DTRA MAGAZINE ISSUE #01 WWW.DIRTTRACKRIDERS.CO.UK
#01
CONTENTS
ON THE COVER: When the flag drops‌ the Thunderbike final at Rye House gets under way with Dave Chadburn #36, Guy Sutherland #97, Ross Herrod #52 and Geoff Cain #45 on the front row. Photo: Ian Roxburgh DTRA Newsletter Issue #01 Grand fromage: Anthony Brown Editor: Ian Osborne Design: Ian Roxburgh Photographers: Ian Roxburgh, Ian Osborne Contributors: Anthony Brown, Anna Butler, Geoff Cain, Peter Boast Race poster designer: Ryan Quickfall Race cat: Missy
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DTRA intro DTRA 2014 Season Recap Twin Picks DTRA 2014 Champions Oliver Brindley interview Five Tips From Pete Boast DTRA Exhibition & Sideburn Launch A Few Words With... Nick Ashley Photo Gallery Parting Shot DTRA 2015 Riders List
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INTRO We are now in the third year of running the DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) and have seen the sport flourish during this time. Participant numbers have steadily increased and in 2014 we saw our biggest and best race season to date. Outside of the USA we now have the biggest dirt track race series in the world. We’re proud that we have some world-class riders racing the series who are good enough to take on the best flat trackers from around the globe. For 2015 we are building upon this success and will bring the best dirt track racing this country has ever witnessed. Not only do we return to many of the great circuits we raced in 2014, but we have also added new events at Eastbourne and Peterborough. Along with some top race venues we also have also secured a long list of top sponsors for the season. These include Deus, Maxxis, 100%, Sideburn magazine, Nixon, FTWCO, Duck Smart, Co-Built and Lightshoe UK. Once again we have House Industries providing our brilliant looking number boards for the season. We would like to thank all of these generous sponsors in advance for their help and support. Another first for 2015 is this newsletter that we’ve produced to help keep you up to date with all that’s going on with the DTRA. In this first issue we look back at last season’s action with our 2014 Series Round Up (page 12) and 2014 Champions (page 32) features. Pete Boast also offers some top tips to help with your race needs (page 60). We also catch up with the characters and stars of the race scene. This time it’s the flamboyant Nick Ashley (page 74), aspiring youngster Oli Brindley (page 52), and rising stars of the sport Tim and Tom Neave (page 28). We would like to take this opportunity to welcome back all returning riders who have made the sport what it is today. Also we’d like to take this opportunity to welcome all the newcomers to join our big flat track family and enjoy the season ahead. Enjoy the racing. Anthony Brown WWW.DIRTTRACKRIDERS.CO.UK I 9
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DTRA
2014 RECAP The DTRA 2014 Season: 6 rounds, 8 classes, 125 riders, 1,536 competitive laps all season, 192 competitive laps per rider and 8 new champions‌ PHOTO: IAN ROXBURGH
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DTRA
2014 RECAP
ROUND 1
ROUND 1 LEICESTER SPEEDWAY SUNDAY 27TH APRIL The UK dirt track season kicked off with bumper entries at the well-groomed Leicester Speedway with explosive racing across in all classes. In the Pro Class it was the ever-dominant Aidan Collins who took the win in the 12-lap final after leading from the first corner. Hot on his tail the whole race was Tim Neave who took second with 15-year-old Oliver Brindley showing skills far above his age for third. The restricted class saw a first win for Ross Herrod ahead of Les Wood in second with Les Stevens in third. Justin Heavens took a clear win in the Rookie Class that moved him straight up into the Restricted Class for round two. Tim Neave took another podium spot in the popular Thunderbike Class with Dave Chadburn and Anthony Brown in second and third respectively. The new DTRA Vintage Class was a big hit with riders and fans alike. French duo Dimitri Coste and Frank Chatokhine dominated during the heats. A mistake on the start line by Coste cost him in the final allowing Nick Ashley to race ahead for second behind race winner Chatokhine. The younger classes provided some of the tightest racing of the day. George Hopper took the win in the Junior Class over Leon Collier. Bailey Fellows took the top spot in the Youth Intermediate Class ahead of Skye Adams and Jordon Lee Miller.
