Post-classic, two-stroke racing No images? Click here Prime track time at PembreyRound three at Pembrey was always going to be a grid-gamble for the GP Originals gathering, lacking the perceived prestige of MSV circuits and a long journey for many. We still managed to pull off a good sized dedicated grid with no four-strokes or road bikes to hamper the racing and we enjoyed another superb weekend of post-classic, two-stroke action. Our usual paddock camaraderie benefited from roomy garages with electric, reserved just for us. The sun shone, no crashes, no red flags, no hanging about in the holding area and swift starts off the grid. Big thanks to the team at NG Road Racing for being the staunch two-stroke fans they are! QualifyingFollowing a successful Friday test day and morning warm-up session we were all set. There was a brief shower early on but it soon cleared and the track was dry for qualifying but with a fairly strong wind. Timed qualifying extended to 17 minutes and good lap times were immediately being set. The 350cc £50 Motocarb Motopole went the way of Phil Atkinson at 1:03.440. The 250cc £50 Motopole award was earned by Mark Linton at 1:06.220. Fastest of the CBG Contractors Masters contenders was Roy Chapman at 1:05.435 which enabled him to head up the 2nd row. Full steam into HatchetsThe Carmarthenshire hills were alive with the sound of seven rows of two-strokes charging into the tightest hairpin on the calendar with 12 laps ahead of them. Atkinson took the lead with Dan Jackson and Chris Moore giving chase. By lap nine Moore had hustled past Jackson, they took the chequered flag in this order to complete the AD Modular supported 350cc podium. The battle of the Masters raged between Chapman and Williamson. Third master, Dean Mitchell, found himself chasing the 250 of Mark Linton. Chapman took the CBG Masters win by just 0.422 over Williamson with Mitchell rounding out the top three. The green plated Maxton Suspension supported 250s saw a dominant first race from high flying Mark Linton with Michael Grigson bagging the second podium spot. Siân Brooks made the pass on Ian Longstaff in time for the flag to take third by just 0.220. The 350 of Andy Glasgow pipped Brooks by 0.258 rounding out a race long exchange between the three. Sadly Grant Goodings pulled in after the warm up lap suffering problems with his new engine and headed off to try and source another motor, unfortunately this was the end of his weekend. Andrew Taylor and John Hannaford’s races were cut short with a pair of DNFs. Newcomer, Nick Massey was delighted to notch up his first start and finish on the 250L. Chris wanted MooreSunday produced another beautiful warm day allowing riders to top up their tan (sunburn) on deckchairs outside the garages now that the wind had calmed. Gary Vines made an epic effort to support the Series. The plan had been to be at Pembrey for Saturday following a challenging fortnight competing at the TT. His final Supersport race was postponed until Friday so it was a midnight ferry to arrive at the circuit 7am Sunday morning. Gary made it out for warm-up, very tired but looking forward to getting back on a two-stroke. We were off again at 10:15 for our second race of the weekend. Gary Vines was due a back of the grid start but missed the warm-up lap as he struggled to get the 250 to fire – he now had to start from pit lane! Nick Massey experienced his first DNS pulling in with a broken exhaust after the warm-up lap. The opening circuits took a familiar pattern with Atkinson taking the lead, Jackson in second and Moore in third. Dean Mitchell made an early charge slotting in fourth from fellow masters Williamson and Chapman. Jamie Edwards had been battling bike issues all weekend but was now pushing on and held 7th to the flag. Michelle and Steve Carthy had been working hard to get him out each time. On lap five, Atkinson was forced to retire as his clutch had been working it’s way towards a DNF since the red lights went out. This left Jackson to head the field through to the last lap flag. Chris Moore played it cool and made a pass on Jackson to snatch the win by 0.466. Nick Williamson was now getting to grips with his new single disc set-up and secured third 350 spot and first of the Masters. Roy Chapman took 4th on-the-road and 2nd Master with Dean Mitchell 6th