Fast and furious at Donington

Donington Park was the venue for our penultimate round of 2024 and we were back under the wing of NG Road Racing for another two-stroke soaked weekend.

It’s all in the numbers 

It has been a challenging season across the board for motorcycle racing. Class numbers have been down at the host clubs and all guest series including ours have been no exception. However we remain by far, the biggest grid of post-classic two-strokes anywhere and have proven that our racing is vibrant, certainly competitive and with an unrivalled depth of field. 23 riders on the entry sheet for Donington was an improvement, but we need more. Our final round is live, hosted by Bemsee. Please commit to this last event of the year, let’s make it a fantastic finale for the 2024 season!

More new members

We were blessed with a good forecast and a handy pitch for our paddock area (plug chop perfect). We welcomed another new rider, Nathan Wisniewski who jumped in feet first for his maiden race voyage on a 250L. Excellent to see a younger novice rider, keen to learn from the wealth of experience uniquely available at GP Originals. Most importantly, we all eagerly anticipated Mark Linton’s attempt at his surname in the prize giving.

Smoothly does it 

With a dry test day done Reg and Jean breezed through our scrutineering in situ. We were all ready to race our two-stroke, post-classic motorcycles around one of the best ribbons of tarmac to be found anywhere.

Missing in action 

350 Championship leader, Phil Atkinson, made a rare no-show. Juggling too many balls at once, he went to Snetterton to try and clinch a Bemsee title. But, the lack of #1 didn’t tame the action at the front one bit. Notoriously fast Phil Stead was back from his unfortunate Pembrey incident and on the hunt for lap records. 2024’s spiciest contender ‘Rogan’ Josh Wainwright coupled with a very on-form Andy Taylor provided the ingredients for the exciting races that were sure to follow.

Nick Massey had such a great time at Cadwell on his 250L, he was back for more. 10/10 for perseverance as he tackled a series of engine issues through Friday. Steve Pond ping-ponged between the two Ls of Nick and his own rider Siân (plus her 125) trying to keep Nick’s chances of racing afloat. Unfortunately despite making it out for qualifying Massey had too many issues to resolve and had to park the L. It was great to see him and Dad Austin, stay on to support the rest of the paddock. 

Warm-up then on to qualifying

Following a mixed warm-up, we had a dedicated timed qualifying slot. Josh only just scraped into the session as his bike wouldn’t start and then coughed its way up pit lane before properly chiming in. Steady topped the Cooper Buckley 350cc charts for the Motocarb Motopole £50 bonus at 1:16.497. Taylor only 0.540 away then Wainwright just 0.224 adrift to complete the front row.

Next in line was the first of our fast AD Modular supported Masters, Nick Williamson. He banged in a 1:17.597 just 0.336 behind Wainwright, very impressive considering the 32 year age gap! Our youngest rider, George Thomas, was next in the queue at 0.294 from Williamson and the fastest of the Maxton Suspension supported 250cc runners for his £50 Motocarb Motopole bonus at 1:17.891. John Hannaford unfortunately lost an exhaust spring meaning he would be starting from the back.

50% of riders qualified less than one second from their rival ahead.

Tick tock

Although the wind was very strong through the incline from Craner to Coppice the weather held dry and warm. Several of us took part in the ACU125 and 250 race on more modern two-stoke GP machines. Mid-afternoon and a dramatic start line incident in another race demanded a lengthy clean-up operation, making us all begin twitching about our late time slot. But, we needn’t have worried as the NG team pulled off a superb piece of organisation. With only one minute to spare before the cut-off time, it was lights out and we were racing! Nothing like a race start to get the heart rate pumping again.

Roy Chapman has been on blistering form all year and leads the Masters Championship from perma-rival Nick Williamson. He knew he needed to keep his cool as Donington is one of Williamson’s strongest tracks. Nick had a blinding start and Roy gave chase. Keen to dispatch Higgins and Bolsover early, Chapman lit up the TZ out of Mcleans and was fired over the top ending his Masters assault for the day. Thankfully his airbag did its job perfectly and he was unhurt, minimal bike damage meant he would be out for another go on Sunday.

A fine blend of 350s and 250s

Phil Stead took the lead with Josh Wainwright in tow by 0.313 at the first timed lap. George Thomas pushed the little 250 hard just 0.914 back and putting four bikes between himself and the next 250 of Mark Linton. These included the Masterclass trio of Williamson, Bolsover and Higgins. Andy Taylor had work to do in 5th. Other notable strong starts came from Edge and Vanderplank both in the top 10 at lap one.