Some people might say that the Co-Built rider Geoff Cain #45 was holding everyone up, but that wasn’t the case here. Behind him are Paul Sheldon #3, Paul Harrison #4, Christophe de Combard #6R, Drogo Michie #27 and Matt Moore #43R PHOTO: IAN ROXBURGH
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ROUND 2, COVENTRY SPEEDWAY, SUNDAY 18TH MAY Round two of the series saw a record entry for a UK dirt track race with over 70 riders across the eight classes. Sun tan lotion and ice creams were the order of the day with unseasonally good weather. After some closely fought heats the Pro Class final saw Aidan Collins put it down when it counted for the win. Behind him brothers Tom and Tim Neave were duking it out for the remaining podium positions with Tom edging his brother out for second. Making a guest appearance was rider Freddie Sheene, who had some great heat results, but failed to make a big impression in the final. Les Wood managed a great win the in the Restricted Class ahead of DSC team rider Ross Herrod and Tom Clements. French rider Christophe Decombard took the Rookie Class by storm with a convincing win in his final over Mike Johnson and Randal Thomas on his underpowered Honda FT230. The Thunderbike Class saw some key riders retire early due to crashes, but it was the ever-consistent Dave Chadburn who took the win. Paul Balleta took second with Co-Built rider Geoff Cain third. Cain was back on the podium in the Vintage Class when he finished third, but it was French rider Frank Chatokhine who took the win again ahead of local rider Paul Harrison. Darren Trapmore took the top honours in the Minibike Class ahead of Robert Neave and Adam Waller. The youth classes provided excellent racing as always. It was Leon Collier who took the Junior Class with Stephanie Tovey beating her brother leaving Thomas to settle for third. Jordon Lee Miller won the Youth Intermediate Class as he blasted ahead of Ben Neave and Skye Adams who raced into second and third. 16 I DTRA MAGAZINE
DTRA
2014 RECAP
ROUND 2
Tim Neave #14 chasing Oliver Brindley #24 for the lead at Coventry Speedway PHOTO: IAN ROXBURGH
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DTRA
2014 RECAP
ROUND 3
ROUND 3, SCUNTHORPE SPEEDWAY, SUNDAY 15TH JUNE The Eddie Wright Stadium at Scunthorpe provided an excellent location for round 3. The track had been heavily watered to reduce dust and provided a loose and slippery surface that led to some close racing, but did not lend itself to passing manoeuvres. The Pro Class final saw Aidan Collins move to the front in the first turn and remain there all the way to the line. Behind, Tim Neave sat in second with Oliver Brindley third. In fourth Tom Neave was moving quickest and he managed to pass Brindley to move into third. Despite putting pressure on his brother he had to settle for third on this occasion. In the Restricted Class Les Wood and Ross Herrod were tied on series points going into this event. Herrod didn’t settle into the super slick track and finished down the order. Wood made it count winning the final with Justin Heavens second and Gary Inman third. Mike Johnson dominated the Rookie Class with Randal Thomas chasing hard in second, while Death Spray Custom team rider David Gwyther rounded out the podium. Dave Chadburn led home another action packed Thunderbike Class final. Guy Sutherland took second with Co-Built’s Anthony Brown third. Pro rider Darren Trapmore put his skills to good use with another win in the Minibike Class ahead of runner-up Robert Neave. Justin Heavens scored his second podium as raced to third. The Vintage Class saw Peter Jordon take a win ahead of Paul Harrison and John Boddy. Skye Adams took the top spot in the Youth Intermediate Class ahead of Ben Neave. George Hopper took top spot in the Junior Class ahead of Leon Collier. 18 I DTRA MAGAZINE
Skye Adams #76 leading the Junior field at Scunthorpe PHOTO: IAN OSBORNE
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ROUND 4, NORFOLK ARENA, KINGS LYNN, SUNDAY 18TH JULY Riders travelled from across Europe, America and Australia for the largest dirt track weekend ever taken place outside the USA. As the evening air cooled, and the sun disappeared behind the grandstands, the track provided some excellent racing. It was 18-year-old Tom Neave who was the star of the night in the Pro Class as he took the win breaking the dominance of Aidan Collins in a nail-biting final. Neave was under pressure throughout from the team Kawasaki riders Alan Birtwistle and Oliver Brindley who finished second and third respectively. Collins had to settle for fourth after winning the first three rounds in the race series. Guest rider Guy Martin showed his competitors that he was able to transfer his skills from the roads of the Isle of Man to the oval circuits of the mainland as he dominated the Restricted Class. Championship contender Tom Clements took a second ahead of Les Wood. Another guest rider, the highly respected European flat track series organiser Jan Willam Jansen, piloted his Dutch Brother’s Rotax to an excellent win in the Thunderbike class. Guy Sutherland took second with Dave Chadburn third. The Vintage Class took advantage of the large crowd to put on a great display of riding. A heavy downpour made the first heat tricky but come final time the track was in prime condition. French rider Frank Chatokhine battled with Guy Sutherland, Paul Harrison and Dimitri Coste in an excellent fight for the top spots. It was Chatokhine who managed to hold on for the win ahead of Sutherland and Harrison.
