Albie South and Dakota Wright put on an excellent display of racing in the Cadets class, fighting it out for victory whilst enduring mixed conditions at Round 8 of the 2025 Formula Grasstrack Association Championship. Nothing could separate the pair after six heats, but it was the super smooth style of South that prevailed to take the chequered flag in the final and subsequently maximum points on the FGA’s first visit to the Leamington venue.
Race Report by Andy Falconer – Images courtesy of DSM Photos
Elsewhere in the youth entry, Dalton Wright continued his dominance in the Autos class, recording a full maximum of six heat wins and winning the final. Levi Collins followed closely behind to take second in all races. Harry Worrall took a strong third place, and the final spot on the podium, ahead of Noah Bakewell. Drama unfolded behind, with Kobi Gutteridge having mechanical issues in his first three races, and ending up finishing the day on borrowed machinery from Arlo Bourne. Bourne himself was unable to start any of his heats after a frustrating practice session.
Reggie Goodwin took his third win in a row in the E-Bikes class, revelling in the slippy conditions after heavy rain during the meeting. JJ Falconer once again worked hard to narrow the gap, but was unable to gain sufficient ground to make any inroads past Goodwin.
The Cubs class saw Lucas Astley and Kaylem Bourne go head to head throughout the heats, both heading in to the final with three wins a-piece. AJ Bence was unable to start the meeting after aggravating some rib pain during practice. The final saw Kaylem Bourne get the advantage over Astley, and record maximum points in the Cubs.
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Archie Whitelam took the honours in the Juniors class, and the Youth John Broadhurst Memorial shield, despite a strong challenge from LJ McAlinney who spent the afternoon nursing an injured hand following a fall during a downpour. Championship leader John Cox was able to take advantage of McAlinney’s issues and solidify second place to bolster his points tally.
Graham Thomas was the only Senior to win all six heats, and looked more than likely to challenge title favourite Wayne Broadhurst for the win on the day. Broadhurst was in sparkling form once again, completing five heat wins out of six, after an uncharacteristic last place in his fourth ride. Broadhurst tackled the slippery conditions with ease, pulling away at the front of the pack with his spectacular style.
Pontesbury’s Phil Thomas also adapted well to the changing track surface, racking up four wins out of six, narrowly heading Colin How by a solitary point. Telford-based Den Edwards had another strong performance, finishing the heats in fifth place with Marcus Crutchington, Adam Hawker and Sam Crabtree narrowly behind.
Oliver Glaze emerged victorious in the Senior C final, with a fantastic ride to get the better of Steve Stait and Nick Chadwick. Theo Copestake worked hard to stay ahead of Sue Dowling, Archie Palmer and Isaac Collins-Bullock. Nathan Alder was unable to start the C final.
In the Senior B final, it was Glyn Edwards that took the spoils, with second place taken by Elwyn Beedles who spent the whole race duelling with old rival Glyn Stanton on his return to competitive racing. Charlie Glaze had to settle for fourth, heading Ben Crabtree, Nigel Bowkett and Chris Chadwick, with Brandon Gutteridge being a non-finisher.
Wayne Broadhurst put his earlier troubles to bed, with a superb win in the A Final to claim the John Broadhurst Memorial Shield and his seventh win of the year. Graham Thomas settled for second best behind Broadhurst and Phil Thomas grabbing the last remaining podium spot. Adam Hawker enjoyed a strong end to the day, taking fourth place in front of season-long rival Colin How. Sam Crabtree produced his ride of the season to finish sixth on the day and also secure Senior Rider of the Day. Den Edwards and Marcus Crutchington rounded out the top eight.
The final round of the Championship takes place in Pontesbury, on Saturday 27th September, where the Champions will be confirmed in each class.
Results
Seniors (Top 10)
1. Wayne Broadhurst – 43, 2. Graham Thomas – 48, 3. Phil Thomas – 45, 4. Adam Hawker – 39, 5. Colin How – 44, 6. Sam Crabtree – 39, 7. Den Edwards – 42, 8. Marcus Crutchington – 40, 9. Glyn Edwards – 30, 10. Elwyn Beedles – 35.
Juniors
1. Archie Whitelam – 47, 2. John Cox – 38, 3. LJ McAlinney – 29.
Cubs
1. Kaylem Bourne – 45, 2. Lucas Astley – 45.
Cadets
1. Albie South – 45, 2. Dakota Wright – 45, 3. Lilly Bence – 36, 4. Darcy Lewis-Powell – 25.
Autos
1. Dalton Wright – 48, 2. Levi Collins – 42, 3. Harry Worrall – 36, 4. Noah Bakewell – 27, 5. Kobi Gutteridge – 15.
E-Bikes
1. Reggie Goodwin – 48, 2. JJ Falconer – 42.
Championship Standings
Seniors (Top 10)
1. Wayne Broadhurst – 299, 2. Colin How – 293, 3. Adam Hawker – 290, 4. Den Edwards – 261, 5. Elwyn Beedles – 248, 6. Charlie Glaze – 202, 7. Glyn Edwards – 201, 8. Andrew Rowson – 196, 9. Oliver Glaze – 195, 10. Kevin Gwillam – 195.
Juniors
1. John Cox – 168, 2. Archie Whitelam – 145, 3. Roman Ratcliffe – 72, 4. Joe Bain – 48, 5. LJ McAlinney – 48, 6. Royston Totty – 21.
Cubs
1. Lucas Astley – 192, 2. AJ Bence – 163, 3. Kaylem Bourne – 141, 4. Caelan Ratcliffe – 71, 5. Charlie Dowd – 49, 6. Jessica Cox – 20.
Cadets
1. Dakota Wright – 171, 2. Albie South – 124, 3. Lilly Bence – 119, 4. D Lewis-Powell – 45.
Autos
1. Noah Bakewell – 179, 2. Dalton Wright – 173, 3. Kobi Gutteridge – 140, 4. Harry Worrall – 116, 5. Levi Collins – 73, 6. Lilly Bence – 46, 7. Arlo Bourne – 41.
E-Bikes
1. JJ Falconer – 194, 2. Reggie Goodwin – 172, 3. Kody Pay – 25.
