DTRA MAGAZINE ISSUE #09 WWW.DIRTTRACKRIDERS.CO.UK
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CONTENTS
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09 12 28 30 46 62 68 86 102 122 132 136 142 164 174
INTRO
END OF SEASON ADDRESS FROM THE REVEREND
HOOLIGAN FINAL ROUND
DTRA ROUND 6
20 QUESTIONS WITH KYE FORTE
DTRA ROUND 7
DTRA ROUND 8
DTRA ROUND 5
2017 DTRA CHAMPIONS SUPERPRESTIGIO 5 2017 PREVIEW A FEW WORDS WITH ADAM BRINKWORTH DTRA BARNSTORMER AT THE INTERNATIONAL DIRT BIKE SHOW GALLERY #09 WIPEOUT DTRA RULES AND REGULATIONS
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ON THE COVER: Alan Birtwistle Photo: Ian Osborne CONTENTS: Tom Neave Photo by Ian Osborne
DTRA Magazine Issue #09 Grand Fromage: Anthony Brown Editor: Ian Osborne Design: Tim Hughes Photographers: Ian Osborne, Ian Roxborough, Paul France and Tom Bing Contributors: Anthony Brown, Anna Butler, Tom Bing Race poster designer: Ryan Quickfall WWW.DIRTTRACKRIDERS.CO.UK 5
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INTRO I
can’t believe the 2017 DTRA flat track season is already over and our champions have been crowned for the year. Once again we had a fabulous season of hard fought racing with more races than ever before. All eight rounds delivered top class racing that was more competitive than ever before, regardless of the class. It was great to see so many new faces who came along to join the DTRA family. As usual a few new names shook up a few classes making for even more competitive action. You newcomers, along with all the regulars from the UK, Belgium, France and Germany came together to make it the most fun and competitive season to date. I thank you all for that. Alan Birtwistle took his second consecutive Pro class title at the end of the 2017 season. He’s had a consistent year that saw him win at rounds three and four and step on to the podium at every other round apart from one. Consistency and smart riding paid off. Congratulations to Birty and all the winners in all the other classes. You can see all of our champions for the season on page 102. Once again we returned to the superb Greenfield Dirt Track where we held two rounds. The racing and venue were out of this world. I’m sure you’ll join us in sending a big thank you to George Pickering, his family and the Greenfield crew who made it such top weekend of flat track racing on both the oval and the TT track. Along with the usual race classes we also ran the Hooligan serious in conjunction with Harley Davidson and Sideburn the magazine. This proved extremely popular and saw several new names enjoying the fun despite the odd crash. At the end of the season it was Spain’s Ferran Mas who took the title following a consistent season. Congratulations Ferran and all who took part. For pictures and results see page 30. We rounded out the season with our Barnstormer event that took place October 26-29 at the International Dirt Bike Show in Stoneleigh. We ran four days of mini bike racing and demos on a dirt oval purposely built in conjunction with DTRA racer Jamie Courtney and his crew at Mini Bike Champs. It went down well and was enjoyed by all that saw it and took part. We even ran a proper race on Saturday October 28 that was won by 2017 DTRA Minibike champion Neil Macqueen. For pictures and results see page 136. Once again the DTRA has riders qualified for the international Superprestigio event that will take place in Barcelona on December 16. This year Oliver Brindley and Toby Hales will be returning to the indoor race to do battle with some of the best racers from flat track and other motorcycle racing genres. We wish all three well and look forward to watching the event live with all those that are making the trip. We have a preview and pictures from last year’s event on page 122. Before I finish I’m sure you’ll join me in saying a huge thank you to our sponsors, hard working volunteers and all that made the 2016 DTRA race season so special. And that includes all of you racers. We’re already working hard and looking forward to 2018. We have a few changes and tricks up our sleeves and look forward to bringing you more top flat track action. Enjoy the off-season and see you all next year.
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ROUND 5
MAXXIS 2017 UK FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS. JULY 7, ADRIAN FLUX ARENA, KINGS LYNN Round five of the 2017 UK Flat Track Championships put on by the DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) saw the series continue in spectacular fashion at the Adrian Flux Arena in Kings Lynn. A well prepared and fast riding track, live online coverage and a warm sunny evening that led into floodlit finals provided the perfect setting for some top class flat track racing.
Photos: Ian Osborne
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ROUND 5
PRO CLASS The Pro class A-final saw Tom Neave get a flying start as he led Alan Birtwistle, Toby Hales, Aidan Collins and Sam Hurst through turn one. Neave was on top form and started to open a gap on his competition. He continued to ride with flawless precision to take the win. Behind, Birtwistle held his line to take second with Hales continuing to ride well as he beat Collins for the final spot on the podium.
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ROUND 5
RESTRICTED CLASS In the Restricted class it was Louis Breton who had the edge into turn one with Neil MacQueen, Jon Bell and Joe Banks hot on his heels. It remained tight at the front but MacQueen found his way through into the lead. He continued to ride well to take a well-earned win. The battle behind continued with James Andrew snagging second and Bell held on to third.
