Race with GP Originals No Images? Click here Racing original spec GP bikes at Oulton ParkDear GP Originals rider After much anticipation, the inaugural GP Originals event finally happened on 14th and 15th July. Hosted by the super-professional team at No Limits Racing, everything ran smoothly at Oulton Park – a track many list as their favourite UK circuit. A day for testingGP Originals enjoyed the luxury of their own group for the testday, enabling several riders to familiarise themselves with the tricky circuit for the first time. It was a pleasure to see Gary Vines bring out a 1967 A1R Kawasaki and coax it into life after a week of trouble shooting and rebuilding. The bike was going well and was only thwarted by a bearing failure in the clutch. Those who know their Grand Prix two-stroke racing may have spotted two notable characters during the day. GP winner and factory Yamaha rider Martin Wimmer helping Duncan Fitchett plus 8-time TT winner Charlie Williams in support of Mike Farrall. Unfortunately the TZ250L of Sian Brooks seized just as she was tipping into the high speed Island Bend. The result being a badly broken shoulder; a thoroughly disappointing end to the weekend's racing. Thankfully the rest of the day passed with little to report and the teams were all looking forward to Saturday's main events. Timed qualifyingQualifying at 9:45 proved rather wet but with a drying line. For 15 minutes the riders earned their grid positions. Phil Atkinson confidently took the #2 TZ350, owned by Chris Rose, to pole position. Mike Russell’s Martini inspired TZ just 1.332 behind. Next in line was QRG Motorcycles rider, Nigel Palmer, onboard the Graham Veryard TZ350 – another outstanding rebuild effort to make the meeting in time! Fastest of the 250 qualifiers was Wayne Sullivan picking up a ride on Nigel Thomas’ TZ whilst son George raced at Chimay. Wayne hasn't raced for 12 years but in his racing days featured as a sponsored Fowlers of Bristol rider on modern era 250s. Wayne’s adversary from years past, Steve Pond, pulled in after only one lap due to a suspected water leak – placing him last on the grid with work to do. Dave Grigson and Jerry Ashton grabbed the 2nd and 3rd 250 positions. Qualifying produced a good result from David White on his first experience at Oulton Park. Also John Hannaford, who retired from racing in 1981 and now back for another go, got himself in an impressive 11th place. Despite a tumble Peter Crew managed to put his TZ350 on 4th spot with a broken screen to repair before racing commenced. Race oneThe No Limits spectators were treated to the sounds and smoke of a grid full of eager 250 and 350 two-stroke GP bikes. The track was dry and they had 10 long laps to contend. Atkinson wasted no time taking the lead but hot on his heels came Russell with Palmer tucked in behind. Despite qualifying in an impressive 4th Peter Crew had to retire with only a lap under his belt. Duncan Fitchett was making great progress, now in 4th spot onboard the yellow Chris Wilson TZ350 – this bike features a Dico Juchem frame and was campaigned by Manfred Fischer back in the day – a real GP Original! Next up, Chris Moore and Neil Watson were chasing, whilst Palmer made his move to snatch 2nd from Russell. A great battle ensued between Farrall, Clews, Pond and Bedford sorting out 7th to 10th on-the-road. Cracking racing throughout the field saw an impressive performance from Jason Burrell having only shed his novice jacket a week prior. Best laps split by less than a second between Burrell, Grigson, Hannaford, Skinner and Mike Russell's father Gordon. Dave White and Jerry Ashton rounding out the field in fine style. Atkinson took the flag from Palmer then Russell. Chris Moore’s JL Exhausts TZ proving to be one to watch for race two. Race twoFrom the off Palmer, Russell and Moore were determined to push Atkinson with Palmer taking an early lead. Atkinson soon hit the front leaving these three to battle it out for podium positions. From the back row 250 mounted Pond swept underneath both Burrell and Vines at Shell Oils with Sullivan now in sight. Sadly Tony Perkin, Sullivan and Nick Bedford were forced to retire in the early stages, soon followed by Neil Watson who had shown lap times competitive with the front four riders. Stuart Tonge regrouped for race two and began to enjoy his ride, circulating with Andy Clews. Regular Lansdowne competitor, Clews, discovered on the test day that his recovering broken ankles were not quite ready for the aggressive riding position of his TZ. The riders agreed he could join the grid on his G50 Matchless. Meanwhile, Andy’s son, Sam Clews, was mixed up with the 250 of Pond to decide 6th spot, both some distance behind Fitchett in 5th. Another close race was unfolding between 2015 Manx newcomer winner Gary Vines (onboard a TZ kindly loaned by the team of Neil Watson) and Lansdowne/Goodwood stalwart Mike Farrall. Farrall’s Maxton framed TZ is another bonafide GP Original – in the hands of Charlie Williams it was a winning machine on the Isle of Man Grand Prix circuit. In the closing stages Pond pushes past Clews, Grigson passes Hannaford, Farrall pips Vines and Moore makes the podium in 3rd. Avon Tyre winnersThe Avon tyre winners over both races went to Phil Atkinson for the overall win and 1st 350cc machine. Steve Pond collected his Avon tyre for 1st 250cc with a creditable 6th on-the-road. In addition to the tyres Avon provided a large stash of caps and stickers.
Awards throughout the fieldRiders and teams voted for the bike they would most like to take home: Andy Clews stunning highly original TZ350G received an NGK Spark Plugs voucher and cap. Special award from NGK Spark Plugs to Gary Vines for extreme purseverance to get the Kawasaki out there and just about making it to the grid when a donor machine became available. Special Achievement Award selected by Tony Green of Tony Green Racing went to Derek Skinner for his huge effort to get his bike ready for GP Originals following major breakdown at Cadwell. Derek wins a pair of Tony’s handmade silencers. PDQ Precision Ltd donated one of their engraved jet holder plates which was presented to the team of Neil Watson for generously allowing Gary Vines to race their spare machine at a moments notice. Big thanks to all the sponsors, rider, teams and supporters. Including Gareth Crew for his excellent Facebook running commentary and Andy Reynolds for scrutineering our bikes. Sally and Gordon Russell for the prize giving speech and instigating GP Originals. © Anthony Wheeler Graphic design by Spyre Limited |