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DTRA
2014 RECAP ROUND 4
Guy Martin #8 battling with Ross Herrod #52 under the spotlights at Kings Lynn PHOTO: IAN ROXBURGH
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DTRA
2014 RECAP
ROUND 5
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ROUND 5, AMMAN VALLEY 1/2 MILE, WALES, Round five took place on the beautiful half-mile horse track at Amman Valley Trotting Club. Weeks of dry weather meant the water truck was active before the event, but heavy downpours during practice and racing soon put paid to any dust problems. A reduced field in the pro class meant the result was decided over three heats and a final with double points. Tom Neave dominated the pro final, but it was his brother Tim who took the overall win, because of a fall Tom had taken in heat one. Talented youngster Oliver Brindley came third.
The Vintage Class w Sutherland. Despite S enough as the flambo Triumph podium with Local rider Guto Lle the final ahead of Geo
SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST
was dominated once again by Frank Chatokine and Guy Sutherland putting Chatokine under pressure all day it wasn’t oyant Frenchman stormed to another victory. It was an all h Nick Ashley taking the third. ewelyn dominated the Thunderbike Class. He took a clear win in off Cain and Guy Sutherland. The Restricted Class saw some
close racing with series leader Les Wood taking the win ahead of Justin Heavens and Tom Clements. In the Rookie Class French rider Christophe De Combard continued his dominance of the field with another win ahead of Rick Bearcroft and Phil Gerrard. Skye Adams and Jordon Lee Miller battled all day in the Youth Intermediate Class. It was Jordon who got the better of Adams in the end. Leon Collier took top honours in the Junior Class.
Geoff Cain #45 leads Tom Clemans #42, Guy Sutherland #97 and Dave Chadburn #36 into the first corner in the wet conditions at the half-miler at Amman Valley PHOTO: IAN ROXBURGH
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DTRA
2014 RECAP
ROUND 6
ROUND 6, RYE HOUSE SPEEDWAY, SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER Rye House Speedway provided an excellent venue for the final round of the 2014 dirt track season. The Pro Class Championship boiled down to the last final with twins Tim and Tom Neave in joint first in the championship ahead of defending number one Aidan Collins. It was Collins who got the holeshot with Alan Birtwistle hot on his heels and Tim Neave in third. With two laps to go Collins and Birtwistle fought over the same spot on the track resulting in a crash that also involved Tom Neave. Tim Neave managed to avoid the carnage and ride to the win and the series title. Birtwistle managed to hold on to second place with Richard Mason taking third. Frank Chatokhine continued his dominance of Vintage Class with another straight win. Nick Ashley showed consistency pays off with a third on the day that secured him second overall. Dave Chadburn secured his 2014 Thunderbike title in style with another win in the final. The battle for second in the final was also the battle for second in the championship, with Guy Sutherland taking second place ahead of Geoff Cain in third. 24 I DTRA MAGAZINE
The first corner holeshot goes to the Frenchman Christophe Decombard #6R at the season finale at Rye House PHOTO: IAN ROXBURGH
Justin Heavens took his first final win to secure a second overall in the Restricted Class. The overall win went to Les Wood with Tom Clements earning enough points to secure third. Newcomer Mark Walker took the Rookie Class by storm winning the points final with his son Matthew taking third. Championship leader Mike Johnson did enough to stay ahead of Christophe Decombard and David Gywther. In the Minibike Class it was Darren Trapmore who took the win and the championship title. Newcomer Shane Jordon took second ahead of Robert Neave. Skye Adams held off a challenge from Jordan Lee Miller to win the Youth Intermediate championship, but both lost out on the day to newcomer Storm Stacy. The Youth Junior Class was dominated once again by George Hopper with Leon Collier holding on for second place. D WWW.DIRTTRACKRIDERS.CO.UK I 25
#68 TOM NEAVE Day job? Full-time farmer working on our dad’s farm. Years racing? My first year of racing was in 2011 in the Junior flat track championship. I’ve been short circuit racing since 2013. Why do you start dirt track racing? It was my first introduction into bike racing. I absolutely love riding my CRF 450 and it has taught me vital skills that I can transfer to different riding disciplines. What aspect of the racing do you enjoy the most? The winning side of it, and I enjoy being away at different circuits and being involved. Best result? In flat track in 2014 it was at Dirt Quake (Kings Lynn) in the Pro Class. I won all my heats and followed by winning the main. The track was awesome. In road racing in 2014 it was at Cadwell Park in the Supertwins. I won four from four races and hold the new and currently standing out right Supertwin lap record.
