As the 2024 Grasstrack racing season raced towards its conclusion, it appeared that yet again no British Masters Grasstrack titles would be handed out! However, at the very last minute up stepped Wimborne MCC to save the day and what an absolute classic it promises to be!
Words and Images by Mike Wood
Having been forced to postpone the first attempt to run the event last weekend due to the invasion of storm Ashley, it’s definitely all systems go for Sunday, October 27th. Despite being out of the promoting picture since 2018, Wimborne MCC have certainly pulled out all of the stops to come back in style. Having put endless hours of love and care into their venue at Willett Road, Corfe Mullen including installing a grandstand, it’s now time for the show to start.
And, what an entry list the 2024 Masters as assembled with defending Champions, nearly men and some first timers ready to go into battle. Starting in the 500cc solo class and Chris Harris goes for a hat-trick of wins after picking up titles in 2021 and 2022. Also having enjoyed the taste of previous Masters success, Andrew Appleton (4) and Zach Wajtknecht will be on the start line. Despite having won a whole host of British Championship titles, Paul Cooper has remarkably never lifted the big Masters crown and he’s sure to yet again give it everything he’s got in an attempt to add his name to that coveted roll of honour in 2024! The other nearly man in the field is Edward Kennett, runner-up in 2016. If Eddie is on his ‘A’ game on Sunday then the former GB Speedway rider certainly as the class and speed to be considered as a very serious contender!
Talking of shale stars, Alfie Bowtell, Jason Edwards, Drew Kemp and Simon Lambert will be at Corfe Mullen. Edwards, Kemp and Lambert making their Masters debuts along with James Laker, Darryl Ritchings, Cameron Taylor and Will Thurlby. The high-quality field is completed by Dorset resident, the spectacular Chad Wirtzfeld, James Wright, Luke Harris the recent 250cc British Champion, Mickie Simpson, Charley Powell, Arran Butcher, Jack Roberts, Callum Walker, Wayne Broadhurst and the Ashcroft lads Liam and Ryan. This one is going to be one hell of a red-hot class with numerous potential winners, who’s your money on?
Over in the 1000cc Sidecars, Mark Cossar goes after title number eight, partnered by Carl Blyth who himself has been successful on four occasions. The only other drivers to have taken the title in the Chairs is Gareth Winterburn back in both 2018-2019 and Paul Whitelam in 2004. After having not raced for three years, Winterburn has a wildcard entry for the 2024 event and this time will be partnered by younger brother Billy. Meanwhile Whitelam who has been a regular Masters high placed finisher since his victory will have Richard Webb alongside him and could well be right in contention yet again.
Enjoying standing on a Masters podium top step as winning passengers at previous events, Tom Cossar and Liam Brown will both be at Corfe Mullen and are certainly potential 2024 Masters winners. Cossar has now established himself as a top driver and with Wayne Rickards in the chair should be at the sharp end of proceedings. Brown chasing his fifth Masters crown could also be celebrating again come 6pm on Sunday as he this time partners the very fast Terry Saunters.
Of the rest there’s certainly plenty of high quality also chasing that glory with Matt Fumarola/Andi Wilson, Trevor Heath/Adrian North, Mike Austin/Frankie Courtney, Dale and Jordan Fish, Will Offen/Rick Pay, Neal Owen/Jason Farwell, Mick Stace/Terry Madley, Clint Blondel/Shaun Hoskin, Simon Beaney/Freddie Wood, Stef and Morgan Blyth, Joe Mogg/Conor Measor and George Penfold/Danny Hill all coming under starters orders. Any one of those talented crews are very capable of popping out of the start and bagging a win so it’s all to play for in the entertaining 1000cc sidecars!
So, get yourself along to Willett Road, Corfe Mullen, Dorset BH21 3DH this Sunday for a British Masters grasstrack thriller where gates will open at 8am with practice at 10.30am and the all-important first race at 12.30pm. Admission costs are £20 Adults, £15 Concessions and Under 16’s FREE. If you prefer to soak up the Masters atmosphere for the whole weekend camping is also available onsite and strictly between the hours of 3pm on Friday, 25th October and noon on Monday, 28th October for a fee of £20.
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