The 2021 racing season got off to a quiet start with COVID restrictions in place over the winter which meant that motocross events were all cancelled.
Report and Images by Tracy Thacker
As soon as lockdown was eased the Nora MX team were ready to go and organised a practice weekend to get their quad riders back on the track and blow away the cobwebs. It was possible to host COVID secure events with no spectators, although riders and mechanics are allowed to bring their family bubbles, with social distancing in place.
For this practice, as well as the usual quad classes there was also an invite to the sidecars, they had also been missing their track time and were keen to join, in fact there were so many entrants the practice was split across two groups, we even saw five sidecar GP teams joining them.
With practices complete, the Nora MX Championship started with a great first event held at the Grittenham track near Chippenham in Wiltshire. This was just one of the fantastic tracks that were used by the Nora MX Championship across the year. The championship was a ten round Quad Championship, and for the first time Sidecars invited to seven of those rounds competing for the new ACU Sidecar National Open Championship title.
There was a huge amount of support with six quad groups of which 6 of the 13 classes ACU British Titles. (Pro / Pro Am, Clubman Elite / Masters A, Clubman / Masters B, Intermediates / Ladies, 250cc Open / Air Cooled, 100cc Geared / 50cc Auto / 100cc Auto), and one sidecar group – it was agreed that the GP riders could race, but not for championship points.
All the ten events were well organised and ran smoothly, with few dramas. Notable exceptions were the extremes of the weather conditions where dust or rain had a negative impact and the Nora MX team had to go into pro-active mode to water, scrape and replan events as needed to keep things going.
The races themselves were full of battles, from the smallest of tots to the greatest of experienced British Championship riders. Every point was well fought for and well deserved – it was great to watch those riders cheered on by their supporters and the celebrations they had when their teams won.
In whilst the planning goes on ready for a new season, the Nora MX team want to congratulate the winners, and are planning a special event in the new year.
Richard Shaw explains:
“We see the end to another competitive racing season, with plenty of ups and downs on and off the track.
Managing and running our Nora MX series has been challenging at times but I have enjoyed it and do it for the good of the sport.
This has been the first year running the ACU National Sidecar Open Championship, it has been a pleasure to welcome all the sidecar teams, their families, friends, and followers.
The National Open sidecar has brought great spotlight on the sidecar and Quad racing this year with fantastic racing throughout all the championships from the first drop of the gate at Grittenham in April until the Final chequered at West Meon in October.
With Racing comes injuries and we would like to say to all our downed riders this year speedy recoveries and thank you to our Sharp Medical Services Team.
Behind the scenes there are numerous people on our team that really keep the event wheels oiled and running and everyone with the same outlook to have a great day’s racing.
Massive shout out to all our Sponsors that Keep Nora MX moving – without you it simply wouldn’t happen.
We will be hosting the Nora MX “Wheels of Love” Presentation, where the top six riders from each championship class are to be crowned (with all 50cc and 100cc riders also getting a trophy).
It is to be held at The Double Tree Hilton Oxford Belfry, on 12th Feb 2022 (Valentine’s weekend). Details of the event can be found on the web site: www.nora-mx.co.uk.
At the event there will be a raffle in aid of Thames Valley Air Ambulance who will be present to receive Monies raised over previous race seasons. Any Raffle prizes for the presentation evening would be gratefully received please email office@nora-mx.co.uk
That only leaves us to send our best wishes for the winter and for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
See you all soon – Richard and Shirley”
Championship final standings can be found – HERE
