Very much alive and kicking

Our two-stroke race bikes have been gestating for nine long months since our last outing at Cadwell Park. Finally 2024 got underway last weekend at Snetterton 300 hosted by Bemsee.

Rain, rain go away

In May bank holiday tradition the weather switched around from sunshine to heavy rain at will. Friday’s test day showed no mercy as several of our riders ventured out on a cold and very wet 300 circuit. This would be a new venue or track layout for many, some of us even raced it as the original triangle! Roy Chapman once again proved the Continental Tyres could be trusted in very wet and cold conditions with no problems, setting a comfortable pace comparable to various MZs and TZRs on 17" full wets.

Our own Reg and Jean drove all the way from Exeter to scrutineer our machines and clothing. The pair got the task underway by mid-afternoon saving us all a lot of stress and time.

Saturday drama

Thankfully Saturday and Sunday were looking fine and dry. However as one of the earlier qualifying sessions our tarmac was still rather damp in places. As we streamed out of the holding area drama immediately unfolded as local rider John Lea suffered an explosive slide out of the first turn on the damp track. Looking at his previous experience on modern two-strokes, we were expecting John to feature at the front of our races on his newly acquired TZ350. Sadly the crash caused heavy bike damage but we were all relieved to see him back in the paddock on Saturday afternoon with a very sore thumb but no further injuries. Best wishes to John and we hope he finds the support to rebuild and recover.

The Bemsee team did a great job of getting us back out again, Dave Grigson lent his 250L-tuned ear to persuade Siân’s bike to fire back up and she just made it out in time. The session ended safely for all and our grid positions were set.

All fun in the beginning 

From the outset we knew that this weekend at Snetterton would be action packed. No four-strokes to spoil the view and the country’s best post-classic riders out on track together. Our riders ages span five decades and everyone is welcome no matter what their achievement level or experience.

The newly titled Cooper Buckley 350cc Championship got a wake-up call from Josh Wainwright in qualifying – Josh tested the water at our final round of 2023 and is now set for the full season. Our loyal supporter Chris Rose supplied the bike going head-to-head with his own long term rider, multiple-350 Champ Phil Atkinson. This is the kind of team sportsmanship we appreciate at GP Originals.

Josh promptly demonstrated that a quality rider can jump on a machine, resplendent with period wire-wheels, relatively unknown to him and deliver a pole lap first time out, no excuses and job done in 2:19.779 plus £50 fired directly into his wallet courtesy of Motocarb. Phil Atkinson played the game well just 0.817 adrift in 2nd and a superb ride by Andy Taylor with a 2:22.817 lap despite a test day tumble on his 500.

Our Maxton Suspension supported 250s were a little thin on the ground (we are waiting impatiently for a least three more to get their gear on in the very near future! 👈). Grant Goodings has switched things up nicely by migrating to a 250. As another local man, he threw down his orange gauntlet in the damp conditions with 2:31.417 pole lap collecting £50 notes from Motocarb. Siân Brooks was the next fastest 250 followed by Mike Grigson who was getting to grips with unfamiliar 300 circuit.

Our Masters competition is looking superb once again. In qualifying Dennis Trollope’s rider Darrell Higgins showed that with 44 years of two-stroke experience, he can always ride fast. Beset by problems last year the bike is finally taking shape, Darrell took the Masters fastest lap by over 2.5 seconds from Continental-shod Roy Chapman who has been demonstrating impressive form. New entrant John Bolsover was next up on the yellow Dannisport TZ350. John spent 2023 learning his two-stroke craft amongst a more sedate field elsewhere. Now, he was ready to show what he can do against our riders and he didn’t disappoint.

The rules remain the same

As those that follow the series know, very little has changed since our very first meeting in 2017 – we still run almost identical eligibility and it’s a pretty easy read, there’s even some pictures to help – no fuel changes, no chassis changes, no exterior engine mods, no suspension or brakes changes. The only difference this season is that we are now encouraging the use of the Continental tyres for obvious reasons following the demise of Avon.

Click, and we are into gear

The first competitive Championship race of the 2024 season enjoyed a comfortable timetable slot getting underway at 12:43 with warm, sunny conditions. The No 1 plated Atkinson didn’t take any chances with Wainwright and took off making sure there was a comfortable gap to manage to the chequered flag. Wainwright showed his top level experience from BSB to Bemsee Championships bringing the Rose MOT Centre TZ to a solid 2nd place. However, not too far behind another class-switcher was on a charge. Phil Stead is now sat on 350cc-s worth of TZ. With no testing and a catalogue of new-build problems he was visibly nervous! But, as we all knew he would, once on track that evaporated and he was on it. Stead and a very on-form Andrew Taylor raced it out for the final podium slot. Stead just taking it by 0.038 from Taylor.

