The Formula Grasstrack Association opened their 50th year celebrations with their 2022 awards night on Saturday at their regular venue, Prees Cricket & Recreational Club in Shropshire.
Report by Ross Wharton – Feature Image courtesy of Nigel Torrens
Chairman Glyn Stanton welcomed star guest, James Wright to the near 100 audience. Wright has signed for Birmingham Speedway for 2023 and will also continue his Grasstrack exploits when time permits, as he will be busy with son’s Dakota and Dalton who will be competing in the FGA and Youth Grasstrack Scene.
Wayne Broadhurst picked up a big selection of awards. Not only was he crowned 2022 Senior Champion, the former Stoke potter also clinched the Tom Thomas, Martin Parry and Jonathon Rodgers Trophies. David Binns was unable to attend but has a collection of trophies to receive, Senior Rider’s Rider and Whitchurch champion amongst others. Den Edwards was surprised to be Wrekin Champion despite it being his first season in Grasstrack racing. The hard charging Sam Hall was awarded most improved senior after a tough start to 2022 with mechanical gremlins. Stephen Mace received the well-earned Outstanding contribution award. The man from Shrewsbury not only competes at the top end of the senior championship but also helps with scrutineering, track building, start gate maintenance and is generally ready to help at any time. Pete Clarke was honoured for his services to the FGA with a Chairman’s Award after being ever-present in the centre green.
Junior Champion Joe Crewe picked up the FGA & Wrekin titles as well as the David Hoyle, Steve Mildoon and Tom Thomas memorial trophies. Whilst Jack Baker was crowned Minsterley Junior Champion. Max Derrick was happy to walk away with the John Broadhurst and Curran-Bennett awards.
The Wirral’s Logan Price picked up his Cub Championship trophy alongside the Jonathon Rodgers memorial medal. Price was named the most improved cub too. Archie Whitelam went away happy after winning the Tom Thomas Memorial shield and the Youth Rider’s Rider award after a successful first season on his 125.
Jessica Cox was voted Lady Rider of the year to go alongside her Cadet Championship. The youngster from Runcorn was also the Wrekin Cadet champion, Tom Thomas and Jonathon Rodgers memorial winner. A fine collection in her first year of Cadet racing.
Charlie Dowd dominated the Auto Cadet category. Dowd won the FGA championship and every trophy available to him in an outstanding 1st season.
Lilly Bence was the winner of the very first E-Bike championship. The Kingswinford racer was ever present and extremely consistent all season, A much deserved winner. Eric Derrick would win the Minsterley club title in the class in his 1st season f competition.
Other notable winners were John Cox, who receive the Richard Cranium award after a mix up with petrol and Diesel in Jess’ Bike! and the Veteran Rider of 2022 went to Nick Bull. Bull has become a consistent rider in only his 3rd year in Grasstrack racing after many years racing Motocross.
The 2023 season commences on 15th April at The Rally Site. More information and a complete fixture list are available on our website www.formulagrasstrack.com