Tim and Tom Neave are two talented racers. At just 18 yea long way since they started rac ago. After a consistently go managed to take the Pro Class far more experienced racers. the series showing just how With more hard work and the brothers have a big career a
PHOTOS: IAN
Worst crash? In flat track this was in 2012 when I broke my scaphoid (wrist) at Oxford Speedway. In road racing that would have been in 2013 when I high sided at Anglesey. As I landed the tarmac ripped my glove off and made a mess of my right hand. I was very lucky. Who’s your biggest influence? In my early days of riding it would have been Pete Boast. What do you aspire to achieve in the sport? To be world champion. What’s your craziest travelling experience? Travelling back from the Super Prestigio in 2014. We drove all the way back from Barcelona and called in at Paris to see the Eiffel Tower at 00:30am. Pre-race ritual? I don’t really have one. I just try to keep calm, get on and ride. What do you do outside of the sport? I go to the gym when I have time, work on the bikes or ride with mates.
Twins Sponsors: Fuchs Silkolene, Lincolnshire Motors, Vroom Media, Agrii, Preptek, JWR Suspension, WK Bikes, B&C Express, FTWCO, grandad, mum and dad. You can see more of the Neave twins at Neavetwins.com and follow them on Facebook.
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o of flat track racing’s most ars old the twins have come a cing motorbikes just four years ood DTRA race season Tim s series win beating older and Brother Tom finished third in good this dedicated duo are. eir drive to win we know these head of them on two wheels.
N ROXBURGH
Day job? Farm worker. Years racing? Racing flat track since 2010 and road racing since 2014. Why do you start dirt track riding? I never had the opportunity to race a motorbike until Pete Boast moved to our village. He ran the sport at the time so I ended up flat track racing. Turns out Tom and I both love it. I know more about bike racing now. I can see how beneficial it is to all forms of riding and a great base for any new comer. We do it because it’s teaches loads of skills, it’s cheap and it’s great racing. What aspect of the racing do you enjoy the most? I love all aspects of riding dirt track. It’s a lot of fun sliding a bike. I think it looks awesome and it makes for great racing. I just wish it had a bigger profile here in the UK. Best result? I won the Junior championship in 2010 and the Pro 450 championship in 2014. Worst crash? At Oxford Speedway in 2012 when I went through the terrible mesh fencing.
#14 TIM NEAVE I broke a rib, my collarbone, forearm, punctured a lung and tore my spleen. Who’s your biggest influence? It would be Pete Boast who got me into racing when I was 14. He taught me loads and I still spend a lot of time training with him. Also the Lowes twins who have gone all the way to the top through hard work and dedication. What do you aspire to achieve in the sport? To be world champion in road racing and I want to win an Expert AMA Pro flat track main event. What’s your craziest travelling experience? I raced flat track in the USA on eight of the 12 days we were there. It was amazing trip across Kansas and Illinois. Pre-race ritual? Relax. What do you do outside of the sport? When I’m not racing I’m working full-time on the farm. After work I’m in the workshop preparing my bikes with Billy, our mechanic, and I ride every opportunity I get with friends. D
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In 2014 the DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) ran eight classes which provided some of the best flat track race action ever witnessed on these shores. The series consisted of six races with results from the best five events going towards the overall. Every champion for 2014 was new. This shows the high level of competition and how far the racing has come in a short period of time. WORDS - IAN OSBORNE
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PHOTO - IAN ROXBURGH
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Pro Class Champion Tim Neave #14
Tim Neave started the season chasing Aidan Collins who had been dominant in the class in previous years. Neave finally got the better of Collins at round three in Scunthorpe when he took his first win of the season. Riding for TCR Racing KTM Neave was unable to repeat his winning ways at round four, but went on to win at round five at Amman Valley. He finished his year on a high at the final round of the series taking the top spot at Rye House and the overall win. WORDS - IAN OSBORNE
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PHOTO - IAN ROXBURGH
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Thunderbike Class Champion Dave Chadburn #36
Dave Chadburn was a familiar face on the podium in the Thunderbike Class on his CC Engineering Yamaha. He started his season with a second place finish before going on to win round two at Coventry. He continued his winning ways at round three in Scunthorpe, but had to settle for third at round four at Dirt Quake when guest rider Jan Willam Jansen and Guy Sutherland got the better of him. Round five at Amman wasn’t much better when Chadburn had to settle for fifth place. He came good at the final round at Rye House when he returned to his winning ways and took the overall series title. WORDS - IAN OSBORNE
