After firing the Dalton Barracks venue back into life during 2022 following a break of 20 years, Michael Austin and the Dalton Grasstrack crew are ready to do it all again this coming Sunday, April 30th with the second staging of the Barracks Bonanza Grasstrack.
Preview and Images by Mike Wood
With a start time of 12.30pm, it’s sure to be a cracker with racing for 500cc Solos, 1000cc Right-hand Sidecars and Upright Solos. In 2022, James Shanes took the 500cc Solo win but due to injury the Dorset based rider will miss the action this time around. In his absence though there’s still a high-quality entry list led by double British Masters Champion Chris Harris, double European grasstrack and World Team Cup Longtrack Champion Theo Pijper along with multiple British Champions Paul Cooper and Paul Hurry for starters.
Also making an appearance are the likes of Andrew Whittaker, Chad Wirtzfeld, Charley Powell, Luke Harris and Cameron Taylor with the latter two riders moving up into the big 500cc class despite being better renowned for their exploits on 250cc and 350cc machines. In this one it should also be interesting to watch speedway youngsters Eli Meadows and Mickie Simpson whilst there’s a surprise appearance from 21-year-old Dutch Longtrack and grasstrack racer Dave Meijerink.
After their classic battle at last years Barracks Bonanza, Mark Cossar/Gareth Williams and Colin Blackbourn/Carl Pugh will be going for it again on Sunday. Producing arguably one of the best final races of the season, these two top crews are sure to thrill but there’s plenty of other potential challengers in the bid for 1000cc Right-Hand Sidecar glory. In an entry stacked with super racers, Terry Saunters/Liam Brown, Tom Cossar/Wayne Rickards, Paul Whitelam/Richard Webb, Trevor Heath/Sam Heath and Will Offen/Ricky Pay, all crews inside the 2022 ACU Grading list top ten places could be in the mix and don’t also forget event promoter Michael Austin with Vinny Branch in the chair. At last years event, young Cornish crew Thomas Newton/Dillon Newton produced some super entertainment and they are entered again for 2023 so it’s going to be exciting!
In 2022, Tony Atkin scored a stylish victory in the Barracks Bonanza Uprights class. And, the current 500cc Uprights British Champion is back to defend his Barracks crown in what is another quality entry. Expect Dave Mears, Jason Prynne, Luke Tuck, Tim Curnock and the rest of the Uprights gang though to provide a stern challenge for Atkin in the race for 2023 glory.
So, get along to Dalton Barracks near Abingdon in Oxfordshire, OX13 6BX and give the club your full support. Admission charges are £18 Adults, Under 16’s FREE and a programme £2. Hot and cold food, a bar and a FREE Children’s climbing wall will also be onsite.
