GRASSTRACK: THE POPULAR Master of Midshires Grasstrack Championship will have an international flavour to proceedings when it returns next month.
The annual event – which takes place on Sunday, July 9 near Ashorne in Warwickshire – will feature the best ever line-up of entrants, with riders from France, Denmark and Australia as well as many top British speedway and grasstrack stars.
Local man Tim Nobes will be aiming to reclaim his 500cc solo title he won back in 2009, but will face tough opposition from the likes of Ben Barker, Thomas Jorgensen, Paul Cooper, James Wright, David Howe, Rob Mear, Mark Baseby and talented young Gloucestershire pair Zach Wajtknecht and Callum Walker. Offenham’s Scott Cresswell is also among the starters.
The big 1,000cc class, which has 18 starting, sees Yorkshire’s Rob Bradley return to defend his crown. Up against him challenging for the honours will be reigning British Masters champion Rod Winterburn, past masters champions Colin Blackbourn from Lincolnshire and Rugby’s fast ace Mark Cossar.
Gareth Winterburn, Paul Whitelam, Rob Wilson and Matt Fumarola should also be among the front-runners.
The 250cc Solos include Jed Collins, Charlie Brooks, Henry Atkins and Jamie Fenn-Smith. Gloucester’s Mark Taylor and Tom Davies from Stourport will have to go well to beat Belle Vue Speedway rider Andy Mellish and in-form Mark Giles in the 350s.
Local upright solo riders Tim Curnock form Worcester and Littleton’s Dave Meadows are up against class favourites Peter Carr, Steven Green and Nathan Morton.
The event also incorporates round two of the 500cc Sidecar Series, with all the country’s leading competitors involved.
The venue for all the action is Victory Field, near Ashorne (CV33 9QJ), between Wellesbourne and Leamington.
There will be approximately 50 races, starting with practice at 10.30am, with the first race at 12.30pm and a finish time of around 5pm. For more details including ticket prices visit midshiresgrasstrack.com or contact 07518 240310.