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PHOTO - IAN ROXBURGH
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Restricted Class Champion Les Wood #50
This was Les Wood’s rookie season in riding dirt track having made the move from road racing. Wood showed his race pedigree in the opening rounds when he won the first three events at Leicester, Coventry and Scunthorpe. Unfortunately, he had to settle for third at round four at Dirt Quake. Wood put this behind him when he took the win at round five at Amman. At the final round at Rye House he finished his season with a second and the championship win. WORDS - IAN OSBORNE
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PHOTO - IAN ROXBURGH
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Rookie Class Champion Mike Johnson #28 Mike Johnson started the year with a second place finish at round one behind Justin Heavens. Johnson repeated a second place finish at round two when Christophe Decombard edged him out for the win. Johnson finally got his first win of the season at round three in Scunthorpe, but had to settle for second behind Frank Chatokhine at round four at Dirt Quake. Johnson sat round five out. He returned to racing at round six at Rye House where he gained five points to take the series title. WORDS - IAN OSBORNE
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PHOTO - IAN ROXBURGH
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Vintage Class Champion
Frank Chatokhine #5 Frank Chatokhine dominated the class winning every race he attended. The flamboyant Frenchman from Amilly in France missed round three in Scunthorpe allowing Peter Jordan to take the win. Chatokhine rode his Metisse Triumph with speed and style all season long. At each round he always brought a group of friends to ride, and even had his own entourage to help him celebrate his series title at the final event at Rye House. WORDS - IAN OSBORNE
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PHOTO - IAN ROXBURGH
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Youth Inter Class Champion Skye Adams #76
Skye Adams is one of three female riders currently racing the DTRA series on a regular basis. She topped the class with consistent riding throughout the year. Adams took second at round one, third at round two and finally took the win she had been chasing at round three in Scunthorpe. Adams cut her family holiday short to race round five in Amman where she took second. Adams closed her season with a second place finish at Rye House earning enough points to be crowned overall champion. WORDS - IAN OSBORNE
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PHOTO - IAN ROXBURGH
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Youth Junior Class Champion George Hopper #110
George Hopper started his season with a win at round one in Leicester. He had to withdraw from round two in Coventry following a crash that put him out of the race. At round three in Scunthorpe he returned with vengeance taking the win and continued his winning streak at round four at Dirt Quake. Unfortunately, Hopper missed round five, but closed his season with a win and the overall title at Rye House. WORDS - IAN OSBORNE
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PHOTO - IAN ROXBURGH
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Minibike Class Champion Darren Trapmore #20 Darren Trapmore had a dominant season in the Minibike Class. He kicked off his season with a win at Leicester Speedway and went on to win every round he raced on his Chinese Skyteam 150cc bike. He opted to sit out round five at Amman due to work commitments. At the final round at Rye House he made it a clean sweep ahead of rival Robert Neave to take the series. Trapmore was the only rider to race in two classes and take a championship title. WORDS - IAN OSBORNE
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PHOTO - IAN OSBORNE
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OLIVER ALL PHOTOS: IAN ROXBURGH
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BRINDLEY
INTERVIEW
In his first year on a full size dirt track bike Oliver Brindley put on a superb performance in the DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) championships racing against older and more experienced riders.
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t just 16 the Team Kawasaki Dirt Track rider has racing skills above and beyond what his birth certificate might suggest. Brindley comes from several generations of top motorcycle riders so it’s not surprising racing is in his blood. In his first season in the highly competitive DTRA Pro Class Brindley finished fifth overall. He then went on to qualify for the final at the Superprestigio event in Barelona, Spain, racing the world’s best including Marc Márquez and Jared Mees. We caught up with this young talent to find out more.
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‌I finished fifth overall in the DTRA series before going on to finish sixth in the super final at the Superprestigio dirt track. Yes, I’m loving life.
