Preview: ACU Trial GB challenges and changes
By John Dickinson on 26th Feb 20
AFTER a complete revamp which included re-branding the old British Trials Championship in 2019 as Keedwell ACU Trial GB and with the opening round for 2020 just around the corner, we thought this would be a good time to look at the changes and see if they worked.
Of course, there are other major changes afoot for this season including the new Trial GB marking system, which is unique to this series, but we will examine that later.
One of the biggest changes last year was to appoint Brian Higgins as series manager and apart from the setting of rules and regulations, he was more or less given free rein to work with the organisers on all aspects of the events.
This usually started with a visit to the venue and a meeting with the key officials about six weeks prior to the event.
It was not only to plan the sections which in reality was a small part of the visit as Higgins knows the local knowledge of the clerk of the course but fundamental in getting the severity right.
Engaging on a more regular basis and working with the UK Importers was also achieved and their support for the series was appreciated by the operational team.
It is more about the event planning, with parking, spectator access to sections and running to a standard timetable, culminating in a slick podium ceremony at the end of the day to maximise spectator interaction with the riders.
Working with sponsors was also important and the series manager made some large improvements in this area with items like the Wulfsport arch featuring in at least one section at every event.
Importantly, the Point-S Red Plate presented to the championship leader at the end of each event in all four classes was well received. And we are aware that these now feature in some high-profile importers offices, along with the walls of riders workshops to remind them of their achievements.
The new dedicated trialgb.co.uk website was also well received with a large number of hits, especially either side of each round.
Moving into the new season, the most dramatic change is, of course, the new marking system called ACU Trial GB.
Effectively, this now makes it much easier for observers, as stopping and going backwards, is permitted.
Higgins said: Something had to be done because our valued observers had to make vital decisions on whether a rider stopped or not and this caused huge controversy at every event.
Effectively, riders were watching the previous group of riders through each section, assessing the leniency of the observer and stretching this advantage even more with their attempt.
However, this new rule comes at a cost to the rider as a standard one-minute time allowance will now be enforced in every section.
Several ways of achieving this have been explored, including timing beams and a transponder system, but each have their inherent problems.
For 2020 the standard automated clock and whistle will be used.
Higgins said: Ill be working with each individual clerk of the course to ensure the severity, coupled with the length of each section, makes it possible for a reasonable attempt without timing out.
Of course, competitors will have to realise that long pauses will be detrimental to their chances of getting through in the one-minute allowance.
A second new innovation will be one championship point being awarded to the best score on each lap, in every class.
Again this is unique to ACU Trial GB and designed to keep the interest high right until the end of the day.
In an attempt to minimise travelling and hotel cost for 2020, the eight rounds will be run over six weekends, with four individual events and two double-headers, but all at different locations.
Recognising that social media is an important part of daily life in the modern world, Facebook and Instagram platforms directly connected to the series are now operational and this is managed by Stuart Drummond, who for many years worked with Higgins on other projects.
This also includes a new project to upload end of lap results directly onto the web so providing internet access is good spectators, teams and others around the world will be able to get instant lap results on their mobile devices as the day progresses.
In addition to the series manager, the ACU team at each round will arrive two days ahead of each event and this will comprise of Dave and Elizabeth Willoughby on the results team, Di Thompson working with press and publicity and Stuart Drummond as mentioned above.
We will bring you a preview of the opening round with runners and riders for the event promoted by the Connor family at their Hookwood, Surrey, venue.
2020 TrialGB dates
March 7: Hookwood Trials Club
April 5: Neath MC
June 14: Yeadon Guiseley
June 27: West of England
June 28: Torridge & DMC
July 26: Scarborough
August 15: Bro Cader
August 16: Hafren MCC
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