Two wheels and two strokes at the Sidecar Revival

Round Four of our unique post-classic, two-stroke Championship took us to the Lincolnshire rollercoaster, Cadwell Park. A considerable crowd of spectators were treated to a smoking double bill of GP Originals and the Yamaha Past Masters – the only two solo races at the annual Sidecar Revival. With Bemsee running the race office on behalf of three-wheel figurehead, Roger Body, we each had four chances to claim those all important Championship points.

Easy does it 

Once comfortably set-up together in our paddock area, some of us took to the track for a spot of Friday testing in very humid, close conditions. Reg and Jean applied their special brand of efficient scrutineering, keeping our stress levels low on Friday afternoon and early evening. Later arrivals were promptly sorted on Saturday morning, all set and ready to go for 9am.

250 reasons to race at round four

With seven riders making their first 2024 appearance at GP Originals we were looking to see some different names mixing things up.

It was to be a 250 swarm as Nigel Palmer, Nick Turner, George Thomas and John Hogg all brought 250s to the party. 

Missing-in-action was our impressive new Masters competitor, John Bolsover as the Dannisport supported rider was recovering from a heavy tumble the previous weekend. Team-leader Andy Bateson rallied the troops and subbed the very capable Jordan Giddings – who was looking forward to his first taste of two-stroke on the yellow TZ350. Lea Gourlay rolled up his sleeves for the Dannisport camp whilst also taking care of our 2019 Masters Champion, Mark Edge.

Time to Stop and Watch 

Qualifying was dry, warm and close with 68% of the field promptly dipping under the 1:50 mark. By comparison, the nearest alternative post-classic event here saw 26% of the field making this marker in qualifying – some of the same riders instantly delivering better times amongst our dedicated field of quality competitors.

One rider dipped under the 1:40 threshold. Despite nursing a very sore elbow injury, Phil Atkinson bagged his £50 Motocarb MotoPole at 1:39.642 amid the Cooper Buckley 350cc competition. Josh Wainwright was also pushing on at 1:40.865 with Revival poster-boy Andrew Taylor claiming the final front row spot at 1:43.194.

Nine 250s on the initial entry sheet meant the competition had stepped up a rung. Sadly Grant Goodings, our current Maxton Suspension 250cc Championship leader, found his bike with no compression and decided to work it out at home. Mark Linton had been burning the midnight oil to prep another of his most-excellent 250Ls for George Thomas to make his return to GP Originals. George wasted no time and put in the quickest 250 Motocarb MotoPole £50 moneyshot at 1:46.317, just ahead of 250 vets Nigel Palmer and Mark Linton both at 1:47.6.

The now familiar Chapman/Williamson duel was looking promising with the pair side by side at 1:44 apiece. Chapman topped the decimal places to make a very impressive 4th overall. Mark Edge proved he’s still got it as 3rd fastest of the AD Modular supported Masters.

Mizzle added some sizzle 

A fine drizzle appeared shortly after qualifying, wetting the surface just the wrong side of damp; this would tame the laptimes a tad for race one. Clearly not a problem for Wainwright as he took flight, leading for the first half of the race – fast and loose through Hall Bends to the delight of the crowd. Atkinson gave chase as Roy Chapman proved the 0ver-55 squad cannot be discounted, holding 3rd from Chris Moore until the fifth lap. Mid-race Atkinson managed to pass Wainwright but it was just 0.017 between the pair at the line  in an East vs West London MOT Station stand-off. Wainwright took the fastest lap of the race at 1:43.775, a demonstration of what talent can do with wire-wheels and a straightforward machine, fast out of the gate on the Continental Tyres even on damp tarmac. Chris Moore bagged 3rd 350 putting in a strong rally to pass Chapman in the closing laps. 