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ROUND 5
VINTAGE CLASS The Vintage class saw some closely fought action as Gary Birtwistle, Frank Chatokhine and David Webb all hit the first turn together. It was Birtwistle who pulled ahead with Webb second and Chatokhine chasing hard in third. The battle continued all the way to the line with Birtwistle taking the win. Chatokhine got the edge on Webb in the final turn relegating him to third as they hit the line.
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ROUND 5
THUNDERBIKE CLASS Mike Hill continued his dominance in the ever-competitive Thunderbike class. Hill got a fast start, moved straight to the front and pulled away for another win in the series. Behind, Geoff Cain was in second with Ross Herrod third. A fast charging Jon Bell worked his way through taking both Herrod and Cain to take second. Herrod moved past Cain to snag third.
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ROUND 5
ROOKIE CLASS In the Rookie class, which was held the following morning before Dirt Quake, Grant Martin instantly grabbed the holeshot as he led Lee Sadler and Martin Mills. Martin was on fire as he pulled away for a classy victory. The battle behind continued all the way to the line. Sadler held strong for second with Mills having to settle for third.
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ROUND 5
YOUTH CLASSES
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The Youth classes were also held the following morning and Charlie Kelly was back on fine form as he took the win in the Youth Juniors with Wilbur Skip and Thomas Hunt taking second and third respectively. In the Youth Intermediate class Jack Bell rode a brilliant race to take the win ahead of his rival Ted Wilkinson. Luke Gardner rode well to round out the podium.
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END OF SEASON ADDRESS FROM THE REVEREND BACKIT INLOW
Photo: Ian Osborne
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rothers and sisters of the Church of the Left Handed Oval please join with me and offer up a season’s end thanks and praise to the holy trinity of flat frack UK. Our creator Dirt the Father Peter Boast, Dirt the Son - Anthony Brown and Dirt the Holy Ghost - the omni present, all seeing, all knowing Gary Inman. Without these three there would be no church for us to attend. St. George of Greenfield would not have built his pleasure drome and St. Oliver of Brindley would not have gone forth to spread the UK gospel in the new world and in so doing filled our Limey hearts with pride. Let us spare a minute to also offer thanks to old St. Nick for clerking the courses, to our steadfast Apostles of the Startline - Jeff and Steve, to our Lady of Lap Score - Anna (and her vestal elves), and to our Knights of the Holy Scrutiny- Justin, Paul and Scott. And let us not forget to offer praise and gratitude to the Recorders of the Faith - St. Ozzer, St. Paul and St. Tom of Bing, for when they issue forth with their wonderful illuminated images they make us feel so good about our single minded pleasure seeking. Oh, and we must give thanks to those other captors of the moving image at Tapes Up Productions for making it possible to relive our thrills and excitements. To all those and the others who make it all happen on our behalf, we your humble congregation of racers, give multitudes of everlasting praise and thanks. For the power and glory. Amen.
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Hooligan S
All photos: Ian Osborne
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Final Round 2017 Series
2017 DTRA Hooligan Championships Final July 7, Adrian Flux Arena, Kings Lynn The fourth and final round of the 2017 DTRA Hooligan Championships took place at the Adrian Flux Arena in Kings Lynn on July 7. The event, which is brought to you by Harley Davidson, Sideburn magazine and the DTRA, features weird and wonderful bikes that are post 1980 twins 750cc and above. The bikes have unmodified frames, the front brake disconnected and no knobbly tyres are permitted. As a result, there was an eclectic mix of bikes on the start line.
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Final Round 2017 Series This exciting final round of the series took place under floodlights that was part of the DTRA and DirtQuake race weekend. The stadium saw large crowds and along with fans at home who were watching on Facebook Live the racing didn’t disappoint. It looked like the evening was going to belong to Ferran Mas from Spain who had been riding well all season and was leading the charge in the Hooligan championships, but it was newcomer Grant Martin who threw a kick start in his works. Martin was on fire and rode a smart race on his Harley Davidson to take the victory. Mas chased hard for second with Lee Kirkpatrick third. Martin may have won fight but it was Mas who won the war as he took the overall series title.
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Hool
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Final Round 2017 ligan Series
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Final Round 2017 Hooligan Series 36 DTRA MAGAZINE
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Final Round 2017 Hooligan Series
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Final Round 2017 Hooligan Series Results 2017 DTRA Hooligan Championships Final Round 1. #36 Grant Martin 2. #30 Ferran Mas 3. #52 Lee Kilpatrick
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Final Round 2017 Hooligan Series Results 2017 DTRA Hooligan Championships Overall 1. #30 Ferran Mas 2. #136 Martin Mills 3. #9 Ross Sharp
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A REAL RACE, A REAL SHOW!
Featuring the best DTRA riders! Oliver BRINDLEY, Alan BIRTWISTLE & Toby HALES
BARCELONA PALAU SANT JORDI SATURDAY DECEMBER 16 18:00H CE 44 DTRA MAGAZINE
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A UNIQUE DIRT-TRACK EVENT YOU CAN’T MISS!