Making it work in the Masters

Next on track came John Bolsover, now confident that he can take on the Masters class pipped Roy Chapman by 0.461 who had fought off exchanges with Darrell and Nick. At the line, Nick Williamson got out his sore elbows to take 3rd Master from Darrell Higgins.

The striking blue RAFMSA liveried TZ350 of Andy Green stretched its legs with noticeably improved speed and handling. In the last lap he  split the 350 Masters from their 250 counterparts Goodings and Linton when he got past Goodings to take 9th on the road. Grant’s new 250 held off Captain Linton to the flag as he recovered from his off-the-boil qualifying position.

Third 250 went the way of Siân Brooks, gradually recalling the track from post-classic 125 days (a two lap race!) Next up another welcome GPO-newbie was Simon Vanderplank now recovered from the health problem that cancelled his 2023 season. He is another rider with a new 350 and short on testing; he made it across the line to bag a finish but with a failed crank that sadly put an end to his weekend – that will be off to Michelle. Mike Grigson was learning his way around and had to deal with gear selection issues which would give Dad Dave something to fix upon his return. Nigel Dearden showed his immense reserve by cheerfully getting straight back to it after a painful rotator cuff operation following his get-off at Cadwell. This man is loving his racing and not shy of taking to the track with all levels of rider.

Keeping it clean

The good weather provided extra rider confidence which gave a few headaches for the Bemsee race office. They did a great job of getting through the races and we were out again for our second go around.

Another drama for Siân with a fouled plug meant missing the warm up lap and a start from the back on cold tyres – big thanks to Steve and Fernando for acting fast to get her out there.

The head of the race was fast and furious once again. Phil Atkinson led to the flag dropping down to 2:09.103. Our reigning 350 Champion knew it would only be a matter of time before Steady would come knocking for his share of the wins. Andrew Taylor has really upped his game for 2024 and got the better of Wainwright by lap two and then Stead in the closing stages to take 2nd spot by just 0.431 showing he will also be chasing wins. Wainwright was the fourth contender by 0.739 from Stead and an almost identical lap time at 2:10.4 apiece.

Taking the Masters win and 5th on-the-road was John Bolsover from a royal battle between Williamson, Higgins and Chapman who were all covered by less than half a second. Minor mistakes under pressure sorted out the finishing order. Fellow Masters but with 100cc less, Goodings and Linton, followed suit. This time just pipping Andy Green in a cozy threesome over the line.

Siân managed to get past Grigson who later succumbed to further bad luck as a broken ring caused an unlucky DNF. Nigel Dearden rounded out the 350 Masters with another impressive ride and the full complement of laps under his belt.

Day two – yep, it’s still a great idea

With a few races held over from Saturday we enjoyed a lie in and got underway at 10:58am with the sun shining.

Steady had been liaising with Richard at Maxton Suspension and capitulated to his experience by agreeing to make a few changes. The result was a considerable improvement on turning in. Notably, both Phil’s use Maxton and have enjoyed much success with their kit.

Phil Atkinson took no prisoners once again and led race long. However, Steady was looking more and more confident taking 2nd from Taylor by a good margin and heading up the sheet through sector one. Both Stead and Atkinson now down in to 2:07 territory and on Bemsee’s two-stroke lap record pace. Taylor and Wainwright were split by 0.822 at the end of 15 miles of racing.

Another mover and shaker was Bolsover now within 1.676 of Wainwright at the line and shadowing his 2:11.1 lap time. John set our all new Snetterton 300 Masters lap record at 2:09.477 – this is an improvement of over six seconds from his CRMC over-55s time in 2023. With such an improved depth of field to push him on, the Dannisport rider claimed his third Masters victory of the weekend and 5th on-the-road. Another Master on the up was Roy Chapman who overhauled Goodings, then Williamson, then Higgins to take 2nd of the AD Modular Masters. Williamson chased his way through the same group to claim 3rd of the over-55s from Goodings, Higgins, Linton and Dearden.

The 250 pattern held fast with Goodings taking first and enjoying a tussle with the DTR 350 of Higgins, collecting £50 from Staffordshire Honda for the fastest 250 lap of the weekend at 2:13.872 and our first 250 lap record. Across the other three races Linton’s lap time was consistently slightly quicker than Goodings’ but not quite enough to take the honours – this is shaping up to be a good rivalry! Green held a good gap to Brooks from a now repaired Grigson. Dearden had improved his lap time by well over three seconds. With no riders lapped, no DNFs and no crashes we concluded a good morning’s work.

When the flag drops… you know the rest!

The final race loomed and Phil Atkinson knew that Phil Stead was going to edge closer to that top step. Atkinson kept his cool and claimed that final 25 points of the day but Stead took the fastest lap of the weekend with an impressive 2:07.076 and setting our first 350cc Snetterton 300 lap record and another £50 from Staffordshire Honda. Stead clawed his way to get within 1.138 of Atkinson at the line – stand by for Round Two, it’s going to be good.