By lap three Stead was in the 1:16 zone eventually getting down to 1:16.489 for the Staffordshire Honda fastest lap £50 reward. Jason Davis’ 2023 lap record of 1:15.258 would remain safe as Steady searched for suspension set-up in the strong head wind. Stead took the win from Wainwright. Taylor overhauled Thomas on the final lap by 0.752, another strong podium finish in the bag. Thomas kept his win-rate at 100% on the 250 plus an impressive 4th on-the-road.

Nick Williamson took the Masters victory in 5th overall from Dannisport rider John Bolsover and DTR’s Darrell Higgins. Mark Linton secured another 2nd 250 spot putting 350 rider Steve Munt between himself and next 250 of Siân Brooks. Munt put in a good display despite battling several engine and brake problems. As Michael Grigson chased Brooks, the pair of green plated riders enjoyed a last lap tussle that went the way of Brooks by 0.209. Nigel Palmer was next in line, working on the reinstallation of his mojo. Stuart Rankin bagged another successful finish on the lovely Maxton from another welcome returnee of John Hannaford on his TZ350D. Nigel Dearden was also back with us – going well and always smiling. Nathan Wisniewski successfully completed his first 250L GP Originals race start and was delighted to finish a real competitive race in amongst the same type of machinery. He would noticeably improve every race over the weekend.

Simon Vanderplank made it to the closing laps before a fall at Coppice due to a lost hose clip. Mark Edge wisely pulled in at the bottom of Craner Curves with two laps to go as his clutch seal sprung a leak.

Sunday is no day to rest

Mark Edge reminded himself of the value of Lea Gourlay who was enjoying a family holiday. Mark Linton and George Thomas valiantly gave up some well-needed beauty sleep to get Mark’s engine out so that he could make the race start on Sunday. The legendary Tony Green repaired Simon’s bent pipe which enabled him to contest Sunday’s two races. GP Originals is a collective of dedicated, generous people willing to help fellow riders, direct rivals and those beyond their immediate circle. Thank you.

NG Road Racing added on another lap to the morning’s tally in lieu of the one lost in the day prior. We had just shy of 32 race miles ahead.

The JW MOT Centre camp were another team working late into the night on Saturday, changing cylinders and seeking out improvements. Fuelled by fags and fizzy cola bottles Josh was looking for wins on Sunday. Nigel Dearden spotted a potential radiator problem and kept that in check throughout the day.

Phil Stead once again took the lead packing in the 1:16s early in the race with a very fast opening lap. Grand Masters Nick Williamson and John Bolsover held 2nd and 3rd spot respectively on the first timed loop. Taylor and Wainwright started pushing through and by the third lap were in podium positions as Bolsover passed Williamson to head up the Masters, holding station until the 250 of George came to ruffle their feathers.

Stead took the flag and his second win of the weekend, Taylor took another step up the podium in 2nd with Wainwright breathing down his neck just 0.295. Williamson just pipped the 250 of Thomas by an amazing 0.006 to grab 4th on-the-road and 1st Master but Bolsover was also there at 0.279, well inside Thomas’ exhaust fumes. But, it didn't end there… Chapman made an excellent recovery ride after the previous day’s dramatic launch and crossed the line only 0.5 behind Bolsover.

2nd of the 250 challengers was Mark Linton, this weekend supported by another new sponsor, Herb Eva. Grigson locked horns once again with Brooks, this time getting out ahead and putting a weary and still battle-scarred Darrell Higgins between them, followed by Palmer, Vanderplank, Hannaford and Dearden. Wisniewski improved his best lap time by six seconds from his first race! Mark Edge and Stuart Rankin unfortunately both suffered a DNF.

How tight?

We were last race of the day but the timetable had been impeccable and we started at just gone 5pm. Steady packed up early with lap records not looking likely in the gusty wind and more set-up required. All eyes were on Josh and Andy!

From the off Josh was on a mission and took the lead, Andy never more than 1.173 behind and closing in, both riders lapping in the 1:16s and both on Continental tyres. Nick Williamson, rejuvenated by his earlier wins and strong pace, took up 3rd on-the-road and 1st Master. However, the pesky 250 of Thomas would be nipping through at any opportunity. Chapman was now fully-focussed on the job at hand and holding station very close along with John Bolsover who was tucked in tight. For added 250 effect, Mark Linton had now got his bike on full thrust and a five way battle ensued to the flag.