And the best Christmas gift ! Enjoy the Event... and enjoy BARCELONA
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DTRA ROUND 6 MAXXIS 2017 UK FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS. AUGUST 12, AMMAN VALLEY TROTTING TRACK, AMMANFORD
Round six of the Maxxis 2017 UK Flat Track Championships put on by the DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) series delivered an action packed weekend of fast racing at the half-mile Amman Valley Trotting Track in Ammanford. A superb circuit and good weather provided the perfect setting for a closely fought day of flat track racing. Photo: Ian Osborne
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Photo: Paul France
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PRO CLASS
DTRA ROUND 6
The Pro class final saw Aidan Collins get a fast start as he led into turn one with young hotshot Toby Hales second and 2016 DTRA Champion Alan Birtwistle in third. All three were close and pushing each other as the race unfolded and they pulled away from the rest of their competition. Then Hales made his move and blasted down the back straight passing Collins on the outside to move into the lead. Hales pulled away to take a classy victory. Behind, Collins and Birtwistle exchanged places several times. Birtwistle managed to hold the advantage to take second with Collins third.
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DTRA ROUND 6
RESTRICTED CLASS A new guard of young hotshots has moved into the Restricted class for the 2017 season and have been shaking things up. It was youngster Jordan Miller who rode a brilliant race to take the win. James Andrew rode smart for second with Grant Martin continuing to ride well for third.
Photo: Paul France
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DTRA ROUND 6 VINTAGE CLASS
Gary Birtwistle continued his winning streak in the Vintage class with a fast race that saw him take the chequered flag. Andrew Smith rode well for second with the ever improving John Harrison in third.
Photo: Paul France
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DTRA ROUND 6
THUNDERBIKE CLASS The Thunderbike class always delivers a competitive race with so many fast riders on the start line together. Amman didn’t disappoint with George Pickering taking top honours despite an ankle injury. Once again Grant Martin and Mike Hill were in the mix. Martin stayed smooth for second with Hill holding on to third.
Photo: Paul France
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DTRA ROUND 6
ROOKIE CLASS
The Rookie class was faster and more competitive than ever before with Martin Mills and Lee Sadler once again doing battle for the top spot. Mills pulled ahead on the fast Amman track for the win. Saddler did a good job for second and Richard Gardner once again climbed on the podium in third.
Photo: Paul France
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DTRA ROUND 6 MINIBIKE CLASS
Neil Macqueen, Lucia Aucott and Joe Banks were all in superb form in the Minibike class. Macqueen managed to pull ahead and stay out of trouble for the victory. Aucott rode a smart race for a well-deserved second with Banks third.
Photo: Paul France
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DTRA ROUND 6
Photos: Paul France
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YOUTH CLASSES In the Youth Intermediates Ted Wilkinson took the win with Luke Gardner second and Jack Bell third. In the Youth Juniors Charlie Kelly took the win with Thomas Hunt second and Wyatt Hopkins third.
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Photo: Ian Osborne
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20 QUESTIONS WITH
KYE FORTE
K
ye Forte has quite the résumé when it comes to riding bikes yet remains extremely humble and understated about his talents. It’s just his way and a reflection of his laid back personality. He has been on two wheels since he was knee high to a space hopper when he started out racing motocross. This evolved into BMX racing with his family when he was 12 years old. His talent as a racer led him to dirt jumping and freestyle. It wasn’t long before he was a big name on the world stage and was crowned dirt jump world champion in 2005. He spent the next 15 years as a professional BMXer travelling the world competing, filming and representing some of the largest brands in the sport.
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During this time Forte also dabbled in motocross racing local events for fun. Five years ago he was looking for a new challenge which led to downhill mountain biking. Once again he shined and in 2015 was crowned British Masters Downhill champion. The following year Forte rode in the expert class where he finished second. Flat track came about after he sold his old RMZ-450 to a friend who converted it into a flat tracker. It wasn’t long before he was with his friend at a practice day at Rye House. He enjoyed the day so much he bought himself a bike on the way home. He went to work making it oval ready and entered Kings Lynn a few weeks later. Forte was hooked. He once again proved to be a talent with some solid results and even won a round in the Restricted class in 2016. In 2017, his first full season of racing, Forte finished top five in the extremely competitive Thunderbike class on a custom Kenny Roberts replica bike built by his flat track loving father. Forte also cut his teeth in the Pro class with the big boys. We look forward to seeing what 2018 brings for the rider, ramp builder and trail landscaper that is Kye Forte.
20 QUESTIONS WITH
KYE FORTE
Photo: Ian Roxburgh
1. Describe your first motorbike? Malaguti 50cc. It was blue, really heavy and a bit of a relic. 2. How did you do in your first race? My first motocross race resulted in me going out through the ropes at the bottom of the first hill and getting clothes lined off the bike. I remember the whole day being a harrowing experience. 3. What’s your essential brekkie? Cup of tea, granola and yogurt. 4. Lucky race charm? Bag of sweets on the ready at all times. 5. Essential tool in your box? A sweet fold out Allen key set that’s both imperial and metric. It’s perfect for BMX but useless for anything motor bike related. 6. Energy drink, tea/coffee or a cheeky shot? Brandy always.
