Round one 2018 Silverstone race report

Lansdowne racing hibernation over we head to Silverstone, the home of Formula One and MotoGP Gods, the sun’s out and the weather forecast a lot better than of late. We are using the International circuit with Bemsee (BRMC), a fairly healthy grid of 30 classic racers crammed into the wing pit garages alongside the modern boys toys, the Lansdowne banter ensues, all just pronouncing that it’s the first race meeting and they are only here to have a canter round “heard that one before”. It was great to see and welcome some Lansdowne newcomers and all us regulars wish them a successful and safe season.

Andy Reynolds was doing the technical inspection, and of course as an ex Lansdowne racer knows all the bikes foibles so picks up on anything not right, he caught me on no tape on my fork drain screw, but he does it for our safety, a good man.

Race on…

 2017 Bonham’s British Champion Dean Stimpson was on fire for the second time this week, both at home and on his Manx, after the terrible fire in their caravan whilst Charlotte tested the cooker prior to the event and following an explosion she crawled out unhurt but they both lost all of their race kit, Dean started the defence of his title in fine style taking not only 3 wins and a second but also the BMCRC rider of the day. Team ACR has young Sam Clews to assault the pointy end of the series, as he just gets faster and more confident, he even tried holding top gear flat into the first corner just to see if possible …..it wasn’t and Clews’y did well to hold on to the bucking Manx over the vast run-off, still he must be pleased with a Win and two second places but not so with an unfortunate DNF as the wet drowned his ignition and brought him to a halt.

Chris Firmin is on the Ripley Land Matchless G50 this year securing some strong championship points whilst acclimatising to new machine. Also going very well was Keith Clarke our roads rider who just loves the fast open classic Silverstone bends but who I narrowly missed injecting my Manx up his derrier at the start of the second race when Keith’s chain snapped on the start line, ruddy close that one! Andy Savage has Duncan Fitchett on his wonderful new green framed Manx as he certainly made it work in the damp conditions, with a rare coming together with our old mate Cliff Ransley with Cliff unfortunately coming off worse as they both hit the deck. Adam Wilson also had a spill which led to injury as he was showing a great turn of speed before the damp conditions saw him highside at the end of Vale and we wish him a speedy recovery.

©Roger barrett

Old and new members

My 2016 Goodwood teammate Robin Stokes was another who was in flying form, arms and legs forming a formidable barrier to anyone attempting a pass as he blasted the Richard Adams Manx to three WRR class victories and a second, denied a full house by the classy Chris Bassett.

 I do like the wet conditions and have great respect for the smooth skilful riders that make up the middle group, there is something very satisfying about the ebb and flow of positions when done in a fluid manor, proper motorcycle racing and great to be a part of even if a consistent mis-fire does get on yer pip! Welcome new members to this group Steve Parrott and  Andy Hornby. Andy a big guy with a big beard, both classic Lansdowners smooth both on the track and off, looking forward to more close encounters as both immediately on the pace.  Another sight for sore eyes is Andy Clews who is back from injury and riding as though he’s never been away.

Welcome also to Avon championship contenders David and Jimmy May, who were having their own battles with Mick Baldwin on his AJS keeping them honest. To summerise, a successful meeting in some very mixed conditions, we are all up and running for the 2018 season, cobweb’s washed away, literally and heres to better weather and a safe and competitive series. Huge thanks must go to all the Marshalls, Bemsee officials and all our Sponsors and helpers. See you all at Donington in May where we will be racing with endurance legends and our friends at GP Originals. Race report By Tony Perkin

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2018 calendar

April 6–8 Silverstone International
May 12–13 Donington Park
May 19–20 Snetterton 300
June 10 Mallory Park
July 7–8 Pembrey
August 3, 4 & 5 Donington Park
October 6–7 Cadwell Park
October 19–21 Portimão Historic Festival