The 2026 Formula Grasstrack Association Championship got underway in style at Sparrington Farm, with an action-packed Round 1 of the AllClear Services Ltd-backed championship in mostly dry and sunny conditions, despite a few light showers throughout the day.
Race Report by Andy Falconer – Images courtesy of DSM Photos
In the headline Senior class, reigning Champion Wayne Broadhurst opened his title defence with overall victory, but not without challenge. His unbeaten run was brought to an end in race 43, where Graham Thomas and Phil Thomas got the better of the champion in a standout heat. Both riders would go on to secure second and third overall, respectively.
Kevin Gwillam and Adam Hawker completed the top five, while Sam Crabtree, building on an impressive debut season in 2025, caught the eye to finish ninth overall and was deservedly named Senior Rider of the Day after winning the Senior B Final.
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A notable moment in the Senior programme saw Broadhurst compete in the A Final on borrowed machinery, after Kieran Swindells stepped in to lend his bike, allowing the champion to line up and secure crucial points in the main event of the day.
The Senior Finals were well contested across the board, with Sam Crabtree taking victory in the B Final, while Chris Chadwick claimed the C Final, rounding off a competitive supporting programme behind the main A Final action.
The E-Bike class provided some of the most memorable moments. 2025 Champion Reggie Goodwin claimed the overall win, but was pushed all the way by 4-year-old debutant Oscar South, who delivered a remarkable performance in his first FGA meeting. The pair went head-to-head throughout, including a dramatic clash in an earlier race where South came off worst, before bouncing back to almost beat Goodwin to the line in race 29. South then turned the tables by winning race 45 ahead of the champion, underlining his huge potential as he secured second overall.
2025 Championship runner-up JJ Falconer rode consistently to take third, with Hadlee Jones completing the field in fourth. Jones, competing in his first-ever race meeting, was recognised for his efforts as Youth Rider of the Day.
In the Auto class, Levi Collins proved unbeatable throughout the meeting, showing dominant speed and consistency to take a commanding victory. Kobi Gutteridge battled hard to secure second place, with Harry Worrall completing the podium.
The Cubs class saw one of the day’s biggest talking points. Albie South impressed massively on his step up to the class and looked set for a podium finish, only for an engine seizure in the final to end his challenge. Despite the setback, his performances across the meeting marked him as one to watch for the remainder of the season as he took maximum championship points.
Lucas Astley capitalised to take the win in the final, with Rogan Woolley third and Kaylem Bourne fourth. Lillie-Mai Warwick completed the top five.
In the Junior class, Archie Whitelam was the standout performer, taking victory after a series of strong rides. Behind him, siblings Jessica Cox and John Cox Jr were closely matched throughout the day, enjoying a competitive battle between themselves as they secured second and third, respectively.
Elsewhere in the Senior field, Matt Davis suffered a heavy fall in his final race, resulting in a concussion, bruising to the hips and several broken ribs. Everyone at Formula Grasstrack wishes Matt a full and speedy recovery.
Attention now turns to Round 2 at Leamington Victory on 2nd May. Regulations are now available, with entries closing on Friday, 24th April, as riders look to build early momentum in this year’s championship battle.
For further updates, visit the Formula Grasstrack Facebook page or website.
Round 1 Results
Senior (Top 10 Overall)
1. Wayne Broadhurst (#158)
2. Graham Thomas (#122)
3. Phil Thomas (#22)
4. Kevin Gwillam (#66)
5. Adam Hawker (#50)
6. Colin How (#34)
7. Den Edwards (#244)
8. Ian Dudley (#312)
9. Sam Crabtree (#603)
10. Charlie Glaze (#13)
E-Bikes
1. Reggie Goodwin (#3)
2. Oscar South (#54)
3. JJ Falconer (#61)
4. Hadlee Jones (#99)
Autos
1. Levi Collins (#88)
2. Kobi Gutteridge (#174)
3. Harry Worrall (#501)
Cubs
1. Albie South (#54)
2. Lucas Astley (#3)
3. Rogan Woolley (#114)
4. Kaylem Bourne (#14)
5. Lillie-Mai Warwick (#25)
Juniors
1. Archie Whitelam (#92)
2. Jessica Cox (#61)
3. John Cox Jr (#13)
Finals
• Senior A Final: Wayne Broadhurst (#158)
• Senior B Final: Sam Crabtree (#603)
• Senior C Final: Chris Chadwick (#164)
• E-Bike Final: Reggie Goodwin (#3)
• Autos Final: Levi Collins (#88)
• Cubs Final: Lucas Astley (#3)
• Juniors Final: Archie Whitelam (#92)