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7. Who are you arch enemies on the DTRA race track? No one. I’ve not been doing it long enough to have any rivals just yet. Everyone seems really cool and it’s a more friendly competitive scene than I have experienced in other bike sports. 8. What’s your bike hauler for races? Either the Fiat Ducato motorhome and trailer. Or my Ford pick-up and trailer. I love a trailer. 9. Biggest waste of your time? Instagram and Facebook hands down. 10. Craziest place you have slept since you started racing motorbikes? Years of travelling the world riding BMX has meant I have had plenty of uncomfortable sleeping spots. The worst was probably being in a pay by the hour hotel in Vegas. The room had five TVs, none of which worked and roaches were climbing the wall like in the movies. All night long there were pimps kicking off in the parking lot. It was gnarly.
Photo: Ian Roxburgh
11. Pee in cup/bottle or wait for the motorway services? Always wait for the services. If I can’t make it to the services I’ll pee in a hedge and get back on it. 12. Three people to have dinner with? Ricky Gervais, Guy Martin and Ross Hill (RIP) - one of the most talented BMX riders of all time. 13. Which DTRA racer has the most race swagger? Dimitri Coste. 14. Worst injury? Lots of breaks but the worst was a few years back when I crashed shooting a video on my mountain bike. I knocked myself silly and hurt my neck. I still suffer with it now most days. 15. Favourite place to race and why? I like Ammanford and Greenfield. 16. What theme music would play to a film of your life and why? Anything by the Augustines. The best band although they’re now defunct.
17. Pre-race rituals and meal? Always put on my left boot and knee braces first. Nothing too spicy the night before when it comes to food. 18. Funniest person you know? My two boys. They are off the charts. The funniest and craziest. 19. Reading? Staying Strong Stephen Murray’s autobiography. He’s a friend but it’s genuinely one the most gripping books I have read. 20. What will you be doing over the next couple of months? Plenty of travelling building bike tracks and jumps for events all over the UK. My business is busy this time of year. Racing the British downhill series for team Wideopen magazine and trying to get to grips with this flat track game. All whilst trying to spend as much time with the wife and kids.
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DTRA ROUND 7 MAXXIS 2017 UK FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND SEVEN AUGUST 13, AMMAN VALLEY TROTTING TRACK, AMMANFORD Round seven of the Maxxis 2017 UK Flat Track Championships put on by the DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) series delivered an action packed day of fast racing on the half-mile Amman Valley Trotting Track in Ammanford. A well-groomed track and good weather provided the perfect setting for a second day of top class flat track racing..
Photo: Ian Osborne
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DTRA ROUND 7 Photo: Ian Osborne
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PRO CLASS The Pro class final saw Aidan Collins get a flying start as he moved into the lead with Alan Birtwistle and Toby Hales hot on his heels. Birtwistle, who could potentially win the series before the final round, made an early move on Collins to take the lead. Behind, Hales was pressuring Collins who was holding his line and position. Their dogfighting allowed Birtwistle to open a gap as he continued to lead. In the final stages of the race Hales got the jump on Collins to move into second. Instantly, he went on the hunt and soon closed the gap. In the final turn of the race Hales dived under Birtwistle and charged for the line to steal the win. Birtwistle had to settle for second with Collins third.
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DTRA ROUND 7 RESTRICTED CLASS
Once again it was Jordan Miller who was on fire in the Restricted class. Following a good start Jonathan Falkman moved to the front of the race and rode clear. With just a couple of laps to go Jordan Miller turned it up and passed Falkman to move into the lead and take the win. Falkman held on to second with James Andrew third.
Photo: Ian Osborne
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DTRA ROUND 7
VINTAGE CLASS
Is Gary Birtwistle untouchable in the Vintage class in 2017? It would appear so as he simply pulled away from his competition to take another win. Anthony Brown rode a good race for second with David Webb third.
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Photo: Ian Osborne
DTRA ROUND 7
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Ross Herrod got a speedy start in the Thunderbike class as he moved into the lead in turn one. Grant Martin was right on him and kept Herrod honest the whole race as he pushed to get through. Herrod held his own for the win with Martin second while Chris Hatton held off some strong competition to take third.
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Photo: Ian Osborne
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DTRA ROUND 7
ROOKIE CLASS Fresh off his victory a day earlier in the Rookie class Martin Mills returned with even greater confidence. He pulled a fast start, moved into the lead and stayed out of trouble to take the win. Lee Sadler rode well for another second in the class with Westley Agius third.
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DTRA ROUND 7 MINIBIKE CLASS Neil Macqueen was loving the half mile track at Amman as he took his second win of the weekend in the Minibike class. The final podium spots saw Lucia Aucott and Joe Banks once again fighting for position. This time they switched places with Banks riding to second and Aucott third
Photo: Ian Osborne
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DTRA ROUND 7 Photos: Ian Osborne
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YOUTH CLASSES
In the Youth Intermediates Ted Wilkinson took his second win of the weekend. Luke Gardner rode well for second with Jack Bell third. In the Youth Juniors Charlie Kelly took the win with Thomas Hunt second and Wyatt Hopkins third.
