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Contents:
Billingshurst - rounds 1 and 2 The delayed start of the season got underway in the blazing sunshine at Billingshurst. There was a superb turnout of machines including two Group 1s. A very welcome arrival was 12 Lawn Tractors, with many of them being fine tuned partly due to the weekend being their first opportunity to try them out. Championship races were held on both days and the racing was very close. There was also plenty of chances for the Novices to get some practice with there own races. The best novice being Matt Owen on a Lawnbug. In the Lawn Tractors Simon "Moley" Chennell who had made the switch from Group 3, entertained the crowd with his acrobatic bonnet, and Marcus Burton now had his Dad, Kevin snapping at his heels in the races. In Group 2 Steve Hodgson and Bob Wilson’s nightmare came true when Mike Cresswell decided at the last minute that he was going to do the Group 2 Championship race, despite having made the switch to Group 3 and having both mowers ready to go. In Group3 Andy Stemp and Ian Tanswell were on good form with Shaun Jonas doing very well on his newly prepared mower. Looks like we will be in for a very good season, onward to Laughton.
Cuckoo Fayre, Laughton - rounds 3 and 4 A return to the Cuckoo Fayre at Laughton saw another big turnout over the Bank Holiday Weekend. Despite the rain the racing continued and it threw up a few surprises. The Saturday being a play day and saw the first round of Mower Polo, always a bit of a crack!! Those that were going to America were preparing their mowers so the Championship got blown wide open. In the Group3 race on the Sunday Richard Hoare took the win from Colin Clegg who had held first until the closing stages of the race, with Sean Jonas in third. As for the Monday, Suzy Jee led for many laps until Sean Jonas took the win ahead of Kevin Slyfield and Suzy who had dropped to third. In the Lawn Tractors Rick Pierce took a win away from Marcus Burton who had to make do with second ahead of Jason Kanabus in what is turning out to be a very competitive group. On the Monday Darren Weston won the race ahead of Jason Kanabus and Ron Davis, both the Burton mowers were not present. In the Group2 class the Championship table was being led by Bob Wilson at the end of the weekend thanks to his win on both days. He beat Steve Bush to the flag who was on a new mower and Steve Fielder took third after a years sabbatical. On the Monday Bob took the lead from Mike Cresswell, the reigning Champion, in the mid part of the race with a novice, Tony Rouke taking second from Mike in the closing stages. He therefore had to make do with third.
The first new event of the year in the fantastic grounds of the Kingston Mauward College. The Saturday was their open day with many stalls and rides around the grounds of the mansions including the most enormous lake at the foot of the gardens. On the Sunday we had the grounds to ourselves and managed to rope in a number of the teachers, pupils and the college principal who all had goes on various mowers. The college students had even prepared a Lawnbug to race! The group 2 didn’t get finished but I believe they have really got the bit between their teeth! As to our lot they all had a fantastic weekend away and managed to get in a couple of rounds of midnight football and other sports! With the absence of some of the top mowers, which were about to set sail for America Shaun Jonas stamped his authority on the weekend with a win on both days ahead of Colin Clegg. Mike Cresswell decided to do both the Group 2 and 3 Championship fairing better in the Group 2 though Bob Wilson had the upper hand on both days taking the wins. The Lawn Tractors provided some more excellent racing with Rick Pierce and Simon Chennell giving the Burton boys a run for their money. On the Saturday Rick took the win ahead of Simon and on the Sunday Simon took the win ahead of Rick.
