All content © Bob MuIIins

Butts Quarry was a hive of activity on April 10th where RAW Enduro launched the Brand New RAW Enduro Challenge series round 1. The new series which has never before been seen will get gradually more difficult as the series move on. Round 2 is a five hour and round 3 is a monster 6 hour challenge.

Always eager to look after our Youth riders, a small 15 strong field of mini iron kids were treated to a fantastic lap around the Butts Quarry track, conditions were to begin with slightly greasy until the warm weather began to dry the track. Henry and George Yardley who are new to RAW Enduro events were on fire from the first turn. Henry led the race from start to finish giving a faultless performance to take the youth A win. Richie Moorhouse took runner up spot with Cole Cookland and New RAW team rider Saul Hirst battling it out for the final podium spot. George Yardley matched his brother's win by taking the Youth B win ahead of Cory Cookland with Jack Bednarek taking third.

The main adult 4 hour event saw the quarry basin start area packed to capacity. As an added twist Clerk of the course Wayne Braybrook decided to set riders off in reverse order meaning the faster riders left the start last. This was in an effort to string the field out around the small but exciting track, the theory worked and after a frantic first hour riders settled into a good rhythm.

Standout performances of the day go to Brad Lilburn riding strong to take the Expert solo class win from Alex Owen in second place, local ironman George Birchall earned a fine third in class. Expert team winners Josh Law and Ex British Sprint Champion Jordan Rose had to work hard for their win, the 212 team of Ex British Enduro Champion Ady Smith and his partner Dan Boam had a massive charge for the win in the closing stages keeping Rose under maximum pressure. Third place was a battle of the Lancastrians, Chris Hughes and Matt Solan narrowly held off Factory Husqvarna Mechanic Damo Butler and his team mate Chris Windle for third place.

As the event reached the two hour half way stage track conditions were simply perfect. Andy Myers enjoyed his day taking the clubman solo win from the hard charging Kris Weston. Doltan Shannon and Danny Culkin worked hard for the entire event to take the clubman team class win.

In the novice class Jack Webster Owen was delighted to take the Novice solo win on 22 laps completed. Nick Bull and Robert Adams won the Novice team class, Joshua Flora and Cameron Holmes made the journey south worthwhile taking second place, with Sarah Thomas and Jo Townsend delighted to get their championship off to a flying start with a solid third place.

In the VETS team class Andy Kirby and Steven Dean have set the pace by taking the win at round 1, no pressure for round two then... Andy Cooke rode a good race to take the VETS solo class from a returning to full fitness Simon Howden with Steve Johnson in third.
It's always difficult to mention all classes and riders in the race reports, especially at these unique team events where an awesome atmosphere is generally the theme. Riders have friendly banter in the team change over area, whilst recognising the effort and refusal to be beaten attitude of the solo ironmen. This event was a great success, the next round of this series heads for Ripon in north Yorkshire on June 12th where a large lap awaits competitors for the next level up, five hours, are you brave enough?

Well done to all riders who attended, big thanks to our hosts Butts Quarry for providing the venue in tip top shape as always. Marshals and helpers you know who you are, great job once again.

For now the focus turns back to the Rock Oil Championship on Sunday April 17th where the hilltop venue of Lee Dell near Rochdale will be the battleground for all RAW contenders.

www.rawenduro.co.uk