Treats in store for classic bike enthusiasts

LOCAL motocross riders of yesteryear on British and foreign marques last produced in the mid-1970s take centre stage at events in Devon and Somerset tomorrow, writes Mick Perry.

The Devon Classic event near Honiton has attracted leading lights expected to shine in the main and twin shock races include Steve Folland, Wayne Butt, Terry House, Luke Hill, Kristian Marshall, Dean Warren and Seb Dexter.

At West Harptree in Somerset, the Bath Classic Club have a trial and they expect around 60 competitors from the Wessex, South West and Southern Centres. Four laps of ten sections are planned but this may be reduced to three if the high temperatures continue.

The Taunton Club are staging their Bill Hartnell Memorial Trial at Blackmoor which may be entered on the day but the event does not start until midday.

The battle for the Wessex Plant Hirebacked British Sidecar Trial Championship between title holders Joshua and Luke Golding continues in round eight in Derbyshire where the silverware is the Doncaster Cup. Former five-times champions Jon Tuck and Matt Sparks lead the Goldings by four points with three rounds remaining.

On the world motocross scene, Slovenian Tim Gajser and Spain’s Jorge Prado are expecting to consolidate or increase their present advantages in the 14th chapter of the series at Loket in the Czech Republic.

It is not clear who will be Great Britain’s representative in either class as Ben Watson is still suffering from a hand injury in the 250cc class which leaves just Adam Sterry. And although Max Anstie is almost certain to contest the 500cc races, question marks hang over the availability of Tommy Searle and Shaun Simpson.