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GIVE US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR HISTORY? I started out riding the beach track at Mablethorpe for three years. Then I raced in the Junior Class in the UK events where I went on to win three nationals. I raced in the USA in 2012 where dirt track is at its highest level. This was racing 85cc twostrokes at the age of 13. I moved up the ranks and was riding 450cc bikes in the Pro Class in 2014. I was 16 at the start of last season and finished fifth overall in the DTRA series before going on to finish sixth in the super final at the Superprestigio dirt track. Yes, I’m loving life. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY HISTORY AND THEIR INVOLVEMENT WITH MOTORCYCLE RACING? The Brindley surname is well known in the sidecar road-racing world. My grandad Fred raced in the ‘60s and then my dad and his brothers, Barry and John, followed
in his footsteps. My dad and his brothers all won British Championships and raced Grand Prix in the ‘90s. HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO DIRT TRACK RACING? I started racing at eight years old on the beach at Mablethorpe on a KX65. I did this for a couple of years and then we heard about dirt track racing in the UK. We liked the sound of it because it was similar to the beach racing I was doing. WHAT MADE YOU START AS A RACER WITH THE DTRA? It looked like a cool sport that my dad and I could race together. Bruce Brown’s On Any Sunday has always been my favourite film too. TELL US ABOUT YOUR RACING IN THE UK AND THE USA? In 2012 I won the UK championship on the 85cc bike. The same year we made
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Even though I wasn’t 100 per cent I still matched Marc Márquez’s fastest lap in the race. Thanks to everyone that got me fit enough to race. our first trip to the USA for the Amateur Dirt Track Grand Championships in Springfield, Illinois. I had no idea what to expect and came home with wins in the TT, short track and half mile. This gave me three AMA titles. On the 250 back here in the UK I won the 2013 championship. We went back to the USA but it was a disaster with the event being rained out. I moved up to the 450cc Pro Class when I was 15 with permission from the MCF (Motorcycle Federation) and that year I was fifth overall in the championship. This year I am striving for better results. WHAT’S YOUR SET UP WITH TEAM KAWASAKI DIRT TRACK? Kawasaki wanted to get involved with dirt track and my dad put the team together with Alan Birtwistle as my team mate. Kawasaki were happy with my first season and it’s just me on the team for 2015.
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EXPLAIN ABOUT THE BIKE YOU RIDE? I ride a Kawasaki KX450F motocross bike with the regular dirt track conversion that includes lower suspension, 19-inch wheels fitted with Maxxis dirt track tyres and a few other changes that make it more suitable. WHAT MODIFICATIONS HAVE YOU MADE TO YOUR BIKE FOR THIS SEASON? We have made a lot of changes for this season. I am not allowed to say too much! Thanks to my dad and our tuner, Richard Mason, the 2015 bike is awesome. We have done 11 days of testing since Christmas and lots of dyno work. WHO DOES ALL THE WORK ON YOUR BIKE? At home I do most of the work with my dad. At the race meetings I have my mechanic Paul Mansel.
WHO ARE YOU BIGGEST RIVALS ON THE UK CIRCUIT? My biggest rivals would be Ade Collins, the Neave brothers and Alan Birtwistle, who are always a threat for the championship. DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF RACING? Fast! HOW DO YOU PSYCHE YOURSELF YOUR UP TO RACE? I don’t. I like to relax because I believe most crashes are caused by being too psyched going into the first corner. WHAT HAPPENED AT THE SUPERPRESTIGIO? I made my way through all of the qualifying stages right up to the last race of the night. I finished sixth against many of the top racers in the world. You could say I was happy with myself. WHAT WAS QUALIFYING LIKE? Even though the track didn’t suit me I got on with job. I knew the track was the same for everyone so I kept all the excuses to myself. HOW WAS YOUR LEAD UP TO THIS RACE? Three weeks before the race I had surgery on my broken collarbone and bruised a lung at a different meeting in Spain. This meant I was at a disadvantage regarding my preparation. Even though I wasn’t 100 per cent I still matched Marc Márquez’s fastest lap in the race. Thanks to everyone that got me fit enough to race. WHAT WAS IT LIKE LINING UP AGAINST THE LIKES OF MARC MÁRQUEZ AND JARED MEES? Knowing they are both the best at what they do can have your head in pieces. As long as I stayed calm and treated them how they treated me, I knew I could be equal. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE IN 2015? At least the championship here in the UK and good results in the FIM World Cup events in France and Italy later in the year. I’d also like to better my Superprestigio result. My dream is to get the chance to ride as a Pro in the USA AMA GNC2. Maybe next year?! D
Throughout 2014 Oli fought hard against the Neave twins with Tim Neave winning the Championship
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5 BOASTIE with
Peter Boast is the daddy of dirt track racing in the UK and originally started the UK short track series in 2005. He’s won multiple championships and currently rides for the Suzuki Team in the UK and Europe. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding all things motorbike and dirt track racing. PHOTO: IAN ROXBURGH
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Top Tip #1 Most important thing you do to your bike before the meeting? The most important thing is to clean your bike from the last meeting. It’s when you’re cleaning that you discover the things that need to be attended to or fixed.
Top Tip #2 What are your race day essentials in the pits? Without a doubt it is my tools. You don’t need a massive tool kit to run a flat tracker. The basic tools include a rear wheel spanner, a selection of screwdrivers, a few spanners for the most common nut sizes and a brush to clean the dirt off your number board.
Top Tip #3
Top Tip #5
What set up changes do you make to the bike as the racing progresses? The main changes I regularly make to my bike during race day is to my gearing. The track will change as the meeting goes on. By the time the finals come around I could be running a sprocket with a couple of less teeth as the track gets faster.
