Wayne Broadhurst delivered a masterclass at the infamous Chetton circuit, which hosted Round 3 of the 2025 Formula Grasstrack Championship, where he was unfazed by several heavy showers, and emerged a standout victor in increasingly treacherous conditions.
Race Report by Andy Falconer – Images courtesy of DSM Photos
Broadhurst remained unbeaten through his opening three rides, quickly establishing himself as the early pace-setter. Minsterley’s Colin How continued his strong form and, alongside the returning Sam Hall, was tied on 23 points at the halfway mark. Close behind were Phil and Graham Thomas, Adam Hawker, Anthony Rowson, and Elwyn Beedles, rounding out the top eight.
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A heavy downpour during the interval delayed proceedings and further complicated track conditions. However, this did little to deter Broadhurst, who ruthlessly attacked the slick surface and secured a perfect six wins from six heats. Colin How also impressed with an unbeaten second half to finish just one point off the top spot.
Behind them, the competition remained fierce. Hall, and both Thomases dropped only a single point each after the break, while Hawker’s string of second places held off a strong challenge from Beedles and Rowson.
Senior Finals
In the Senior C Final, Theo Copestake claimed the win ahead of Steve Stait and Nigel Bowkett.
Senior B honours went to Marcus Crutchington, who performed consistently all day, followed by Charlie Glaze in second and Nick Chadwick in third.
The Senior A Final was led from the gate by Broadhurst, despite a lightning start from Phil Thomas and Elwyn Beedles. Beedles’ race was unfortunately cut short due to a loose coil pack wire. Phil Thomas settled into second, with Graham Thomas battling hard with Colin How for third. An unlucky fall on bend four of the first lap ended Rowson’s challenge.
In a thrilling final lap, Graham Thomas surged past both How and Phil Thomas to snatch second place. Adam Hawker finished fourth, with Sam Hall close behind in fifth. Broadhurst’s flawless performance earned him the Senior Steve Mildoon Memorial Shield.
Youth Classes
E-Bikes:
Reggie Goodwin thrived in the slippery conditions, taking five heat wins and claiming his first E-Bike final victory. JJ Falconer, struggling with the changing surface, settled for second.
Autos:
Dalton Wright completed a faultless maximum in the heats and secured the win in the final. Kobi Gutteridge and Lilly Bence rounded out the podium, with Noah Bakewell just behind.
Cadets:
The battle of the day came from the Cadets. Albie South and Dakota Wright went head-to-head in the heats, with South narrowly leading at the break. However, Wright stormed back to win two of the final three heats. In the final, South held firm to take the win with Wright close behind.
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Cubs:
Charlie Dowd was untouchable, taking a full maximum and a well-earned win in the final. Lucas Astley claimed second, while Kaylem Bourne, AJ Bence and Caelan Ratcliffe jostled for position throughout the day. Despite a couple of awkward tumbles, Ratcliffe finished well. Jessica Cox endured a difficult day and was unable to start her final three races. In the final, Dowd converted his dominant form into victory, with Bourne second, followed by Astley and Bence.
Juniors:
Joe Bain completed a clean sweep in the heats and sealed the win in the final, earning the Junior Steve Mildoon Memorial Shield. Roman Ratcliffe and John Cox completed the podium. It was a mixed day for Archie Whitelam and newcomer Royston Totty, both suffering from retirements and non-starts.
Results
Seniors (Top 10):
1. Wayne Broadhurst (48)
2. Graham Thomas (45)
3. Phil Thomas (45)
4. Colin How (47)
5. Adam Hawker (43)
6. Sam Hall (46)
7. Anthony Rowson (42)
8. Elwyn Beedles (42)
9. Marcus Crutchington (38)
10. Charlie Glaze (30)
Juniors:
1. Joe Bain (48)
2. Roman Ratcliffe (42)
3. John Cox (29)
4. Archie Whitelam (18)
5. Royston Totty (9)
Cubs:
1. Charlie Dowd (48)
2. Lucas Astley (40)
3. Kaylem Bourne (29)
4. AJ Bence (27)
5. Caelan Ratcliffe (24)
6. Jessica Cox (11)
Cadets:
1. Albie South (45)
2. Dakota Wright (45)
Autos:
1. Dalton Wright (48)
2. Kobi Gutteridge (37)
3. Lilly Bence (35)
4. Noah Bakewell (31)
E-Bikes:
1. Reggie Goodwin (47)
2. JJ Falconer (43)
Championship Standings
Seniors (Top 10):
1. Adam Hawker (111)
2. Colin How (107)
3. Elwyn Beedles (104)
4. Anthony Rowson (100)
5. Wayne Broadhurst (99)
6. Den Edwards (91)
7. Charlie Glaze (86)
8. Nathan Alder (80)
9. Kevin Gwillam (79)
10. Andrew Rowson (77)
Juniors:
1. Archie Whitelam (71)
2. John Cox (70)
3. Roman Ratcliffe (47)
4. Joe Bain (25)
5. LJ McAlinney (25)
6. Royston Totty (21)
Cubs:
1. Lucas Astley (70)
2. Kaylem Bourne (69)
3. AJ Bence (68)
4. Charlie Dowd (49)
5. Caelan Ratcliffe (46)
6. Jessica Cox (20)
7. Chloe Davis (0)
Cadets:
1. Albie South (74)
2. Dakota Wright (73)
3. D Lewis-Powell (23)
Autos:
1. Dalton Wright (73)
2. Kobi Gutteridge (72)
3. Noah Bakewell (66)
4. Lilly Bence (46)
5. Levi Collins (25)
E-Bikes:
1. Reggie Goodwin (74)
2. JJ Falconer (73)
Next Meeting:
The FGA Best Pairs, hosted by Helsby & District Junior Grasstrack Club, will take place on 12th July at Frodsham.