Roy Chapman’s superb start delivered another Masters victory but he missed the opportunity of locking horns with Williamson. Alarming gearbox noises brought Nick’s campaign to a halt early on. Darrell Higgins was returning from a spectacular Pembrey crash and was clearly digging deep. The Dennis Trollope rider used his vast experience of riding through injury to take 2nd Master from the 250 of Mark Linton by just 0.502.

George Thomas was now flying on the L to take his first win of the 250 field and a very creditable 5th on-the-road. Linton took 2nd from Palmer, Brooks, Massey, Grigson, Turner and Hogg, in that order, all put up strong 250 performances unfazed by the damp conditions.

Dry for race two

Having the team sort a broken exhaust bracket from race one, Phil Atkinson took no chances now the track was dry, knowing that Wainwright was keen and capable of making that first 350 win. Gritting his teeth and tucking his wounded elbow in, he led until the race was curtailed by a red flag. Wainwright 2nd with Chapman promoted to 3rd as Chris Moore lost a hose clip and dismounted whilst exiting Park in a podium position. Mark Edge, who was riding very well, also succumbed to the lost water. With the pair down, the red flags came out. Both riders OK but this signalled the end of the weekend for Moore.

It was enough for Atkinson to post the best time of the weekend for the Staffordshire Honda £50 fastest lap reward at 1:39.248. Taylor had also taken his turn warming the 3rd place seat but retired early as his forks lost their bounce. Jordan Giddings was getting to grips with the unfamiliar machine, despite a big slide whilst navigating the mountain, he had reached 7th spot from his 14th grid slot.

After an engine strip and gearbox exchange between races, Williamson was back to recommence the duel with Chapman. As the red flag came out he had to settle for 2nd of the Masters with Linton 3rd from Higgins, Palmer, Massey, Vanderplank and Skinner. Unfortunately John Hogg suffered machine issues and didn’t get the ‘new-to-him’ 250 to the start line.

Thomas was looking strong once again on the smaller machine, but this time Captain L was more threatening on his Wapping Organ Company 250, 2.709 behind. Mike Grigson’s confidence returned and he passed Brooks and Palmer to take 3rd of the 250s. After a few brief exchanges with Grigson, Brooks slipped past Palmer just in time to secure 4th before the red flag. The two Nicks, Massey and Turner, enjoyed fighting it out. Evidence of a tight squeeze through Barn was apparent on Massey’s seat, exhaust and leathers! Simon Vanderplank and local legend Derek Skinner rounded out the Masters and 350 contenders.

Party time

The Sidecar Revival event laid on a presentation in their party marquee where our riders collected beautifully presented medals for their achievements. Some of our gang were to be found there later in the evening demonstrating a disturbing mixture of Break/Dad Dancing 🕺🏼.

First of two more on Sunday

With a good early timetable slot we were lining up for racing at 10:55 on Sunday with another two Championship races to fight over.

Several riders had pushed the boat out throughout Saturday to be sure of making a weekend of it. Roy Chapman had a suspicious rumble and changed the engine as a precaution. Lea Gourlay fixed up Mark Edge’s machine from his tumble, Nick Massey borrowed a radiator and barrels from Siân and Steve, Mark and George had much work to do getting the freshly built 250 snagging list sorted. Andy and Julie Taylor did a front end swap out. Josh Wainwright’s frame snapped meaning engine out and a favour called in from Sean Ryde for welding. The list no doubt goes on!

Atkinson claimed another win at the flag from Wainwright with a buoyant Chapman in 3rd and also heading up the Masters. Williamson suffered another mechanical as his clutch took leave. Mark Linton, Mark Edge, Darrell Higgins, Nick Massey and Derek Skinner hoovered up the remaining Masters points order. Vanderplank retired at the start with a broken gear change rod. Andy Taylor made another great start into 3rd but took a second retirement hit with a loose electrical connection.

Jordan Giddings steamed through to take 5th on-the-road and 4th 350cc just dipping in to 1:43 territory.