Kirdford - round 7 and a three hour race A return to the traditional stamping ground of the BLMRA and a chance to disturb the peace and tranquillity of Kirdford. The Championship race only took place on the Saturday as Sunday was reserved for the 3 Hour race (a long time ago since the last one). Suzy Jee led for most of the race with Mike Cresswell in hot pursuit but unable to hold on to the flag before Kevin Slyfield took the chequered flag with Ron Gray just behind and Shaun Jonas relegated to third. The Lawn tractors were led from start to finish by Rick Pierce but Rupert Underwood piped Simon Chennell to second place with Jason Kanabus in fourth. The Group 2s were led by Bob Wilson who was doing a good job in fending of Mike Cresswell who had to be content with second and Steve Bush with third. Bob by now was extending his lead form Cressy who had now been distracted by Group3! The 3 Hour brought a lot of drivers out of the woodwork some getting in practice for the 12 Hour. The race proved a great success Group 3 Group 2 Lawn Tractors
Heddington and Stockley - rounds 8 and 9 Whilst the BLMRA representatives were sunning themselves in the USA, the remaining members of the organisation descended on Heddington for the second time. Promises of more room and less cow poo were not quite fulfilled this year, although in reality we were given quite a lot more space - no one told us exactly where it was though! To make the weekend different it was decided to lay the track out as a large oval (USA style!) so there was a rapid changing of gearing to suit the track. The chance of extending Championship points meant that the Championship races were quite exciting on both days, especially as we used the ‘Le-Mans’ style start to interest the Public that were starting to gather and watch. The Gp2 race on Saturday was probably one of the more frantic races ever seen in this class. The track was on a slight incline and the mowers were coming down hill towards the spectators rather quickly, so after the championship races a series of bends were introduced before the main straight and the track was moved away from the Public after Jive Bunny decided to give an impromptu close up display to the surprised spectators. No one hurt but better safe than sorry. A series of heats then took place, dotted with the odd mechanics race, but the interest of the weekend for many was the group 1 grudge match between Team Blade Runner - Mike Wallingtons 1940s Ransomes and Team Road Runner - Kevin Slyfields 1970s Atco. The ‘Teams’ had 2 races on Saturday, both won by Blade Runners, and 2 races on Sunday, the first won by Road Runners promising a final showdown. However, Blade Runners had a secret weapon for the final race - a self lightening machine - (which the stewards are still not sure is legal!) As the Ransomes systematically fell apart during the final lap leaving parts of the frame, roller and guide rollers all over the track and eventually taking race honours. 2-1 to Blade Runners -Any chance of a re-match guys? As usual with a Pete Austin event something different was organised as a finale instead of the usual Grand Prix. To everyone's amazement it was announced that we were having a figure of 8 animal race complete with crossover! 15 laps of resulting mayhem followed which proved to be some of the best racing of the weekend as the leaders were forced to stop when they came round to the crossover, allowing those following to catch them up. Many thanks to those that helped - especially Pete Longley and the long suffering Lap scorers and Marshals. We are likely to be asked back next year in a different place so see you then.
Wales has always been a very well attended event and this was the first time that the Rider Cup team appeared after their triumph in the States. All the low down was shed and a video was shown, courtesy of Andy Stemp, at about 10pm. Prior to this there was an opera come theatre music, laid on by David Haylins. The racing itself was very competitive and the jumps certainly providing some spectacular sights. With the absence of the top racers Sean Jonas, Colin Clegg and Mark Rapson were able to battle it out amongst themselves for top honours. The group two boys received a nasty shock with Howard Annett hijacking Mike Creswells machine and went out and won his first race for years. Tanya couldn’t believe he was out there and was heard to have shouted "I hope he’s changed his will!" There’s confidence for you! As usual a brilliant time was had by all.
Feature race: The European Grand Prix Brinsbury College very kindly allowed us to put on a sprint meeting in the absence of the 12 hour. This was very much a last minute put together. We realised that there were quite a few Luxembergers and Germans arriving and decided that this would be a suitable race for all. Simon "Moley" Chennell came out on top and took the coveted silver cup. The Luxembergers and Germans put up a brave fight. In the Championship races on the Sunday Mark Rapson took the win in the Group 3 race, carving his way through the traffic ahead of Colin Fox and Matt Juniper on the ex Dave Pattison machine. Sean Jonas had to make do with fourth. Mike Cresswell had better luck in the group 2 race crossing the line ahead of Steve Hodgson and Bob Wilson. In the Lawn Tractor class Simon "Moley" Chennell led from start to finish ahead of Rick Pierce. These two battling it out all the way, Moley on a high after winning the European Grand Prix.