overall and 3rd of the over 55s. Gary Vines put in a determined charge from pit lane to reach 5th on-the-road and head up the 250cc field from Mark Linton who had chased down and overhauled Michael Grigson on lap six. Andrew Taylor suffered his second DNF of the weekend pulling out by the second lap. Vines’ fastest lap at 1:04.718 earned him the £50 Redline Motorcycles fastest 250cc lap and chalked up GP Originals’ maiden 250cc lap record. Another 12 lapsWith a relaxed lunch break completed we got fired-up for our final 12 lap Championship race at 2pm. We were taken out to form the grid promptly and without delay we were off for another go. Chris Rose delivered a quick turnaround and got the TZ350 back out in time. From the off Phil was in the lead, keen to make amends for the earlier nil points. Dan Jackson racked up a 1:03.609 as he gave chase finally settling for 2nd spot. Atkinson’s 1:03.126 secured the first Pembrey GP Originals 350 lap record and the final win of the weekend. This lap also bagged the Redline Motorcycles fastest 350 lap with another £50 reward to add to his cash prize tally. The ever-present Chris Moore enjoyed yet another podium finish in 3rd. The three masters, Williamson, Chapman and Mitchell took 4th to 6th on the road. Chapman and Mitchell crossed the line just 0.278 between them ahead of Andrew Taylor who was pleased to break his duck with good finish in 7th. En route Williamson delivered a fresh GP Originals Masters lap record at 1:05.288. Gary’s Sunday took another unfortunate turn as his 250 spluttered on to one cylinder. He decided to coax it round and collect a few points in the process. 250cc front runner Mark Linton also retired early as his Ivor Biggun supported TZ went limp on lap nine whilst holding 5th on the road. Mike Grigson took up the leading 250 spot with Ian Longstaff taking 2nd following another tussle with Siân Brooks in 3rd. The pair of Ls were split by Mark Edge who had upped his game but his machine was producing excess smoke and a hot scent! Andy Green took his RAF liveried TZ350 to three strong finishes bringing him into 10th in the 350cc Championship. Jamie Edwards rounded out the weekend with a top 10, making progress through a difficult weekend. Andy Glasgow continued his knee recovery finishing every race with some well placed finishes in addition to campaigning his 5KE in the ACU 250 races. Derek Skinner enjoyed cheering on his rider, Mike McDonnell, to a hat-trick of finishes on the TZ250L. Paul Whiting struggled with chatter all weekend on his beautifully turned out TZ350, let’s hope he joins us at Cadwell where we glimpsed his potential last season. Nick Massey raided the Pond/Brooks spare bike for an exhaust and put in another creditable ride, learning and improving all the way. John Hannaford also gave the 250L an outing in the ACU race, he worked through a few issues throughout the weekend but was back out every time. We awarded the Tony Green special achievement voucher to Gary Vines for his supreme dedication and effort to be there this weekend. Cash prizes and further rewardsOur excellent prize fund package for our main championships has been generously provided by: Maxton Suspension • AD Modular • CBG Contractors Each top three finisher across 250cc, 350cc and Masters receives a bottle of Crankshaft Brewery GP Originals Premix beer. Maxton Suspension 250cc results
AD Modular 350cc results
CBG Contractors Masters (over-55s) results
Awards throughout the field
Teng Tools superb early entry reward to the 20 hot off the mark entrants As ever, a big thank you to…Thank you to the NGRRC team for putting on an exceptionally smooth race meeting. Michelle and Steve Carthy for their faultless organising whilst also on the spanners. Carol Glasgow on raffle and early entry duty, Chris Ingram for repeatedly dragging the rollers all the way over to the assembly area, Darrell Higgins for mucking in whenever needed. Tony and Louise for their superb presentation (with the added help of Tony’s protégée Angelica). Derek and Alison Welch with Lorna Moore for help with the prizes and tea urn. Jemma Hannaford’s brilliant points scoring. Plus all the rider’s and teams that pulled together to get people out on track with shared parts, labour and support. All graphic design, web design and illustrations by Spyre Limited ©spyre2021 |