Once again the partnership of True Grit off Road and Dirtbike-Trax proved to be a successful one with them providing an excellent Bank holiday weekend of XC Racing at Butts Quarry MX/XC venue…

With perfect summer weather in the whole of Yorkshire these last few weeks, the Organisers were slightly worried with the rain forecast in Derbyshire. Despite this factor the team were determined to create an alternate fast flowing fun course for their 140 strong entry list!!!

Sunday 9am sharp the race hungry youngsters darted into the first corner with Dan Bewlay taking the Senior B holeshot, closely stalked by Billy Steinman, Dan Suddaby and Matt Clark. Archie Flack took the early lead in the Juniors Class while Ben Turner, Dan Clark and Sol Coburn battled for second position. The young guns weren’t phased by the ascends and descends despite the wet weather. Great determination was shown by Toby ‘No Fear’ Flack holding it open on his KTM 50cc Auto, Class Positions were exchanged throughout the 1.5hr Hare Scramble. Eventual overall winner was Dan ‘Scrub’ Bewlay with 2^nd merit going to Billy Steinman and Kwak rider Dan Suddaby in third, Junior Class proved to be a great Battle with Ben Turner taking the gold over Archie Flack in 2^nd and Sol Coburn in 3^rd. Well done to all of the Young competitors. Parents later commented on how at ease they felt having a Mobile Paramedic circling the course aboard his KTM exc,

11am on the dot -  Race Director Martyn Field set off the Iron men as they limped and dived and dashed doing what ever means necessary from the le mans style start into their 4 hour challenge around the testing Butts Course. At a minute interval the Iron teams’ first rider raced into battle, who would get the clean run up ‘The HILL’ ??

The First Hour into the event, if the rider didn’t enjoy themselves the spectators certainly did with the weather conditions creating major problems for some riders, 1.5hrs past and the waterfalls stopped, the riders were able to get into their rhythm , with racing, tactics and team work in all classes. Overall Iron Man winner was Expert Tom Braddock an impressive 3 laps in front of his closest rival Karl Waltho. 2^nd.  Expert Iron Man was Liam Eddlestone with James Goodall in 3^rd, Karl Waltho 1^st place clubman followed by Ian Coburn in 2nd and Luke Flack in 3^rd closely followed by Reece ‘Ginger Nut’ Morewood in 4^th place.

Sportsman Iron Man Winner from Start to finish was Darren Skilling, with Karl Chadwick 2^nd and Craig Hope 3^rd.

  Expert Teams proved to be the days entertainment after the slop had dried and all riders found their grip. A close battle between team Biff/ Brewster - Team Samson/Healy and Team Houson/Ward scoring laps within seconds of each other.

Expert Iron Team eventual winners were Lincoln Brewster and Biff Smith. 2^nd Place went to Tom Healy and Lee Samson, with Gav Houson and Liam Ward in 3^rd place.

Clubman Iron Team Trophy went to Rob Pearce and Neil Marshall. 2^nd place to Ed Field and J. Allen with Howard Blundell and Stuart Goodall in a very good   3^rd. Sportsman Iron Team was clearly won by Ian Hayworth and Joe wheeler 2 laps clear of 2^nd place Tom leoard and Craig Emmerson with Scott Thompson and Stuart Thompson in 3^rd.

Well done to all riders who showed an impressive ride with only a handful of DNF’s despite the morning showers, not a single reported injury which is great news.

Thank you very much for attending the IRON MAN   Challenge and a big thanks to all Marshalls, spectators and riders for making this a easy fun weekend.

Hope to See you all At DBT’s New Venue -  Manby Motoplex for round 9 of The National Putoline Hare scramble championship 18^th, 19^th September

Thanks from the TGOR Team.