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DTRA ROUND 8 MAXXIS 2017 UK FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND EIGHT SEPTEMBER 3, EASTBOURNE SPEEDWAY, EASTBOURNE Round eight of the Maxxis 2017 UK Flat Track Championships put on by the DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) series delivered an action packed finale at Eastbourne Speedway to conclude a superb season of flat track racing. A fast track and good weather provided the perfect setting for the last showdown of the year.
Photo: Ian Osborne
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DTRA ROUND 8
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PRO CLASS
The Pro class final saw Sam Hurst getting a flying start with Aidan Collins and Alan Birtwistle hot on his heels as they hit turn one. Collins pushed hard and passed Hurst to move into the lead. Behind, Birtwistle was also trying to get through. He eventually found a gap to move into second. At the front Collins rode a textbook race as he went on take the win. Birtwistle held strong for second, which made him 2017 champion, with Hurst making his first Pro class podium of the year in third.
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DTRA ROUND 8 Photo: Ian Osborne
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RESTRICTED CLASS After a restart in the Restricted class it was James Andrew who led the way with Neil Macqueen and Sean Kelly in hot pursuit. Behind, Grant Martin was making his way through and soon got jump on Kelly to move into third. At the front Andrew and Macqueen started to open up a lead on their competition and battled all the way to the line. Andrew took the win, which also made him series champion, with Macqueen second and Martin third.
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DTRA ROUND 8
VINTAGE CLASS
In the Vintage class Gary Birtwistle proved unbeatable once again as he got a fast start and moved to front early on. He stayed out of trouble for the win and was also crowned Sideburn Vintage series champion for the season. Anthony Brown rode well for second with David Webb third.
Photo: Ian Osborne
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DTRA ROUND 8 THUNDERBIKE CLASS The ever competitive Thunderbike class saw Alan Birtwistle move to the front with Jon Bell and Mike Hill in hot pursuit. Birtwistle pulled away from his competition to take the win with Bell riding well for second and Mike Hill third. A consistently solid season saw Hill crowned Sportax Thunderbike champion for the year. Photo: Ian Osborne
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Photo: Ian Osborne
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DTRA ROUND 8 ROOKIE CLASS
With Martin Mills and Lee Sadler both in contention for the overall title in the Rookie class it was always going to be a competitive race. Mills, Sadler and Westley Agius all came into turn one together. Martin got the edge as he moved into the lead. Behind, Sadler and Agius continued to trade places as the race unfolded. Unfortunately, a crash put Agius out of contention. Fortunately, Sadler avoided the carnage to snatch second with Chris Jenner coming through for third.
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DTRA ROUND 8
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MINIBIKE CLASS Joe Banks got a flying start in the Minibike class and moved ahead as he went into turn one. Chasing hard were Neil Macqueen, who had already sewn up the series championship, and Lucia Aucott. All three moved clear of the competition and held position all the way to the line with Banks taking the win, Macqueen second and Aucott third.
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DTRA ROUND 8
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YOUTH CLASSES
In the Youth Intermediates the race was on between Ted Wilkinson and Jack Bell as both were in with a chance of series victory. With points in the qualifying rounds as well as the final, consistency would be key. Wilkinson won all three races while Bell had his share of bad luck. Bell redeemed himself by winning the final but it was Wilkinson who took the series. In the Youth Juniors Charlie Kelly had a top day acing the final and the series championships. Thomas Hunt took second with Wyatt Hopkins third.
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Photo: Ian Osborne
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2017 DTRA CHAMPIONS The 2017 DTRA season was without doubt the best to date. The year was full of actionpacked hard fought racing over eight rounds around the country. Whether it was the Youth classes, Rookies or more seasoned racers in the other classes it was great to watch the season unfold with both old and new rivalries taking place. Some classes came down to the wire with some nail biting racing at the final round in Eastbourne. Congratulations to all our extremely worthy winners.
