Phil Atkinson on the Rose MOT Centre TZ350

Two wheel action at the International Sidecar Revival

Last season’s event at the International Sidecar Revival was a great success and our return was eagerly anticipated. Incredibly, the 38 strong grid was filled with six weeks to spare confirming the strength of support that GP Originals has been building this year.

With a subsidised test day on Friday, the weekend began in relaxed fashion. Our own paddock area was soon populated with excellent examples of 250 and 350 Post Classic Grand Prix machines. Dave Grigson kindly scrutineered the bikes in situ allowing us to avoid that uphill push!

Both our 250cc and 350cc championship leaders arrived at the scene sporting injuries from racing exploits elsewhere.

Timed qualifying

Cadwell Park is always spectacular, The Mountain thrills spectators by delivering a close-up view of wheelies direct to the grandstand and trackside cafe. Of course, no-one would ever play up to the crowd ;)

Up to nine laps of timed qualifying got underway and Rose MOT Centre’s Phil Atkinson went about putting their TZ350G on pole at 1:38.580. The machine is superbly prepped and demonstrates that a period ignition, brakes, 35mm forks and Yamaha rear suspension is more than capable of delivering the fastest lap times.

Ant Hart was next up with 1:40.893 visibly enjoying his favourite circuit. Grabbing the final front row seat was former ACU 250 Champion, Dan Jackson with a 1:42.253. Dan is still learning all about the Lea Gourlay 350 and the Avon Tyres.

With 10 250 runners entered the smaller capacity machines expected Gary Vines to get the fastest lap. However with only a couple of laps completed he had to settle for 2nd and 13th on-the-road. Fastest green plated machine was a local rider with decades of top level 250 experience, Rich Grinling. Sian Brooks collected 3rd just 0.148 behind Vines.

Keith Millen from Ireland enjoying the thrills of Cadwell Park

Rich Grinling on the Fernando Mendes/RD Motorcycles TZ250 © Neil Kirby

Racing gets underway

Cadwell Park’s Circuit Manager Paul Woodford soaked up the two-stroke atmosphere in the holding area for race one. Paul created one of his superb videos with our very own GP Originals cut.

TAKE IN THE ATMOSPHERE – VIDEO

The line up for race one took shape with the second row riders all with the ability to upset the order – Glen English, Chris Moore and Mike Smith.

The opening lap was fast and furious. Sian Brooks on the 250 had improved considerably on her 14th position start but as she crossed the line to begin lap two the crank failed causing a red flag incident.

The restart was just as frantic. Hart and Atkinson locked together with near identical lap times. Jackson and Smith were also running a similar pace in the 1:39s. English was forced to retire with clutch issues and Atkinson took the win from Hart and Smith. The Smiffs Garage rider has supported every GP Originals round but suffered a run of consistant DNFs. Now with strong points on the board he can finally demonstrate that there’s plenty more to come.

Gary Vines was back in his stride and took 6th on-the-road and first 250, putting in a 1:43.912. Next up was Rich Grinling and Andrew Green on the RAFMSA Yamaha.

Mark Edge proved to be the fastest of the Masters runners with an impressive 7th overall position. Roy Chapman and Mark Henrys were the next two Masters finishers.

More track time

By 4pm the next race was underway. This time Ant Hart took control for half race distance before exchanging places with Atkinson who dropped into the 1:37s and set the fastest lap of the weekend. Mike Smith stamped his name on third place early on but Glen English confessed that such a physical circuit highlighted more work needed on fitness! The World Classic Bike champ and former TT podium finisher came through to take 4th on the Steve Carthy Motorcycles TZ.

Vines suffered a piston seizure at Park and failed to finish, Grinling claimed first 250 and 5th overall with a revitalised John Hannaford 3rd. A notable performance by George Thomas who had come through from row 10 to take 6th spot.

Roy Chapman, Mark Henrys and Ian Walton took the top three amongst a strong field of Masters (over-55) contenders.

Mike Smith finally gets some GP Originals points on the board

Mike Smith finally secures some podium sized points © Neil Kirby

Keith Millen collected a free Avon tyre in the draw held over from Oulton Park © Neil Kirby

Longer races on Sunday

Personal fitness and bike prep were all important factors for the two scheduled nine lap races. Our youngest rider, Gareth Arnold at just 16 should have had the chance to demonstrate his youthful stamina on the 250. Unfortunately the enthusiastic youngster was thwarted by unforseen machine problems from the outset.

The running order seemed to be set for the proceedings once again, Hart fired out some strong early laps but found himself suffering with arm pump as the race progressed. By lap four Atkinson was in front but Hart wouldn’t let it lie and they exchanged places race long.

The duelling pair crossed the line with just 0.401 between them with Atkinson taking the win. Smith enjoyed some exciting exchanges with Jackson and was pleased to reach the flag just 0.035 ahead. Moore and English scrapped it out for 5th and 6th.

With Gary Vines’ Online Lubricants 250 in a rather sorry state he took loan of Sian and Steve’s TZ250L and secured the 250 win and 7th on-the-road. Grinling 2nd and Dave Grigson 3rd of the 250cc machines.

It was great to see Graham Higlett back out again after Saturday’s incident. Constantly improving Jason Burrill was delighted with his best TZ350 lap time at his local circuit.

The Masters runners were once again enjoying some seriously competitive racing. Mark Edge, Roy Chapman and Mark Henrys took hold of the top three positions.

Final celebrations

The last race of the day delivered a familiar 350 podium of Atkinson, Hart and Smith. Veteran 350 rider Mark Edge surprised many with an impressive 5th place finish, just holding off Vines and Grinling on their 250s.

BEMSEE’s Mike Dommett and Gordon Russell presented podium trophies after each race but our own prize giving occurred at the superb GP Originals set up back at camp. With a hand painted Saarinen-style tea turn, biscuits and Maxton supplied awning, the new help-yourself hospitality area proved a big hit with riders. A big thank you to Michelle and Steve Carthy for such an impressive display.

Tony Green presented his Special Achievement award to Ken Hill who has been a keen GP Originals supporter and now officially a rider. He visited all our rounds in 2018, built two bikes over the winter and after a very long lay off from racing, got his licence, passed the medical to finally make his debut at Cadwell. Big smiles all round.

Steve Boam on the stunning Harold Coppock liveries TZ350

Steve Boam on the stunning Harold Coppock liveried TZ © Neil Kirby

GP Originals Masters in the holding area

Don't be fooled by the novice jackets, these guys were top riders in the 80s © Spyre

The impressive hospitality area at GP Originals

Our sponsors get some well deserved exposure in the most important part of the paddock

RACE RESULTS

Cash prizes and further rewards

Our excellent prize fund package for our main championships has been genorously provided by: Xclusiv Group • Maxton Suspension • TTS Exports • AD Modular • Steve Foster Cranes

Each top three finisher also receives a bottle of Titanic Brewery beer.