It’s time for some ACU British Grasstrack Championship action this coming Sunday, 7th June, as the G.T.S.hosts the title hunts for the 250cc and 350cc solo classes along with the 1,000cc Left-Hand Sidecars. Endless hours of hard work by the G.T.S.A promotion has already been inserted at their Hooklands Lane venue, which can be found at Shipley, West Sussex, RH13 8PX. So, get along there and support the club as this should be an absolute classic which you certainly won’t want to miss!
Words and Images by Mike Wood
Starting with the 250cc solos and topping the line-up is the defending Champion Ashton Vale. With Vale looking to make it a double, who are likely to be his closest challengers? Well, there’s Luke Harris, a rider who not only was the 250cc 2024 Champion but has also been on the ACU Championship podium on no less than four other occasions. Simon Hammersley, 3rd in the 2025 staging and Thomas Vining, 5th in 2025, also come to the tapes, but one rider surely worth looking out for is young Ollie Binns, stepping up from Youth Intermediate action and currently making a big name for himself in the British Youth speedway series. This class will also include Max Derrick, Dylan Huthwaite, Jake Breeze, Austin Riches, Dan Miller, Shane Knight, Steve Brook and Liam Cox.
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Not only is Vale defending his 250cc crown, but he’s also going after glory in what looks to be a stacked 350cc class. His challenge in that one, though, looks likely to require a performance of epic proportions if he wants that gold, as he faces none other than five-time 350cc Champion Paul Cooper! The popular Yorkshireman has already enjoyed an interesting 2026 so far, scoring some big results in Ice speedway events and recently winning at the unique Teterow grasstrack in Germany. And, you can be sure that Coops will be right on it this coming Sunday as he goes in search of ACU 350cc title number six! This class, though, promises to be a high-quality title chase when you also throw into the mix the likes of fast Charlie Wood, Cameron Taylor, arguably the unluckiest rider to have never scored a big title win and Jack Roberts, the 2025 runner-up. In this one, Dave Mears (4th in 2025), Karl Miles (5th) and Jamie Fenn-Smith (6th) also start. Completing the 350cc line-up are Liam Ashcroft, Chris Brook, George Pardoe, James Peters, Will Thurlby, Luke Clifton, Marcus Crutchington and Tim Curnock.
Over in the 1,000cc Left-Hand Sidecars, Rob Heath looks to defend his crown and this time he has Sam Heath in the chair, who is replacing Kyle Fish. In the 2026 battle, Rob, though, will have to again fight off a whole host of former Champions. Will Penfold, a previous three-time title winner, goes with Adrian North as a partner; Tony Penfold, a previous double winner, has regular 250cc solo rider Karl Beddingfield in the chair, with Michael Phillips/Conor Measor and Danny Hill/Callum Ray, both former crown winners, also starting. Completing the sidecar line-up are Josh Penfold/Dan Woodbridge, Joe Holland/Jordan Holland and Dominic Doyle. Last year at Owslebury this class produced some stunning action and a very dramatic finale, so let’s hope for plenty more of the same on Sunday!
Not only is there great ACU British Championship racing on Sunday but also some top support action provided by a high-quality 1,000cc Right-Hand sidecar contest and a class for Quads. Just for starters in the big chairs you can see the likes of Neal Owen/Jason Farwell, Terry Saunters/Liam Brown, Tom Cossar/Ryan Wharton, Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth and Paul Whitelam/Richard Webb. In total this class has attracted 12 crews so you know it’s going to be very tasty!
So, the scene is set in the battle for ACU British Championship honours at Hooklands Lane. Practice is scheduled for 10.30am with the first race due off at 12.00 noon. Admission costs are Adults £15, Concessions £12 and Under 16’s FREE. Camping is available on site from midday on Saturday with no charge, but donations to the local Air Ambulance and GRASA Charities are welcomed.
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