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2017 DTRA CHAMPIONS
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2017 PRO CHAMPION #1 ALAN BIRTWISTLE
Pro Championships Results 1st #1 Alan Birtwistle 120 points 2nd #90 Aidan Collins 108 points 3rd #20 Toby Hales 100 points
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2017 DTRA CHAMPIONS
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2017 RESTRICTED CHAMPION #108 JAMES ANDREW Restricted Championship Results 1st #108 James Andrew 102 points 2nd #19 Jordan Miller 84 points 3rd #7 Neil Macqueen 83 points
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2017 DTRA CHAMPIONS
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2017 VINTAGE CHAMPION #11 GARY BIRTWISTLE Vintage Championship Results 1st #11 2nd #140 3rd #555
Gary Birtwistle 140 points David Webb 77 points Ferran Mas 67 points
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2017 DTRA CHAMPIONS
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2017 THUNDERBIKE CHAMPION #35 MIKE HILL Thunderbike Championship Results 1st #35 2nd #52 3rd #18
Mike Hill 114 points Ross Herrod 84 points Jon Bell 77 points
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2017 ROOKIE CHAMPION #136 MARTIN MILLS Rookie Championship Results 1st #136 Martin Mills 122 points 2nd #112 Lee sadler 120 points 3rd #141 Richard Gardiner 91 points
Photo: Ian Osborne
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2017 DTRA CHAMPIONS
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2017 MINIBIKE CHAMPION #7 NEIL MACQUEEN Minibike Championship Results 1st #7 2nd #36 3rd #34
Neil Macqueen 120 points Joe Banks 98 points Andy Smith 83 points
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2017 DTRA CHAMPIONS 2017 YOUTH SENIOR CHAMPION #58 JOE BURDEN Youth Senior Championship Results 1st #58 2nd #9
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Joe Burden 40 points Archie May 36 points
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2017 DTRA CHAMPIONS 2017 YOUTH INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION #128 TED WILKINSON Youth Intermediate Championship Results 1st #128 Ted Wilkinson 128 points 2nd #93 Jack Bell 126 points 3rd #159 Luke Gardner 102 points
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2017 DTRA CHAMPIONS 2017 YOUTH JUNIOR CHAMPION #46 CHARLIE KELLY Youth Junior Championship Results 1st #46 2nd #6 3rd #78
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Charlie Kelly 136 points Thomas Hunt 113 points Wilbur Skip 95 points
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SUPERPRESTIGIO 2017 The fifth annual Superprestigio invitational indoor flat track event will take place on December 16, 2017. The race, which takes place at the Palau Sant Jordi stadium in Barcelona, brings together a selection of top racers from two wheeled motorsports. The event features three classes including Superprestigio, Open and Junior. All have their own final along with a Superprestigio Superfinal that brings together the top four riders from the two adult classes.
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PREVIEW
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PREVIEW The Superprestigio class is reserved to riders that take part or have taken part in the FIM Road Racing World Championship (MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3) or other premium international championships held on tarmac racetracks. This year’s qualifiers include seven world champions from the world of two-wheel racing. Reining Superprestigio champion and crowd favourite Mark Marquez from Spain, who has won the title twice, will not be contending his crown in 2017. The Spaniard who won his fourth MotoGP title this year is taking time out to rest and recover from a tough season. Brad Baker, who has also won the Superprestigio title twice, will not be at the race either. It’s a huge shame but he’s back home in the USA recovering from a surgery. This leaves the racing wide open with some big names gunning for the title. Spain’s Tony Elias, who is the current Moto America Superbike champion, is a hot favourite. He will have his work cut out with three big names from France also attending. First up is two-time Moto2 world champion Johann Zarco, second is six-time Supermoto S1 world champion Tom Chareyre and finally newly crowned Supersport world champion Lucas Mahias. In the Open class, where DTRA racers Oliver Brindley (GB), Toby Hales (GB), Richard Mason (GB) Tom Neave (GB) have qualified to race, there’s a long list of top racers from flat track and other styles of motorcycle racing. This includes flat track racers from the USA Briar Bauman and JD Beach. From other motorcycle sports in the Open class Gregg Black, current Stock Endurance world champion, from the UK will be taking on 10-time Endurance world champion Vincent Philippe from France. Fellow countryman Sylvain Bidart, who is a four-time Supermoto of Nations world champion, will also be toeing the line in this class. This year’s event promises to be as competitive as ever and with both previous champions missing the race the competition is wide open.
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The Superprestigio dirt track is a shorttrack dirt circuit with flat turns. This oval is made from grippy packed orange clay and features cushioned protection around its perimeter. The total track length is 200 metres with 80-metre long straights. The track is 10 metres wide at its narrowest part providing some close racing.
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PREVIEW
BIKE RULES Motorcycles Admitted: Dirt track, Motocross, Enduro or Supermoto bikes featuring dirt track specs. Type of engines and cc: 4-stroke engines of 250cc or more. Front wheel rims: 16.5 or 17 inches. Rear wheel rims: 17 inches. Compulsory Tyres: Michelin Supermotard for wet (slicks or sculpted tyres not admitted). Brakes: Front brake removed.