George Thomas was proving unstoppable on the 250 as he notched up another victory from Linton (time to take the bike back!) and 4th overall. Sian Brooks overhauled Palmer at the mountain and held off Grigson for five laps until a snapped chain called time on Grigson’s race. Palmer retired on the penultimate lap leaving Brooks to remain 3rd 250. Massey overhauled Turner by just 0.991.

Last chance to score

Mid-afternoon and we were ready for another 17.4 miles of fast paced racing. Atkinson again led the field with Wainwright giving chase, in turn hunted by Taylor who was back on form whilst getting to grips with the different forks.

Chapman didn’t have it all his own way this time as Williamson got in front for the opening laps. Chapman made his pass through Coppice giving no quarter to Williamson. Nick planned his revenge at the mountain but found himself grass tracking. On lap six Chapman was forced to abandon his goal of a clean sweep and retired as his fuel line made a break for freedom. Despite a second excursion at the same spot Williamson collected the 25 Masters points from Linton, Edge, Higgins, Palmer, Massey, Vanderplank and Skinner.

The unstoppable GTR Thomas took his final 250 victory from Linton and an impressive 4th overall. Michael Grigson had a great charge through the pack pursued by Brooks as the pair took the next 250 places from Palmer, Massey and Turner.

Giddings continued to make ground getting up to 6th on-the-road giving Andy Bateson serious incentive to bring a two man team to GP Originals!

Special guests

We were delighted to welcome Gordon Jones of tz350.co.uk to see his Meteor Piston prize draw being held. Thank you Gordon for putting up this prize and also for developing a new TZ350 gearbox which is being run by Phil Stead (making his return at Donington).

Gerry Vines and Chessie Wilton were very welcome supporters, both chipping in around the paddock including providing break dancing lessons and BBQing.

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 (1:43.422): George Thomas
• £200 1st 250cc: George Thomas
• £150 2nd 250cc: Mark Linton
• £100 3rd 250cc: Siân Brooks
• £75 4th 250cc: Nick Massey
• £50 5th 250cc: Mike Grigson
• Ragged Edge £50 voucher: Nigel Palmer

Cooper Buckley 350cc results

• £50 Motocarb Motopole 350cc: Phil Atkinson
• £50 Staffordshire Honda 350cc fastest lap (1:39.248): Phil Atkinson
• £200 1st 350cc: Phil Atkinson
• £150 2nd 350cc: Josh Wainwright
• £100 3rd 350cc: Jordan Giddings
• £75 4th 350cc: Roy Chapman
• £50 5th 350cc: Darrell Higgins
• Ragged Edge £50 voucher: Mark Edge

AD Modular Masters (over-55s) results

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

Awards throughout the field

• Continental tyre draw: Jordan Giddings
• TZ350.co.uk Meteor Piston draw: Mark Linton
• R&G Racing 20 early entry rewards
• Raffle top prize RST £100 voucher: Nick Williamson

Thank you all

Thank you to the Bemsee team and Roger Body for organising another great Sidecar Revival. Ian Longstaff goes from strength-to-strength with his GPO organising skills, even clearing up other people’s partying mess! Everyone’s favourites, Reg and Jean for their excellent scrutineering services. Amongst other duties, Tony Green did a splendid job on the rollers – no mean feat dragging them up that hill and having to recharge them after extensive use in the holding area. Even in holiday-mode Jemma still jumped in to sort the points tally.

Mark Linton delivered another excellent prize giving, buying lots of ice creams and his generosity in building such a brilliant machine for George. Carys, Chessie, Abi and Ian for delivering the entry rewards and raffle tickets. Fernando Mendes for supplying homemade cake!

Thank you to everyone who jumped in to take down the awning. Gerry for the BBQ and Chris Ingram who is quietly generous in supporting and noticing riders who go the extra mile. Thank you for Andy Bateson for getting another rider out there with short notice.

As always many spares, parts, services and skills were shared to keep us all rolling.

Photography kindly provided by:
PK Photomedia

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