Dorking has always been one of the most talked about race circuits and the desire to return has always been there. In this the Millennium year we got invited back and for many it was their first visit and for some it was a pleasure to return. The track was laid out across three rugby pitches and was huge, the biggest track all year. There were 25 Gp 3 mowers in the championship race providing some great racing. Paul Lovett clung for dear life to try and win but got passed by Andy Stemp and Ian Tanswell. There were many great battles through the grid, making for great racing. The Gp 2 championship was battle between Mike Cresswell and Bob Wilson with Steve Hodgson grabbing third place on the last lap. In the Lawn Tractor class there was a great battle between Simon Chennell who got first place and Rick Pierce, who got pipped at the post by Steve Titcomb. The Sunday again proved spectacular with 28 Gp 3 competing in the championship race. Mike Cresswell hopping between groups was soon overcome by Paul Lovett who this time managed to stay in front to the chequered flag with Ian Tanswell and Philip Elvin in hot pursuit. In the Lawn Tractors again there was a battle between Simon Chennell, Rick Pierce and Steve Titcomb, this time Rick beat Steve to second with Moley in first. Gp2... Mike Cresswell having had time to catch his breath was out again in the gp 2 class battling with Steve Fielder and Steve Bush who was to retire and left Bob Wilson to take up the chase but he had to settle for third.
The second year now at The Countryways Experience, Dunsfold. Different field but a great track according to the comments that filtered back. Saturday saw 19 Gp3 machines battling for overall honours. Paul Lovett and Colin Clegg started of in good shape but Kevin Slyfield and Steve Williams had other ideas. Colin took the chequered flag with Steve in second, Kevin third and Paul settling for fourth. The Lawn Tractors had another good day, the first few laps were an absolute battle between them all. By mid race Simon Chennell, Rick Pierce and Ron Davis were arguing for top honours. Ron came out top with Moley second and Rick third. The Gp2 race saw Bob Wilson getting one up on Mike Cresswell with Steve Hodgson hoping to pick up the pieces but settling for third. The Sunday dawned with the all the lads feeling fresh after gate crashing a Body Shop party set up by Jackie and friends. It was supposed to a girls night but it ended up being a boys night! Another bumper entry of 24 Gp3 machines competed for glory. Sean Jonas luck ran out with a broken collet leaving Kevin Slyfield to lead Ian Tanswell and Trevor Stemp home. The ever increasing Lawn Tractor class had 11 machines charging around with Marcus Burton stealing the show from Simon Chennell and Rick Pierce, with Paul Hills on his recently acquired mower in fourth. There were 14 Gp2 mowers in the championship race including the screaming Clio of Mick Levey ridden by Matthew Hutchins, tearing through the grid and splitting Bob Wilson and Mike Cresswell.
The last visit to Laughton and the last round of the British Championship, maximium points needed by some! We even got a larger field to race in though it was lined by tyres, put more room, bonus!! Despite the fuel crisis there was still a good turn out with "Five Flick" Rick Pierce up to his old tricks again. Mad racing took place all weekend with Sean Jonas becoming the Group3 British Champion. In Group2 it was Bob Wilson who became British Champion, finally ending Mike Cresswells run. In the Lawn Tractor class It was Rick Pierce who became the British Champion. All in all it was a good weekend by all and a great round off to the season.
The Bat and Ball was the place to be as the last battle of the year took place, who was going to be the 2000 World Champ. Its amazing what comes out of the woodwork when the World Champs come round. People and machines who you haven’t seen for years. In Group 2 there were two Clios giving the Honda and Tecumseh powered mowers a hard time on the Saturday but come Sunday when the heavens opened the Clios lost ground. Group 3 also saw some faces that haven’t been around for a while, a returning Steve Williams, who recently got some practice in at Dunsfold earlier in the month. Group 1 saw the Seargents team having some competition from Team Slyfield and Team No80. The honours going to Team Slyfield. The Tractor Class had its usual bunch of reprobates, Rick Pierce and Moley tossing coins as to who was going to beat whom! As it happened the points were very close at the top, the battle being betwen Rick, Kevin Parsons and Rupert Underwood. The entertainment for the evening was supplied by Moley and The Mollettes, making sure no one was in a fit state for the following day. After the mud had settled and the Landlord had recovered from the shock of the state of his field the World Champions were announced Rick Pierce for the Lawn Tractor, Bob Wilson for Group 2, Ian Tanswell for Group 3 and of Course Team Slyfield for Group 1. Watch out next year, the Americans and the Luxembourgers are coming!! The Results Group 1:
Group 2:
Group 3:
Lawn Tractors:
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Last modified: October 01, 2000 |
