The Formula Grasstrack Association will celebrate its 50th year of existence this weekend at Alveley near Bridgnorth.
Words by Ross Wharton – Images courtesy of Ron Hinsley and Ben Whitehouse
Founded in October 1973 by Carl Stanton and a band of friends, the Formula was originally BSA Bantam machines but has evolved over time to now be using Zongchen and Honda 125cc machines.
Saturdays event will be business as usual with round 5 of the H&N Supplies Ltd Championship. And the Martin Parry Rosebowl final for the top Seniors on the day. Its a packed out line up with 30 Seniors and over 20 youth competitors.
Sunday’s Best Pairs event see’s a return of some quality Formula Grasstrack champions and veteran Grasstrack riders.
Former Stoke Potters speedway star Luke Priest makes a return to where it all started for him nearly 30 years ago. The man from Harley has built a Honda machine to compete on. Priest is paired with GT140 british finalist Jordan Cross who is making only his 2nd appearance on the FGA.
Priest will be joined by dad, John who has been a top performer in the pre75 class for many many years and will be one to watch being paired with FGA regular Nick Bull.
Favourites to take the winner takes all final are the pairing of Sam Hall and Adam Hawker. Hall is showing why he’s been a multi FGA youth champion this season by consistently winning races whilst Hawker is getting to grip with the 125 power unit after being a seasoned campaigner in the 250 class.
Former international Speedway and grasstrack competitor Rob Fortune is another that has built a bike for the day, Fortune is paired with Manchester’s John Higham who will be racing for the first time in 3 years.
Richy Guest makes a return to his roots and where he also won many titles. Guest will be borrowing a machine off good friend and FGA stalwart Sam Flowers and is paired with motocross man Den Edwards.
As well as the above, Ashcroft brothers Ryan and Liam take to the track, David Meredith will be hoping to have cured his machine gremlins from Chetton. Graham Thomas, Phil Thomas, Wayne Broadhurst and Mark Scopes are all entered and keen to stamp their authority on the afternoon
Whilst the Pairs competition will be the main feature, Seniors will also have the chance to win the individual Grand Slam with the top men of the day taking to the track in a winner takes all final at the end of the day.
We mustn’t forget the youth Pairs which will be on points and is packed with some of the most talented young grasstrack riders in the country.
Practice starts at 12pm with racing at 1pm both days.
Camping available Friday and Saturday with some entertainment Saturday evening. Free Admission to spectators
Venue: Lowe Farm, Lowe Lane, Alveley DY12 1SU
www.formulagrasstrack.com
Pairings for the Seniors-
John Cox & Nathan Alder
John Priest & Nick Bull
Sam Hall & Adam Hawker
Graham Thomas & Steve Stait
Ryan Ashcroft & Steve Adams
David Meredith & Gary Hollingsworth
Rob Fortune & John Higham
Liam Ashcroft & Marcus Crutchington
Wayne Broadhurst & Archie Palmer
Phil Thomas & Russell Hall
Kevin Gwillam & Paul Dufty
Jake Breeze & Nigel Bowkett
Richy Guest & Den Edwards
Colin How & Mike Parton
Mark Scopes & Anthony Rowson
Luke Priest & Jordan Cross
Andrew Rowson & Charlie Glaze
Max Broadhurst & Mark Furley
