Wayne Broadhurst and William Boraston claimed the honours in the two senior classes at the 2026 Formula Grasstrack Association Speedway Challenge, held under glorious sunshine at the Hi Edge Raceway in Buxton last Saturday.
Report by Ross Wharton – Images courtesy of DSM Photos
Sponsored by All Clear Services Ltd, the event was the first of its kind to be staged by the Association at the Derbyshire venue and attracted a strong entry of more than 40 riders across the various classes.
Reigning Senior Champion Broadhurst was in imperious form throughout the day, completing an unbeaten run in the Super 8 category. He was joined in the A Final by long-time rival and friend Graham Thomas, whose only dropped point came against Broadhurst. Glyn Edwards qualified third after conceding just two points in the heats, while Malvern’s Adam Hawker secured the final place in the decider.
When the tapes rose for the final, Broadhurst made a superb start and quickly established a commanding lead. Misfortune struck Thomas, who suffered mechanical problems at the gate and was unable to challenge, leaving Edwards and Hawker to complete the podium positions behind the dominant winner.
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Boraston was a late addition to the Sweet 16 class after stepping in to replace Colin Thorpe, who was forced to withdraw due to van trouble en route to Buxton. Making his first appearance on a 125cc grasstrack machine, Boraston adapted impressively to the borrowed equipment. A regular rider at the Hi Edge Raceway on speedway machinery, he looked immediately at home and completed the heats with a flawless maximum score.
Joining him in the final was the ever-consistent Marcus Crutchington, whose only dropped point came against Boraston. Ben Crabtree battled hard to secure a place in the top four, while veteran FGA stalwart Stephen Mace made a welcome return to competition after four years away from the sport.
The final proved straightforward for Boraston, who controlled the race from the front to secure victory. Crutchington rode comfortably to second place, while Crabtree completed the podium. Mace’s comeback ended prematurely when he was forced to retire after two laps.
In the Ebike class, Reggie Goodwin produced another dominant display to take victory ahead of Harry Wicks. Hadlee Jones edged out Oscar South for third after an entertaining race-long battle.
The Auto class saw Kobi Gutteridge take the top step of the podium after overcoming Cruz Harris and Isla Gannon. Harris was making his first appearance on a PW50 after previously competing in the Ebike category, while Gannon celebrated her maiden podium finish after making the long journey from Oxford. There was disappointment for Grayson Rickards, who travelled from Devon only to suffer a terminal mechanical failure during practice.
Dalton Wright was the sole entrant in the Cadet class and claimed victory despite suffering a fall during one of his races.
The Cub class saw Albie South finally put a frustrating run of bad luck behind him. Five race wins from five starts secured a convincing overall victory ahead of the smooth-riding Lucas Astley, while the ever-improving Rogan Woolley completed the podium places.
A late entry in the Junior class, Joe Bain made the most of his opportunity by winning all of his races to take overall victory. Archie Whitelam finished second, with John Cox Jnr rounding out the top three.
As if the 60-race programme had not already provided enough entertainment, organisers concluded the meeting with a bonus Senior Handicap Final featuring Broadhurst, Edwards, Boraston and Crutchington. The six-lap contest saw Boraston and Crutchington start from the main gate, while Broadhurst and Edwards were handicapped by half a lap. Despite the pressure from the scratch riders, Boraston and Crutchington held firm to remain ahead and bring a memorable day’s racing to a close.
The Formula Grasstrack Association now turns its attention to Round 4 of the All Clear Services Ltd Championship, which incorporates the Tom Thomas Memorial and Round 1 of the Best Pairs Championship. The event takes place on 4 July at Malpas (SY14 8JQ).
For more information, visit www.formulagrasstrack.com.
