Graham Haddow and Charlie Palmer enjoyed an outstanding day at the ultra-challenging Weston Beach Race today (Sunday) as these two racing young guns took victory in the 85cc Small Wheel and Big Wheel classes.
Report by RHL Activities – Images courtesy of Dave Rich
The rising stars of tomorrow flew off the start in front of a bumper crowd on the Weston-Super-Mare sand where these youth-aces endured the battle of man and machine around the famous dune course. In the big wheel category, William Rowe took the early lead, but it was Charlie Palmer who overcame a problem with his machine to charge through and take to the front after the opening few laps. Palmer rode with speed and maturity whilst battling the tough track, and while he was challenged for a handful of laps after pitting for fuel, the youngster from Cheltenham led the final two-thirds of the hour and a half long race to take his third Weston Beach Race victory. Second place went to William Rowe, while Harry Ridgway worked his way through the order from 15th on the first lap to take a podium third.
In the small wheel class Graham Haddow enjoyed an exceptional day as he took his second consecutive Weston Beach Race win and first victory at the event aboard an 85cc machine after a solid performance. The 11-year-old from near Edinburgh, Scotland has been racing north of the border most of the year and enjoyed riding the flowing track with no mistakes to lift the trophy on the top step of the podium again. In second place was Kalvin Kelly from Leeds and in third position was recently crowned Judd KTM British Youth Championship Small Wheel Champion, Tyla Hooley.
Graham Haddow – Weston Beach Race 85cc Small Wheel Class Winner
“It was technical, but it was a lot faster than last year. In 2018 it was more up and down over the dunes, whereas this year it was more whoops and flat out, but it was good. The track was more flowy, which I liked, and the dunes were really good – I didn’t get stuck this year. The straight was amazing too and to have back to back wins, well I’m so happy. I led it all the way through, although I didn’t know until my first pit stop when my cousin Billy told me I was leading the small wheels. I kept a nice pace in the middle, as I was getting tired. I ended up second after my second pit stop, but I kept on pushing, putting in a quick lap time to get the lead again and I came out with a win. I’m over the moon and I’d just like to thank everybody that has encouraged and helped me.”
Charlie Palmer – Weston Beach Race 85cc Big Wheel Class Winner
“I had a really good race. The track was really good, the dunes were really fun to jump and it was super-fast and flowing. I went out and my brakes weren’t working from the start, so I struggled for the first few laps as I was getting used to riding around with no brakes. I pulled through to first after a few laps having had a crash on the first dune, then I just led it from there onwards. I think when I’d had a pit stop I was second, but I got it back soon after. It’s an absolute buzz to win and it’s such a pleasure to be here at an amazing race. This is the last race for me in the 85 class, so it’s a great way to end my time riding them. I’d like to thank my friends, family and the Passion Racing team.”
>>Head here for the Full 85cc Results>>https://www.dirthub.co.uk/palmer-power-2019-weston-beach-race-85s-results/
