How about that then!
By TMX Archives on 11th Aug 10
Round six of the RDH Auctions sponsored National Twin-shock Championships was at Long Compton, last weekend hosted by the Cumbria Twin-shock Club.
The rain showers on Saturday did nothing to dampen the bone-dry track, and with the farmer unable to gain a licence to draw water from the local river, practice on Sunday gave an indication of how tricky it would be in the dusty conditions.
Unfortunately, after only one block of racing and some near misses on the track, the organisers rightly called a halt to proceedings, leaving the packed entry disappointed after some long journeys to the Long Compton venue.
In the Over 50 race former CCM star, Steve How, led from start to finish from CI Sports' Stuart Miller, Brian Littler, Terry Connor and Phil Ryan, who all held station for the five-lap dash.
Championship leader Martin Snape – out on a 250cc machine – came through the field to take sixth at the flag.
The Over 60 class was won by Maurice Wharton, who could have clinched the title in the absence of Jack McEwan, if all three races had run. Maurice was chased home by Ray Hartill and John Pounder.
The Expert race was headed by Roy Wells who was another who led from the drop of the gate, ahead of Howard Standfield.
Gary Parker managed to come from an opening lap fifth to third place, from Russ Watson and Alan Eaves. Wells now holds a seven-point lead from Standfield and 14 over Parker.
Tom Holland
In the 125cc category, Tom Holland was in a class of his own, winning easily from Sean McCrea. But this now means one solitary victory for McCrea in the remaining two rounds will see him crowned champion.
John Davis just managed to hold off the attentions of Mark Hobbs to take third.
Mick Armstrong managed to extend his championship lead in the 250cc division with victory, as his nearest rival Tom Holland had bike gremlins and could only secure tenth at the flag.
Guest rider, Toby Lightbown, was second from Scott Reed and Steve Shambrook.
Richard Allen broke clean away in the Intermediate class, just beating Chris Woodward and Martin Small.
Woodward is now disputing the class lead with nothing to separate him from Dan Evans who finished sixth on Sunday.
Mark Connole had one of his best rides to finish fourth.
Gary Parker was his usual masterful self in the Veteran class, blitzing the opposition with no-one getting remotely close, after Steve Ward missed the start. Robin Cowgill took a fantastic second from Paul Gaylard and John Littler.
Dom Bratt got the holeshot in the Clubman class and led for a lap until champion-elect Lloyd Griffiths, stormed by to take the victory.
Bratt held on to take second, with Staurt Hodder snapping at his heels.
Another guest rider, Craig Pratley, headed the Evolution class, leading from the gate to beat Ben Milward.
Richard Chinn managed to get the better of championship contender, Roy Wells for third.
Robbie Savill's Pre-83 125cc contenders were again in the fray, and Alix Foreman again showed his class by keeping Warren Berthiaume at bay for the whole race. Mark Hobbs had a good day to take third from Steve Slade.
RDH Auctions National Twin-shock Championship
Rd 6 – Long Compton, Chipping Norton (Cumbria TSC)
MD Racing Over 50: 1 Steve How, 2 Stuart Miller, 3 Brian Littler, 4 Terry Connor, 5 Phil Ryan, 6 Martin Snape.
MD Racing Over 60: 1 Maurice Wharton, 2 Ray Hartill, 3 John Pounder, 4 Greg Turczak.
Wulfsport Expert: 1 Roy Wells, 2 Howard Standfield, 3 Gary Parker, 4 Russ Watson, 5 Alan Eaves, 6 Toby Lightbown.
Toughsheet Recycling 125cc: 1 Lee Holland, 2 Sean McCrea, 3 John Davis, 4 Mark Hobbs, 5 Chris Rowlands, 6 Adrian Hoskins.
Falcon Shocks 250cc: 1 Mick Armstrong, 2 Toby Lightbown, 3 Scott Reed, 4 Steve Shambrook, 5 James Feiven, 6 Pat Winter.
CI Sport/ DEP Pipes Intermediate Class: 1 Richard Allen, 2 Chris Woodward, 3 Martin Small, 4 Mark Connole, 5 Andy Mills, 6 Dan Evans.
Cheshire County Crossers Veteran: 1 Gary Parker, 2 Robin Cowgill, 3 Paul Gaylard, 4 John Littler, 5 Alan Eaves, 6 Mick Kendall.
LPE Clubman: 1 Lloyd Griffiths, 2 Dom Bratt, 3 Stuart Hodder, 4 Dave Ashworth, 5 Richard Hawkswood, 6 Mark Russell.
Motolink Yamaha Evolution: 1 Craig Pratley, 2 Ben Milward, 3 Richard Chinn, 4 Roy Wells, 5 Tom Marsh, 6 Steve Lock.
Partridge Ventilation Pre-83 125cc: 1 Alix Foreman, 2 Warren Berthiaume, 3 Mark Hobbs, 4 Steve Slade, 5 James Hunt, 6 Lance Marshall.