Given the Autumns dwindling daylight hours, Lincolnshire Enduro Club switched to the lesser-used 3 hour race day format, used somewhat successfully in the past. And, taking into account “Storm Aiden” and the rain that fell in the days preceding the race, the terrain was dry in the end with the predicted mud bath never materialising.
Report by Martin Southwick – Images courtesy of Graeme Taylor
The storms high winds probably helped to dry out the track and even the prophesied “race day rain” never really put in an appearance. In fact, the low lying sunshine was the perhaps the only minor “inconvenience” at certain points on the course as it was straight into the riders eyes!
For the last 2020 race with LEC in a turbid year for us all, some familiar names once again rose to the head of each class on Sunday. However, one class victor was a rider who had not previously been seen at the club. 28-year-old Jack Rowlands who hails from Harworth in South Yorkshire, travelled the 60 miles or so to Ashby Peurorum in Lincolnshire to take a superb win in the Experts class on his LEC debut. Riding his ET James backed KTM, the club newbie (with 16 laps in total) stormed to victory by a pretty big time margin. After 180 minutes of racing, Jack had built up a substantial lead of some 6 minutes over his nearest rivals. Second and third places were a bit more keenly fought over though. Only 90 seconds separated second place man David Rushton from regular victor Tom Braddock in third. The best laps of the day for both riders were within a few seconds of each other, both having accumulated the same amount as the winner. (Fourth placed man Alex Christopher was the only other rider in class with 16 laps).
In the Clubman class, Sean Thompson took the honours and was the only rider in the class to attain 15 laps, and had what looked like an easy win over his nearest rivals. Three others though were on 14 laps behind Sean, with Ryhan Leighton coming home in second from Sam Reed in third.
The biggest class on the day was the ever popular Sportsman 2T class, with 21 riders on the start line. Two lads came away with 14 laps with Carl Smalley taking another 2020 LEC race win by some 5 minutes over his nearest rival Ryan Overton. Mathew Valentine in third, was a further lap behind. In the other sportsman class, (this time the 4 bangers) the only rider with 14 laps under his belt again, and his second win in a row also, was Joe Tapper. One lap distant was once again Alex Shaw and then Carl Moxon a further lap behind that. The over 40’s group is as ever, popular and competitive. (Or, as they like to be known; “Masters” !). Some of these riders times etc would see them well placed in the “quicker” classes, just going to prove that age is no barrier. Alex Owen took the spoils, and the only guy on 15 laps. However, the next four riders had all stacked up 14 laps at the end of the race, with Nicholas Whitehead placing a second, and Jules Croft third. The over 50’s is just as strong at the front end of things. (The “Gentlemen” class !!!). The division actually provided the closest winning margin of the day with Alex Shepherd taking the his second victory in a row, but only by a few seconds from Mark Peckitt. Very close after 180 minutes of racing. ! Chris Woodward was third, a lap down.
The over 60’s (“Elder Statesmen” !) was once again won by Kevin Bartle Sr. Anthony Williamson was second, with third spot going to Paul Smith. Sean Avison won the Trail/Classic class. A healthy Beginners class once again lined up on the grid. Nine riders coaxed themselves and their bikes around the 4.5 Mile track which was made up of woodland plantations, a few rocky steps and the old Moto x track. (No long straights at Ashby this time. Thus, giving no time for rest). LEC hopes these guys will grace the club with their presence next year. Whilst the terrain on the day may not have been so difficult, 3 hours is quite a while to stay in a race. Looking at some of the lap times however, they would be well placed in other classes should Boris let us race in 2021! Well done guys.
Whilst its been a testing time for all concerned this year, The club wishes to pass regards on to all the marshalls, helpers, first responders, timekeepers, caterers and any others who have given up valuable (unpaid) time to help LEC out. Lastly, thanks to you guys, the riders.
All riders and club members are reminded of the practice day on 27th of December. (Should Covid restrictions play ball)
Details of that and all other LEC related info can be had from the clubs Facebook page here . . https://www.facebook.com/groups/LincolnshireEnduroClub
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