Wainwright and Taylor entered the chicane together both leaving their downshifts perilously late. Taylor missed his last shift and with the pair exiting on different lines Wainwright pipped Taylor by 0.074 at the flag. Both riders were buzzing with the post-race excitement and good sportsmanship all round.

There was a gap back to Williamson for 3rd on-the-road but similar hell was braking loose for this bunch. Williamson and Chapman crossed the line together with the result going the way of Williamson by 0.017. Bolsover only just squeezed back to 3rd Master by 0.230. In a blink of an eye Thomas and Linton were elbow-to-elbow at the chequered flag, with 0.137 between them and just 0.418 from the 350s ahead.

The Brooks/Grigson duel continued as Grigson latched on to Brooks by lap three, they exchanged places until the final lap where Brooks found a few seconds and took the flag taking another 3rd 250 finish from Grigson. Palmer was next, heading up his own battle with the 350 of Vanderplank by 0.951 who was himself just 0.471 clear of a very sore Higgins. Hannaford, Dearden and the 250L of Wisniewski all now much closer on times.

The finale – Brands Hatch

Entries are now live for our final round at Brands Hatch with Bemsee. If you are looking to race with us in 2025, please consider entering even if you haven’t raced with us this year, it is all in the numbers.

With four races there are 100 points up for grabs at Brands. Each of our three Championship leaders has less than 100 points in the bag. Watch this space!

Many of our riders are now comfortably using the Continental tyre including Wainwright, Taylor, Linton, Thomas, Chapman, Bolsover, Brooks, Munt, Edge, Chapman and Higgins. If you would like to order for Brands please get in touch with AR Racing for Continentals (fitted free at the circuit) and Dennis Trollope for Avons.

Cash prizes and further rewards

Our excellent prize fund package for our three title championships has been generously provided by: Cooper Buckley • Maxton Suspension • AD Modular

Maxton Suspension 250cc results

• £50 Motocarb Motopole 250cc: George Thomas
• £50 Staffordshire Honda 250cc fastest lap (1:17.329): George Thomas
• £200 1st 250cc: George Thomas
• £150 2nd 250cc: Mark Linton
• £100 3rd 250cc: Siân Brooks
• £75 4th 250cc: Mike Grigson
• £50 5th 250cc: Nigel Palmer
• Ragged Edge £50 voucher: Nathan Wisniewski

Cooper Buckley 350cc results

• £50 Motocarb Motopole 350cc: Phil Stead
• £50 Staffordshire Honda 350cc fastest lap (1:16.489): Phil Stead
• £200 1st 350cc: Josh Wainwright
• £150 2nd 350cc: Andrew Taylor
• £100 3rd 350cc: Phil Stead
• £75 4th 350cc: Nick Williamson
• £50 5th 350cc: John Bolsover
• Ragged Edge £50 voucher: Darrell Higgins

AD Modular Masters (over-55s) results

• £75 1st placed Master: Nick Williamson
• £50 2nd placed Master: John Bolsover
• £30 3rd placed Master: Mark Linton
• NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Roy Chapman

Awards throughout the field

• Continental tyre draw: Nathan Wisniewski
• EBC Brakes 20 early entry rewards
• Raffle top prize DTR Regina chain: Simon Vanderplank
• Raffle prizes from Silkolene, Dannisport 151s EBC Brakes: Simon Vanderplank, Mark Linton, Mark Wainwright, Mark Edge, Steve Pond.

Thank you all

Thank you to the NG Road Racing team, marshals and medics for hosting us at three rounds in 2024, all were an absolute pleasure to be part of. We are always grateful to our Reg and Jean for their efficient and detailed scrutineering services. Ian Longstaff once again did an excellent job organising the meeting, prizes, awning plus working out points as Jemma was racing at Snetterton (all whilst looking after Mark). Tony Green and Chris Ingram made sure the rollers were there for us, topping up water and being generally on hand to help. Carys and Abi made a whirlwind team delivering rewards and sorting raffle tickets and prizes. Carys also for teaming up with Sian on the creative thinking and video ideas.

Thank you to Mark Linton for another cheeky prize giving speech giving us all a well deserved chance to laugh. Mark was expertly assisted by Abi and Ian.

Special thanks again to another wide selection of riders and team members who worked relentlessly to keep riders out there, lent expensive parts, sourced spares, fixed pipes. Thank you to all those that stayed behind after a long weekend, joined in the prize giving and sacrificed a small portion of their own time and journey to help take down the awning and pack away, spreading the load.

Photography kindly provided by:
PK Photomedia

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