Ready for Combat! Battle of Britain Grasstrack – Preview
The Frittenden and District MCC Ltd fly into action on Sunday, 16th July as they host their ‘Battle of Britain’ event at Sandhurst Bridge Farm, Frittenden, Kent TN17 2ED. And, with a big, high-quality entry rearing to go, there’s sure to be plenty of combat and ‘dog fights’ out there on track! Sunday’s meeting will provide action for 250cc, 350cc, 500cc and Upright solo’s with also three exciting Sidecar battles featuring Left-hand, Right-hand and 500cc competitors.
Preview and Images by Mike Wood
Twenty eager 250cc solo’s are ready for action at Frittenden with Austin Riches, the rider currently at the top of the ACU grading list leading the entry. With fellow youngsters Charlie Wood, Jake Breeze, Kenzie Cossey and the Derrick’s, Max and Jordan also included and going head-to-head with the likes of the more experienced Tim Greig, Luke Harris, Adam Hawker and Karl Bedingfield, this looks likely to be a particularly intriguing contest.
In the 350cc solo’s, another youngster is looking to star as Gloucestershire based Cameron Taylor should start as one of the hot favourites. So far this season, Cameron has contested on 250cc, 350cc and even 500cc machinery proving his undoubted ability and versatility. This class also sees the likes of Andrew Whitaker, Dave Mears, Will Thurlby and Steve Gardise amongst others involved.
Charley Powell has shown some sparkling form so far this season and he will certainly be looking for another win in Sunday’s 500cc solo class. Currently also topping the grading list, Powell riding in his home County will face Chad Wirtzfeld the rider holding 2nd spot on that list. Making a welcome but rare appearance will be former GB International speedway ace Edward Kennett whilst Arran Butcher and Alfie Bowtell, two riders with present speedway commitments, also coming to the Frittenden tapes. Completing the exciting solo classes are the Upright lads with Martin Adams, Bob Dolman, Jason Prynne, Dave Hammond and Tim Curnock the early possible contenders for honours.
There’s a super 15 crews entered for the 1,000cc Left-hand sidecars with the Penfold family coming out in force! Will, Josh, Tony, Tommy and Billy will all be on the start line and could possibly all feature in the final results shake-up! Potential challengers to the strong Penfold squadron looks to be coming from Martin Cuff/Colin Clark, Danny Hill/Harry Hill and Joe Holland/Jordan Holland. Also look out for Alex Balman with Cornish youngster Dillon Newton in the chair and Rob Heath/Kyle Fish.
Newton will also be competing in a simply stacked 1,000cc Right-hand sidecar contest. Three weeks ago, the sidecar boys were racing in the same County of Kent competing at the GTSA Hilton Woodrow Trophy. On that occasion it was Terry Saunters/Carl Pugh taking top honours by defeating Mark Cossar/Gareth Williams with the always exciting Michael Austin/Vinny Branch in 3rd. All of those crews go again in a full entry which will also throw into the mix the likes of Matt Furmola/Andi Wilson, Tom Cossar/Wayne Rickards, Paul Whitelam/Richard Webb and Will Offen/Ricky Pay along with another 14 very hungry, determined pairings so surely this racing is going to be simply red hot!
Ben Ilsley/Luke Russell top the 500cc sidecar grading list and will be at Frittenden. They are going to have some serious competition though with Josh Goodwin/Liam Brown, Shaun Hughes/Louis Bennett, Richard Jenner/Adrian North and co also entered. Also, in this class it promises to be a hectic event for Paul Whitelam/Richard Webb as they double up by also going for it in the 1,000cc Right-hand sidecars as mentioned above!
So, the scene is set for what should be a cracking event! Admission prices for Sunday’s event are Adults £15, Concessions £13 with Under 16’s FREE and programmes £2. Practice is due to start at 11am with the first race due off at 12.30pm.
