In perfect conditions both with weather and track preparation by the Frome and District Club the ACU got its British Veterans and Evo British Championships underway on Sunday April 3rd.
Running alongside the Maxxis ACU British Sidecar Cross at the same meeting was an excellent formula for an action packed day of high class racing in front of the usual large volume of spectators which the Asham Woods circuit always attracts. With Club stalwart Paul Loveridge in charge of track layout a completely revamped circuit welcomed the large entry which included a different uphill start straight and a combination of sweeping bends which allowed for plenty of overtaking in the main field.
The Veterans were the first to take to the 1670 metre circuit and a battle immediately developed between Brian Wheeler on a 500 two stroke Honda who was out of the gate like a rocket whilst Terry House had to work hard in the first few laps to stay with and catch the flying Wheeler. House eventually squeezed by on one of the many wide sweeping bends but Wheeler stuck with House and the two had the spectators running from side to side to cheer on their favourite. The following two motos were almost a repeat with the fast starting Wheeler always first out of the blocks but House became more dominant in the later stages to take a trio of well-earned wins with Wheeler always second. James Russell and Rick De Feu were never separated by very much throughout all three motos with Russell posting 3-4-3 scores whilst De Feu had to settle for 4-3-4.
Martin Izzard dominated the Evo 250 class only being beaten by Wayne Butt in the final 12 minute moto with Daniel Brunt returning a consistent 3rd, 2nd 4th finishes to keep in contention. This class also incorporated the Evo 125 riders and it was Phil Lewis who scored maximum points in all three motos whilst mixing it with the more powerful 250s on the steep Somerset hills and actually finished with 3-5-3 moto scores against the more powerful quarter litre machines.
With virtually full line – ups in all the Evo Classes and excellent racing right down through the places everyone is now looking forward to the next round at Milton Park on May 1st.
Photos By Pip Spicer
