British domination at DTRA
Round two of the 2016 Maxxis UK National Flat Track Championships put on by the DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) series delivered a special two-day event at the MCN Festival of Motorcycling at Peterborough Arena.
Along with round two of the UK race series the event also hosted the Trans-Atlantic Trophy that saw the UK’s fastest pro racers take on big names from the USA including Casey Cahoon, James Rispoli, Ronny Curry, Mike Myers and Colin Edwards. Sunshine and a well groomed track provided the perfect setting for a superb weekend of flat track action.
The Trans-Atlantic Trophy was made up of four rounds all with heats and finals, with each featuring 10 riders racing 12 laps. The first final saw Oliver Brindley lead the way with Aidan Collins second and Rispoli third. Final two saw the same two British riders dominate with Collins leading all the way until the final turn when Brindley got the jump on him to take the win. Cahoon took third.
Final three saw Britain dominate once again. This time it was Alan Birtwistle taking the win with Brindley second and Cahoon third. In final four it was Britain’s Tom Neave in top form as he took the win ahead of Rispoli and Brindley. Overall it was a dominating win for the British team with 258 points over the US who had 182 points.
Another first at this meeting was round one of the Harley Davidson Hooligan Class Mini Series (stock bikes above 750cc) hosted by the DTRA in conjunction with Sideburn magazine and Roland Sands. Geoff Cain led the charge on a Ducati Scrambler with Paul Harrison and Gary Inman on a Harley Davidson Sportster. It was Ross Sharp who was moving quickest and soon found himself in the lead. Sharp took the win with Cain second and Inman third.
The Pro Class promised fast and furious flat track racing with Birtwistle, Brindley, Cahoon and Collins all starting on the front row. Collins got a flying start with Birtwistle hot on his tail. Brindley didn’t get the best start but was soon moving through those who got the jump on him. The youngster managed to pass Birtwistle to move into second and was pushing hard. Collins rode a textbook race and held off his competitors to take the win. Brindley rode well for second with Birtwistle taking the final podium spot.
The B Pro final saw a dog fight at the start between Ben Baker, Glyn Pocklington, Justin Heavens and Toby Hales. It was Baker who emerged in front with Pocklington hot on his heals in second and Hales third. The trio pulled away from their competition and were all over one another with each passing lap. It was Baker who held strong for the win with Pocklington second and Hales third.
In the Restricted Class Daniel Kafka, Connor Bolsover and Sean Kelly led into turn one. Kafka pulled away as Kelly and Bolsover battled for position. Unfortunately, Kelly went down in the latter stages and the race was stopped. Kafka was awarded the win with Bolsover second and Steve Newsham third.
The Vintage Class saw Frank Chatokhine from France get the holeshot and lead the race into the first turn. Guy Sutherland, Paul Harrison and Derek Brindley were all chasing hard. Chatokhine rode superbly to take the win with Sutherland second and Brindley third.
The Thunderbike Class saw a great battle as Ross Herrod led the charge with Tom Clemans, Gary Inman, Mike Hill and Guy Sutherland all pushing hard. Herrod continued to lead but a classy pass saw Clemans move into the lead and take the win. Herrod rode well for second with Inman holding off any challenges for a well deserved third.
The Rookie class continues to grow and it’s great to see the riders in the class improve with each round. It was Javier Palau from France who put on a good show as he took the win. Ross Sharp rode well for second with Tim Aucott taking third.
In the Minibike Class final Alfie Collet, Javier Palau and Justin Heavens led the way into turn one. Unfortunately, Palau went down opening the door for Sean Kelly. At the front, Collet dominated to take the win with Heavens second and Kelly holding on for third.
The Youth Senior Class saw Skye Adams in fine form as she took the win ahead of Storm Stacey in second and Jordan Miller third. In the Youth Intermediate Class it was Joe Burden who dominated taking the win with Jack Bell second and Rob Gardner third. The Youth Junior Class saw Ted Wilkinson take a clear win ahead of Ryan frost and Wilbur Skipp who finished second and third respectively.