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PREVIEW
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GEOFF CAIN / PHOTO: IAN OSBOURNE
ADAM
BRINKWORTH #8
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ADAM
BRINKWORTH #8
Who is Adam Brinkworth (Brink)? Complicated question. I have no idea?! I will let the DTRA know if I ever find out. What’s in your wheeled collection? I love most stuff with wheels. I have a Dogtown corrugated Shogo Kubo prototype with magnesium Tracker trucks and Dogtown Rock’n’Roller wheels. It’s my holy grail of skateboards. As I’ve got older my stuff has got older and more dysfunctional, and definitely single minded. I like stuff that does one job well. I have a stable of different bikes for different jobs. The 1970 BSA A65 flat track race bike is an ex Merlin Stoner. It only turns left and sounds good. I have a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird Chop by Small City Cycles BF5. It’s in shiny green with a hand shift. My 1952 Harley Panhead by Noise Cycles BF5 looks like an old airplane and is loud and dangerous. The 1942 Harley 45 Flathead is used on the road and on the oval. I’ve owned it for 30 years and it’s light and slow. My only two up bike is a 1975 Harley Sportster Bosozoku by Pangea Speed BF4. I rode this loud bike at DirtQuake with my daughter Marnie. Finally, my Ducati Desmosedici RR2008 has a Death Spray (David Gwyther) paint job. It’s loud, f*cking fast and crashes well. I can sum up my situation as lucky. All the gear no idea. How did you end up racing with the DTRA? It’s Bonzorro (Guy Williams) and Death Spray’s (David Gwyther) bloody fault. I popped down to watch a Sunday race. I was on crutches after throwing the Ducati down the track at Brands Hatch again. I loved the sound and the silly friendly chilled buggers I met. Anthony, Geoff, Gary, Milo, Dimitri, Julian, Hubert, Mike, Ross, Frank, George, James, Leah, Toby, Guy, Tom and on and on. I got hooked on the Vintage class race bikes. Dimitri’s BSA gave me a semi. I did a bit of perving on the web and bought Merlin Stoner’s bike. He ran number 50 and was 75 years old. I told him I was 50 and would have a go at riding the BSA until I was his age. I took the bike to Peterborough and missed practice. I was on the front row in race one and haven’t ever ridden it. Dimitri was to my left and shouted “BSA race team. F*ck yes!” and fist pumped me. All I could think was what side is the bloody gear box on? Is up one or down one? One of my favourite race experiences was going to DirtQuake with my daughter Marnie dressed in daft matching gold mirror ball race suits, and riding two up round the track on the Pangea Speed Bosozoku Harley. Then watching Marnie race on her little grass track bike I gave her for her birthday. Marnie also came up with the expression “having a blast coming last” at DirtQuake.
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DTRA BARN
The DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) held their first indoor Barnstormer event from October 26-29 at the International Dirt Bike Show in Stoneleigh. The event saw 30, 000 visitors to the show over the four days. For the Barnstormer flat track mini bike race truckloads of dirt where brought in and an indoor oval was created in conjunction with Jamie Courtney and the crew at Mini Bike Champs.
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NSTORMER
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All photos: Ian Osborne
Photos: Ian Osborne
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DTRA BARNSTORMER The Barnstormer saw four days of riding including several professional demonstrations on both minibikes and 450cc machines with some of the best DTRA riders in the UK including 2017 DTRA Pro class champion Alan Birtwistle and series runner up Toby Hales. There were even rental bikes for people to have a go on the mini oval. On Saturday 28 a full-blown race meeting was held with some fierce competition taking place on the fast paced mini oval. Each race consisted of six riders racing around the 110-metre indoor dirt track. Each racer competed over three qualifying heats with the fastest racers going through to two semi-finals. The fastest six riders then went through to the A final to compete for the silverware with the other riders going into a B final.
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DTRA BARNSTORMER
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When the flag dropped in the A final it was Neil Macqueen who showed why he’s the 2017 DTRA Minibike class champion. He laid down some fast lines and outraced his competition to take the win. James Andrew rode well for second with Ross Jackson snagging third.
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Ross Jackson stylish as ever in the Vintage class Photo: Ian Osborne
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GALLERY #09 Dogfight between 2017 Champion James Andrew and Grant Martin in the Restricted class Photo: Ian Osborne
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GALLERY #09
Floodlight racing in the Pro class at Kings Lynn’s Adrian Flux Arena Photo: IanAnthony OsborneBrown racing to third at Hells Race #47 Photo: Ian Osborne
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GALLERY #09 Sam Hurst ripping at Kings Lynn (right) Tom Neave made a fast return to flat track at round five Photo: Ian Osborne
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GALLERY #09 Texas Chris Jenner head down and blasting Photo: Ian Osborne
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GALLERY #09 Photos: Ian Osborne
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GALLERY #09 Photos: Ian Osborne
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GALLERY #09 Lucia Aucott leads Neil Macqueen and Joe Banks at Eastbourne Photo: Ian Osborne
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GALLERY #09 Co-Built’s Geoff Cain throwing down his usual dose of swagger Photo: Ian Osborne
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GALLERY #09 Close racing as ever from Grant Martin and James Andrew at Amman Photo: Ian Osborne
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GALLERY #09
Thomas Hunt getting his tuck on at Amman Photo: Ian Osborne
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Wipeout Gnarly Hooligan action as Jonathan Falkman goes down at the final round of the series in Kings Lynn Photo: Ian Osborne
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Wipeout Martin Mills in the thick of it at Kings Lynn Photo: Ian Osborne
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Wipeout
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Wipeo
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Wipeout Toria Jaymes having a little sleep after going down hard the final round in Eastbourne Photo: Ian Osborne
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HOW TO RACE WITH THE DTRA IN 2017 Join the Club
DTRA Race Classes:
To compete in our championship you will need to be a club member. Join online at www.dirttrackriders.co.uk
Details of the full MCF regulations are found on the MCF website: www.mcfederation.com/sites/default/files/pictures/ DL_MCF_Flat_Track_regulations.pdf
2016 Memberships became available online January 2017 Race numbers are allocated on a first come first serve basis. 2016 members had up until end February 2016 to renew their membership to keep an existing number.
