has all the talent but maybe needs just a bit more time on the big bike after a long and successful spell on the 125.
And then of course there's John's Beta joker, Dougie Lampkin, whom he has persuaded to ride the opening round of the domestic series. Can't see John letting Doug off the hook if he wins the opener and as he easily won the two rounds he contested last year it is not a bad bet!
The Expert class has been split this year into Expert A and B with a pretty equal split between the two groups.
Former Championship contender Sam Connor is the big name in A class as the Beta runner looks to steal the spoils from regular Experts James Fry, Dan Thorpe, Gary Jenkins, Gary MacDonald, Lee Sampson Liam Walker, Ben Hemingway, Ian Austermuhle and co while young guns Ben Morphett, Jonny Walker and Jon Richardson are certain to have a major dust-up amongst themselves as well as shooting for major championship points.
Expert B is a tough call but
watch out for John Crinson, Dan Hemingway, Sam Ludgate, Chris Pearson, Dale Robson and Ladies champ Becky Cook.
The action will get under way at a bright and breezy and hopefully dry and clear 9.30am. For further details check-out the web site at www.
scarboroughdmc.co.uk
Full report and pics from the British Championship opener in next week's T+MX...