REPORT BY GARETH BEMISTER
PHOTOS KINDLY SUPPLIED BY SARAH DAWE (TTL PHOTOGRAPHY)
The Southern Centre Grasstrack Championships, an event steeped in over 90 years of history, made its welcome return on Sunday. Grasstrack Banter Promotions organized the event at their ‘Bantasia Arena’ venue in the village of Owslebury, Hampshire on a circuit that produced some great entertainment for both spectators and riders alike. Some worthy champions were crowned across the seven classes, including a ‘Gold Cup’ win in the Old/New budget sidecar class. A healthy crowd, not deterred by the persistent rain the day before, attended the event as Grasstrack Banter Promotions and their title sponsor RJC Autos continued their upward trajectory in the world of grasstrack organisation and promotion.
The 500cc solo class saw a small collection of stars of the sport. A returning superstar in the form of ‘The Cotswold Express’ Tim Nobes made use of Grasstrack Banter Promotion’s ‘track bike’. He showed that he has lost none of his skill and talent on a bike, though his fitness was understandably not where he would like it to be just yet. He finished a very creditable 3rd after a two lap dice with the eventual victor. New Zealand speedway star Bradley Wilson-Dean has been gaining experience on the grass having not clinched a speedway team spot in the UK for 2023. He put in some solid performances throughout the day, and ended his day as runner-up. However, nobody even looked anywhere near the eventual winner, Chad Wirtzfeld, as he roared to three stunning victories in the qualifying heats, before another sensational performance in the final saw him crowned Southern Centre Champion for 2023. It was a fitting champion given that Chad’s upbringing was in nearby Dorset. Wirtzfeld was simply outstanding all day. Even in the final, after running very wide and allowing Nobes up the inside of him in the opening corner, he battled back and won by a good distance.
The 1000cc sidecars produced some heart-in-mouth, breathtaking moments as they roared around the Bantasia Arena at full speed. Some of the top outfits didn’t seem to be backing off of the throttle at any point in the lap such are the setups of the modern day sidecar machines, and the skill of their riders and passengers. Much pre-race discussion was around the previous week’s final at Frittenden which had seen the dominant performer of the class, Mark Cossar, beaten by his younger brother Tom in a final for the ages. Would Tom be able to take it to big brother for a second week in a row?
As it transpired, Cossar Snr, reunited with his former passenger Carl Blyth, were simply unstoppable. Their winning race times were a full two seconds faster than that of Tom and his passenger Wayne Rickards. In the winner-take-all final, it was Mark and Carl who made a fantastic start and led into the first turn. If the writing wasn’t already on the wall at this point, it was underlined and highlighted when Cossar Jnr/Rickards became embroiled in an epic battle with fellow racers Terry Saunters/Liam Brown and Michael Austin/Vinny Branch. The three outfits charged into turn 2 all together, line-astern across the circuit. By the time they had sorted themselves out, Mark Cossar and Carl Blyth had sped off like a scalded cat and never looked like being caught. Tom Cossar/Wayne Rickards duly finished second ahead of Austin/Branch in 3rd.
The 250cc solos was dominated by Luke Harris, who was doubling up in the 350cc class. He managed to win one of his 350cc races but then struggled for the remaining three rides. This allowed Luke Clifton to emerge and win three rides, impressively taking the 350cc class. The only rider who looked like they might challenge Harris in the 250cc class was Charlie Wood. The teenager won all of his qualifying rides heading into the final, but was no match for the speed of Harris in the final.
The Upright solo class saw several different heat winners. Eventual winner, Dave Mears, was actually bested in his opening ride. He then went on to produce an excellent display in the final and clinch his first Southern Centre title in the Upright class.
The 500cc ‘continental’ sidecars made a welcome return to the Bantasia Arena. The class was dominated by Welsh-border crew Shaun Hughes and Louis Bennett. Despite continuing to struggle with starting, the pair were in a class of their own, rounding their opposition with apparent ease and winning all four races by a considerable margin. Notable performances from relative newcomers Jordan Smith/Joe Page and Simon Field/Shane Freeman. Both of these crews put together some highly commendable races, with the former finishing the day as runners-up. Former European champion and multi-British champion Josh Goodwin, passengered by cousin Scott for the event, was far from his best. However, his fellow competitors were delighted with beating him, such is his reputation in the sport and the respect that his opponents have for him.
The event incorporated the ‘Gold Cup’ event for the Old and New budget sidecars. This class is always supported by Grasstrack Banter Promotions, with several of the competitors being members of the organization, including track builders Brian Hatch, Lew Wharton (and son Lewis) and Paul Nelson. Cornish duo Mark Courtney and Leon Torres have dominated the class since its inception several years ago, but for one reason or another have always missed out on the coveted Gold Cup. This year, however, they put this right by winning the final from start to finish. It was not plain sailing for the new Gold Cup champs however. Mark Seward and stand-in passenger for the day Terry Saunters managed to beat Courtney/Torres from behind in their last qualifying ride in a very strong performance. This made Seward/Saunters the favourites going into the winner-take-all final. However, Courtney/Torres blitzed from the tapes and never looked like being caught.
The meeting was the only event held by Grasstrack Banter Promotions after being forced to cancel the international Bantasia 3 event earlier in the season. The circuit looked in fine fettle and the promotion are quick to thank the landowner Brian Lush for all of his hard work and commitment to improving the racing circuit year on year and the promotion now look forward to planning the 2024 event calendar.