Membership Fees Full Adult Annual Membership – £65 (Including compulsory series number board) Youth Annual Membership – £55 (Including compulsory series number board) Day Memberships – £10 per day (Maximum of two per year. This fee will be deducted from an annual membership cost when you sign up for the year)
Rookie Class • For new riders and those less confident to ride in other classes • All machines must comply with the MCF flat track regulations for the
adult solo classes • All riders must be aged 18 or over on 01 January in that competitive season • The top three riders in each season will be removed from the novices and will be promoted to the short track Restricted Class for the following season Machine Type: 2 Stroke – 125cc to 500cc, 4 Stroke – 250cc to unlimited Note: If a rider wishes to be upgraded prior to this or is competitive enough to start racing with us and contest the Pro-Class or the Restricted Class they may request permission from the series organisers. Any such request will be reviewed by the organisers and may be granted solely at the organiser’s discretion.
Get a Licence To race or practice with us you will need to hold a valid MCF Licence. These are available on the MCF website. Day Licences will also be available at our meetings if required. Day Licences are charged at £15 per day for 2016.
Enter an event Each year the DTRA puts out a schedule of races. All races are pre-entry only. Entries open around four weeks before each round and close the week before the race. Details of each race are included in the race regulations which are issued when the entries open. Entries are made through the DTRA web shop. Entries are all prepay only.
Entry Fees Adult race entry for first class entered Adult entry for each additional class(es) entered Youth entry for the appropriate age related class
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£45 £20 £35
Restricted Class • For more experienced/confident riders who consider they no longer wish
to ride in the Rookie Class • All machines must comply with the the MCF flat track regulations for the adult solo classes • All riders must be aged 15 or over on 01 January in that competitive season • The top three riders of the xhampionship will be awarded a national number the following season and will be promoted to the short track Pro Class for the following season Machine Type: 2 Stroke – 125cc to 500cc, 4 Stroke – 250cc to unlimited Note: Riders in the flat track Restricted Class may not also contest the Rookie Class. Note: The DTRA will reserve the right to mix the Pro and Restricted classes dependent on entry levels and time constraints.
Pro Class
Vintage Class
• For all riders holding national plates from the previous season and those • For all riders with vintage machines meeting the technical regulations
awarded them at the end of the previous season, as well as any riders for the MCF flat track regulations for the adult solo classes with international experience in another motorcycle sport. • Vintage machines will be pre-approved for entry to this class by the DTRA All riders must be aged 15 or over on 01 January in that competitive season to ensure that the spirit of the class is adhered to • • All machines must comply with the MCF flat track regulations for the • All riders must be aged 18 or over on 01 January in that competitive season adult solo classes • Under some (pre-agreed) special circumstances these bikes may be exempt the controlled tyre rule for the rear tyre only Machine Type: 2 Stroke – 125cc to 500cc, 4 Stroke – 250cc to unlimited Note: Riders in the short track Pro Class may not also contest the Rookie or Restricted Classes. MiniBike Class Note: If a rider wishes to be downgraded to the Restricted Class they • All machines must comply with MCF flat track regulations for the may request permission from the series organisers. Any such request Minibike classes will be reviewed by the organisers and may be granted solely at the organiser’s discretion. • All riders must be aged 15 or over on 01 January in that competitive season Minibike Championship Awards: Note: The DTRA will reserve the right to mix the Pro and Restricted classes dependant on entry levels and time constraints. • Race day points will be awarded to each entrant depending on their finishing position in the final of each race meeting • Championship (if number of entrants allows) will be awarded in two Thunderbike Class classes to the rider with the highest overall points totals based on the wheel size of their machine: • For all riders with machines meeting the technical regulations for the MCF flat track regulations for the adult solo classes and the • Minibike SW (Small Wheel) Wheel size 14” or less thunderbike engine specification below Minibike LW (Large Wheel) Wheel size over 14” but not larger than 19” • All riders must be aged 18 or over on 01 January in that competitive season • • The top three riders of the championship will be awarded a national number the following season Junior Class Thunderbike Engine Specifications: • For riders aged 7–11 years on the 01 January in that competitive season • 2 Stroke, multi-cylinder machines – 500cc to unlimited • Machines must comply with the technical regulations for the Junior/ Intermediate/Youth classes and the general MCF flat track regulations • Twin Parallel, four stroke machines – 500cc to unlimited
• Singles, four stroke – 600cc to unlimited • V-twins and multi-cylinder four strokes – 600cc to unlimited
Note: Riders on equipment that does not meet the above specification but deemed suitable may also ride in the class but will not be eligible for championship points.
Intermediate Class • For riders aged 10- 15 years on the 01 January in that competitive season • Machines must comply with the technical regulations for the Junior/ Intermediate/Youth classes and the general MCF flat track regulations
Senior Class • For riders aged 14 – 17 years on the 01 January in that competitive season • Machines must comply with the technical regulations for the Junior/ Intermediate/Youth classes and the general MCF flat track regulations
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