How should people hone their skills and technique before racing? Everyone should come to my training school. I often watch the rookies racing and see many of them making silly mistakes that scare me. My advice to the rookies is to watch the better riders at the meeting, and look at the lines they are taking and try to copy them. I am always happy to offer advice and help at any of the DTRA race meetings. The same goes for the better riders – they’re always happy to help. For those who want to improve further I am now running advanced riding schools. Information for this can be found at Facebook Champions Flattrack School. D
Top Tip #4 What riding kit are you never without? My back protector is very important and I always have it with me at the races. I’ve hit a few speedway fences in my time and my back protector has saved my body from a lot of damage over the years.
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* MOTORCYCLES *
* FABRICATION *
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The DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) is lucky to have a wealth of skilled photographers who love snapping the race action and people involved. As a mark of their hard work we recently celebrated their greatest captured moments at the Bolt London shop, café and community space. Photographer, videographer and curator Sunil Shah, along with help from DTRA’s Anna Butler, did a classy job of preparing the show and mounting the images. We’d like to thank Andrew Almond
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from Bolt London for allowing us to display all the fabulous images in his space. The event was run in conjunction with the launch of issue 20 of Sideburn magazine. At the event we showed off our new event poster for the season that was designed by the talented Ryan Quickfall. Also on display were our stylish 2015 House Industries number boards. It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends as well as meeting some new riders in person for the first time.
DTRA curator Sunil Shah preps the picture layout before mounting on the wall at Bolt London.
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Bolt regular Clive the pooch kept everyone in order and made sure we all had a good time.
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As a showroom for professional bike builders Bolt curates a rotating stock of custom motorcycles. Regardless of price and power all motorcycles are selected on merit of there design and build, each one being a unique machine from leading workshops.
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DTRA head honcho, motorbike builder, bike racer, ex-speedway star and all-round good bloke, Anthony Brown.
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Bolt collaborates with artists working across different fields to produce bespoke items and limited editions. The scope of collaborations extends from photography, illustration and painting to embroidery and printmaking. As well as using more traditional mediums they invite artists to apply their work to customising helmets, jackets, motorcycles and scooters.
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Nick came in third at the final round at Rye House in 2014 giving him second overall in the Vintage Class
Nick with his daughter at Dirt Quake IV
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o r d w s w w e f ith A
NiCK ASHLEY #59
Racing and clothing are in Nick’s blood. It was only a matter of time before he slung his leg over a vintage flat track bike PHOTOS: IAN ROXBURGH
Who is Nick Ashley? Nick: Nick Ashley is a clothing designer specialising in British made stuff. I was brought up on a farm in Wales where the men used farm bikes to get around. These were Greeves with Villiers two-stroke engines - they were horrible. I moved on to Enduro machines and my first race was the Welsh Two Day in 1974. I have raced trials, enduros and desert events since that day. I even took on the mighty Dakar in 2000 and finished second in class in a Toyota. At nearly 60 years young I am still having a go. This year’s challenge is the Baja 1000-mile desert race in Mexico.
How did you end up racing with the DTRA? Nick: I knew about the DTRA as it was first formed. I was interested but had too much on to have a go. Then Dirt Quake came along as a one-off and I had a great time in the Street Tracker Class. The combination of a posy bike and cool clothes appealed to me, so I decided to have a go in the newly formed Vintage Class. Then my daughter and I shared my Triumph at Dirt Quake and it has become a family thing. My brother gave me an old Harley in boxes, Toshi built it up and that is this year’s ride. It has absolutely no power but it looks great and opens up a whole new wardrobe. The best part about DTRA is the cleanness. There’s no endless power washing! D
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Come ride Dirt Track with me at the Noyes Camp in Motorland, Aragon. Experience the thrill and learn the technique or rear wheel steering our oval and TT tracks with a steel shoe stepped on your left boot. We have a bunch of KLX 140s, full riding gear, five different tracks and several different schools and race day options to choose from. See you at the Dirt Tracks!
