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All content © Bob MuIIins | |||
 
2018 Rock Oil Championship R9 Carlton Grange is one of RAW Enduro's true enduro venues, no MX track, flat fields or man made obstacles, just true Enduro woodland terrain. This year has seen exceptionally dry weather that has left the woodland in superb shape for competition. Even a downpour on Friday night didn't dampen the course too much as some sections were even kicking up dust. William Cawte made the second journey in a month from the Isle of Man worth while. He took victory in the Youth A class on his Juan Knight supported KTM. RAW Team Rider Bert Boam nodded his way to a very credible Youth B win on his KTM85. Another good turn out of Autos all finished the event with Jack Houghton taking the win on the shorter kids loop. Lilly Marshal again showed determination to get a finish despite an over the bars experience and a flat rear tyre on the final lap. As the full loop was pieced into the lap by RAW Marshals the adult AM race riders warmed their engines. An air frost overnight left Helmsley bathed in clear blue skies for the start of the first adult race of the day. Sportsman Richard Taylor was again in fine form taking the sportsman win before he moves up to clubman for 2019. Nick Taylor and Nick manger placed P2 and P3 respectfully to take good championship points. John Leith was sportsman vets winner, John a self confessed lover of proper enduro events took the bull by the horns and had his first RAW win in class. Andy Williams keeps the title hunt interesting in runner up place, whilst Mark Vardy had issues for the second week running when he lost his front brake less than 4 laps into the event. Third on the day was a great finish with no brake.
The scene is now set for the final Round 10 Rock Oil Championship showdown on October 28th. Wayne Braybrook has saved the best venue until last. A fantastic 300 Acre venue near Burnley in Lancashire will play host to the final race. Class Championships will be decided and fought out to the bitter end. Rolling Grass hillsides, farm tracks, Rock Gardens, Steam crossings, and some woodland areas will make up what is set to be the best event of 2018. Don't miss it this one is a real cracker!! Thanks to all RAW Marshals and well done to everyone who competed around one of the best Lee Dell Tracks ever. Thank you to all participants for leaving no litter on site after the event. RAW Enduro requested respect for the venue, and everyone responded, for that we are very grateful as we continue to keep venues for future use. The Next Event is Round 10 Final Showdown on October 28th. October 27th will see a Pay & Play at this brand new venue near Burnley. Hard Standing Paddock and Access roads means this event will run in any weather. See you all there. Website www.rawenduro.co.uk |
Jack
Winn was again the winner in the Sportsman Elite Class, This class has set new
levels this season, Helmsley saw racing in the class closer than ever with the
top 6 riders all on 14 laps. Simon Collins was the winner in the Novice class,
he like Richard Taylor will head for his upgrade as soon as the Novice title
is wrapped up. Andrew Maben loves Carlton Grange, his Over 50 win was a hard
fought one as Rob Swinbank kept him honest in runner up spot. Simone Wallis
has found good form towards the end of the Championship, the round 10 showdown
at the end of October will see Simone and Abbie Piggott in a winner takes all
final ladies race. Gary Daniels decided Helmsley was his place on Sunday, he
had Massive pressure from the in form Brad Lilburn as the pair swapped places
and jousted around the final laps of the race. At the Flag Daniels did enough
to keep Lilburn 2 seconds behind as the pair finished. Both lads shook hands
on a proper old school race. Tommy Grimmer ripped up the Helmsley track to
take the Clubman win despite having RAW Team rider Joe Townsend hot on his
heels most of the race. Towny took runner up on his FC250 just ahead of title
rival Neil Marshal. In the Elite Vets (Old Lads) class John Bradford was in
fine form taking the win and 6th overall in the event. The event ran like
clockwork, as expected, due to fantastic track preparations the course did
berm up nicely. Although the fastest line is always tight, riders were able to
use the extra wide areas to make safe passes when they needed to.