Phil Stead is the first rider to test out the new gearbox presented by Gordon Jones of TZ350.co.uk – Phil says “It never missed a gear all weekend and felt seamless”.

Andy Taylor closed the weekend with another consistently fast 3rd place with John Bolsover breathing down his neck 0.819 behind and managed to come out best from a tussle with Josh Wainwright. Roy Chapman’s confidence just keeps building on the Conti tyres as he took 2nd Master from Grant Goodings who had been locked in to heated exchanges with Nick Williamson, Mark Linton and Darrell Higgins. All four covered by just over one second.

Roy’s tyres are still the same set we reported on from his test in February and have also done an Oulton, Cadwell and testing! You can still read the name on the rubber – will they every wear out? Try them for yourself from AR Racing or continue with Avon from Dennis Trollope.

Andy Green’s TZ350 proved fast and reliable as he chased down the Masters pack. Brooks took 3rd 250 from Grigson and another impressive performance from Dearden to close out a physical weekend of racing.

Talk is cheap but torque is better.

For various reasons this weekend’s 16 entrants was a disappointing field. However, we ended the weekend with only two missing from the final race of the day and not a single lapped rider all weekend. £420 of start money will be handed out this week and a prize pot of £1,505 was delivered on Sunday afternoon plus £880 of product rewards shared by every rider.

Our next round is the final bank holiday weekend in May at Pembrey. A reserved garage awaits you, the same level of start money, early entry reward, Friday testing plus free tea, coffee and biscuits! This is unquestionably the best and most competitive post-classic race series around. It is dedicated to your machine, even with a small grid, Snetterton demonstrated the unrivalled depth of field at GP Originals. Our fastest competitors are more than capable of safely accommodating all levels on track with them. Most are happy to help you build confidence and pace – take advantage of the experience on offer in one place, you’ll not find it on Facebook.

At Pembrey you have the opportunity to enter the 250 National Championship race and NG Cup (for novice, Clubman licences and/or our older machines) or the open 500 race at a discounted rate. Plenty of opportunity for a second ride if you want it. With a beach only a walk away and a bank holiday, it's a great opportunity to bring the family.

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: Grant Goodings
• £50 Staffordshire Honda 250cc fastest lap (2:13.872): Grant Goodings
• £200 1st 250cc: Grant Goodings
• £150 2nd 250cc: Mark Linton
• £100 3rd 250cc: Siân Brooks
• £75 4th 250cc: Michael Grigson

Cooper Buckley 350cc results

• £50 Motocarb Motopole 350cc: Josh Wainwright
• £50 Staffordshire Honda 350cc fastest lap (2:07.076): Phil Stead
• £200 1st 350cc: Phil Atkinson
• £150 2nd 350cc: Phil Stead
• £100 3rd 350cc: Andy Taylor
• £75 4th 350cc: Josh Wainwright
• £50 5th 350cc: John Bolsover

Next points scorers share of remaining prizes:

• £50: Roy Chapman
• Ragged Edge voucher: Nick Williamson
• Ragged Edge voucher: Darrell Higgins

AD Modular Masters (over-55s) results

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

Awards throughout the field

• Continental tyre draw: Andrew Taylor
• Teng Tools 20 early entry rewards
• Raffle top prize two Donington Park BSB or WSBK tickets from IMS Racing powered by SAF Holland: Phil Stead

Thanks to our GP Originals paddock friends

The first thank you goes to Ian Longstaff for taking on the task of co-ordinating the series for 2024. Since his kind offer, the workload grew exponentially but he delivered a superb, efficient meeting with Mark and Carys Linton on hand for extra support.

Thank you to the race office gang at Bemsee plus all their excellent marshals, medics and commentary teams. Reg and Jean efficiently scrutineered our bikes and clothing to save us all time, hassle and stress. Tony Green and Chris Ingram did a great job with the rollers in the assembly area plus assisting everywhere where needed. Jemma Grayson despite racing herself managed to get our points all collated. Mark Linton and Ian Longstaff delivered the prize giving, raffle and prize draws in style. Carys, Darrell, Tony, Chris, Nick and Cathy for all kinds of much needed general help. Fantastic to see Gemma Bolsover jumped straight in helping pack away despite being totally new to our paddock. Mike Grigson put in the first offer to take down the awning and several people jumped in to assist in the task. Naturally, thank you to all riders, teams and supporters who make this Series possible.

Finally thank you to the characters on Facebook for providing such imaginative inspiration for our sub headings.

If the above is the mysterious click? We’ll take it ⭐️

Photography kindly provided by:
PK Photomedia

All graphic design, web design and illustrations by Spyre Limited ©spyre2024