Trials Torque: All eyes on the Astley
By John Dickinson on 3rd Aug 16
THE National ACU S3 Parts Clubman Trials Championship hits the penultimate round, eight of the nine round series this Sunday, August 7, when the Westmorland Motor Club stages its Astley Cup National.
The trial will take place in the picturesque Kentmere valley signed from Staveley on the Kendal to Windermere road in Cumbria. Waterford Bridge – LA8 9JJ – is the starting point and a 20 mile course will circle Kentmere with several groups of sections taking in streams, woods, rocky bankings and outcrops all connected by fields, tracks, open fell and narrow backroads.
James Fry has won every round to date and is actually unbeatable in the Championship – contenders drop their worst score – having amassed 140 points to the 103 of current second placeman Luke Walker. Luke cab only score one 20 point maximum which would take him to 133 points. Luke is under pressure from 2015 champ Chris Pearson though so there's a battle on there for the vice champion title.
Others looking to score big include John Crinson, Phil Disney, Tom Hick, Jack Spencer, Joel Edwards while locals Stephen Dixon and James Postlethwaite, the latter now on a 250 Scorpa having moved out of the 125s, look to get amongst the series regulars.
Rob Shuttleworth looks a good bet for none Championship honours while Dan Thorpe and Richard Sadler will make a bid for the Astley Cup and overall National victor although ineligible for Championship points.
The action will get underway at 10am.
