Thundersprint Speed Trials Report
The Golden Age of Motorcycle Racing Returns to Darley Moor. The historic Darley Moor circuit echoed to the thunder of classic racing motorcycles on Sunday 14 September with the first ever Thundersprint Speed Trials.
Spectacular Le Mans Start at Thunder Sprint
Halfway between a sedate parade and a flat out race, the Thundersprint Speed Trials saw some magnificent classic race bikes, some over 50 years old, entertaining a packed crowd. Bikes ranged from classic thoroughbreds such as Paul Rushton's stunning G.50 engined Metisse and Manx Grand Prix star Keith Heckles' Beart Norton, through to exotic road bikes like David Steele's immaculate Egli Vincent.
Rider Lee Broker on the 1972 Moto Martin Honda 900
Smaller bikes were well represented with Mike Coombes' immaculate little 125 Honda and Glyn Trevor's baby Ducati, which won its class.
Roadsters were out in force too. Michael Rooney's standard 750 Triumph Bonneville and Neil Wiltshire's neat 350 Ducati Sebring - complete with lights and road number plate - showed that you didn't need a race bike to enjoy yourself.
Keith Heckles in action with the 1959 Beart Norton 500
Riders loved this new style of motorcycle sport in which riders choose a lap speed for themselves - and then aim for consistency.
Nineteen year old Lee Brooker, riding Dad Clive's stunning Moto Martin endurance racer, summed up the event for many riders. "It was great from start to finish. I loved the Le Mans start and the Darley track was great to ride.
Riders Frank Melling and Paul Rushton
"I found it really difficult to ride every lap precisely on my target time and it demanded more concentration than normal racing.
"My only disappointment was when the day had to end."
Veteran Keith Heckles was just as enthusiastic. "I enjoyed every minute. It was a great opportunity to ride my Beart Norton in a competitive event without the fairing bashing that goes on in normal classic racing."
The famous Darley Moor circuit hosted its first race in 1965 and there were many memories of that event relived during the weekend.
Brian Glover races a 1956 Norton Dominator 600
Darley Moor General Secretary, Eddie Nelson said: "The Thundersprint Speed Trials were a great success. They added something completely different to our normal meeting and certainly brought in new visitors to the circuit.
"It was great to see classic bikes back at Darley Moor and we are already looking forward to inviting the Thundersprint Speed Trials back for an even bigger and better event next year."
Thundersprint Speed Trials organiser, Frank Melling, was just as pleased. "The whole idea of the Speed Trials was innovative and we are grateful to the Darley Moor Motorcycle Road Racing Club, and the ACU, for allowing us to test so many different ideas.
"Our classic bikes, and sometimes their equally classic riders, covered a lot of miles on the track without a single accident, or incident, which was extremely important to us.
"We also put on a really good show for the spectators and riders were delighted to be surrounded with classic bike fans in the paddock all day. At times, there was a queue of people wanting to take pictures of our race bikes which was very gratifying.
A 1955 Triumph ridden by Alistair Hillaby
"We know for certain that the big idea behind the Thundersprint Speed Trials is sound and we now need to work with the Darley Moor Club to grow the event into a major feature on the motorsport calendar.
"You can be sure that we will be back at Darley Moor next year but in a dramatically bigger way."
Speed results Thunder Sprint trails
Anyone wishing to ride in next year's Thundersprint Speed Trials should 'phone' Carol Melling on 01928 740 498 or e-mail carol@thundersprint.com
Source: http://www.thundersprint.co...
issued: Thursday, September 18, 2008
updated: Thursday, September 18, 2008
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