WWW.NOYESCAMP.COM
PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE DTRA WWW.DIRTTRACKRIDERS.CO.UK I 75
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GALLERY #01 Ross Herrod #52 on his Death Spray Custom bike powers out of the corner at Round 1 at Coventry Photo: Ian Roxburgh
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Style king Dimitri Coste #87’s custom Ruby helmet Photo: Ian Roxburgh
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GALLERY #01
Dimitri Coste #87 out on the track Photo: Ian Roxburgh
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GALLERY #01
Race of the Legends: Britain’s Pete Boast #54 out in front with Dave Aldana #13 from the US in his skeleton race leathers and BSB racer Steve Plater #22 at Oxford Stadium back in 2011 Photo: Ian Roxburgh
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Sideburn editor Gay Inman #13 leads Lez Stevens #44 at Coventry Speedway Photo: Ian Roxburgh
GALLERY #01
A pair of Co-Built bikes: #45 (yellow) Geoff Cain and #47 (orange) Anthony Brown Photo: Ian Roxburgh
Geoff Cain #45 kicking up dust back in 2011 at Oxford Stadium Photo: Ian Roxburgh
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Kawasaki 2014 teammates Alan Birtwistle #30 and Oliver Brindley #24 racing in formation at Round 2 at Coventry Speedway Photo: Ian Roxburgh
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GALLERY #01
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The all important race day running order Photo: Ian Roxburgh
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Death Spray Custom Dave Gwyther #8R third overall in the 2014 Restricted Class Photo: Ian Roxburgh
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GALLERY #01
The Vintage podium celebrations with Frank Chatokhine #5 aloft his French compatriots shoulders Photo: Ian Roxburgh
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GALLERY #01
2014 Pro Class Champion, Tim Neave #14 Photo: Ian Roxburgh
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Proudly sup
For all your perf
www.dutch-b
pporting the
formance parts:
brothers.com
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PARTING SHOT #01 Kings Lynn, Norfolk, April 2013 Geoff Cain #45 and Guy Sutherland #97 At round four in Kings Lynn Guy Sutherland tried to sneak up the inside of Geoff Cain but it didn’t quite go to plan. Sutherland ended up in a crumpled heap in the dirt while Cain managed to hang on and ride away without a scratch. Photos: Ian Roxburgh
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DTRA 20 RIDERS L Pro Class 1 3 8 9 14 18 24 25 26 29 30 38 40 42 45 47 50 54 61 67 68 90 95 97 98 100
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Tim Neave Paul Sheldon Guy Martin Richard May Tim Neave Mark Richardson OliverBrindley Derek Brindley Neil Martin Adam Allott Alan Birtwistle George Pickering Paul Baleta Tom Clemans Geoff Cain Anthony Brown Les Wood Peter Boast Kevin Armstrong Justin Heavens Tom Neave Aidan Collins Vince Hurst Guy Sutherland Richard Mason Matt Layt
Restricted Class 0R 4R 5R 6R 11R 13R 22R 27R 28R 31R 35R 36R 37R 41R 43R 44R 51R 52R 53R 56R 57R 59R 71R 76R 86R 87R 89R 112R 120R
David Gwyther Paul Harrison Frank Chatokhine Christophe Decombard Robert Williams Gary Inman Mike Ryan Drogo Michie Mike Johnson David Arnold Mike Hill Dave Chadburn Leah Tokelove Steve Lane Matthew Moore Lez Stevens Randal Thomas Ross Herrod Ben Part Jim Boddy John Boddy Nick Ashley Scott Faulkner Brad Hardman Tom Wright Dimitri Coste Hubert BastiĂŠ Ian Cramp Gary Birtwistle
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Leon Collier
Youth Inter Class 17 53 58 79 93
Kier Armstrong Connor Jackson Joe Burden Storm Stacey Jack Bell
Youth Senior Class 10 19 20 76
Ben Neave Jordan-Lee Miller Toby Hales Skye Adams
Rookie Class 2R 7R 7X 8R 10R 12R 15R 16R 17R 17R 21R 23R 32R 33R 34R 39R 46R 48R 49R 55R 58R 60R 62R 63R 64R 65R 66R 69R 70R 72R 73R 74R 75R 77R 78R 79R 80R 81R 82R 83R 84R 85R 88R 92R 93R 94R 96R 99R 517R 128R 116R 109R
Ian Sisson Jago Anderson Tara Henry Adam Brinkworth Ryan Quickfall Milo Hiscox Peter Jordan Harley Peters Jeremy Decombard Dimitri Hettinga Franck Depoisier Stuart Avery Andrew Murphy Sean Kelly Tom Moore Rick Bearcroft Daniel Kafka Philip Gerrard Olivier Le Quellec Angelo Van Zele Matthew Walker Paul Murrell Bram De Roeck Grevet Thibaut Jeremy Skipp John Priestley James O’hara Robert Allgaier Richard Rowden John Huxley Giles Longbone Guy Williams Jason Cursley Sam Christmas James Jordan Greg Krzeszowiec Mike Fisher Damian Mccann Isaac Hunter Ben Hunter Karl Fehrs David Van Parijs Makhlouf Zakaria Dirk Pieper Martin Hüning Norm Joss Adam Waller Mark Walker Julian Heppekausen Harley Peters Paul Jenkins Andrew Smith WWW.DIRTTRACKRIDERS.CO.UK I 97