Fresh from their success at hosting the final round of the Northern British Bike Championship, it was back to club action for Red Rose Classic MCC. Top Quarry at Lothersdale was the venue for four laps of ten sections, with grassy bankings and hillocks the order of the day - and not a stream in sight., but heavy rain on Saturday had left the going very slippery, with sections cutting up as the day wore on, leading to some high scores.
A fixture clash with the National Twin Shock Championship and other north west trials accounted for a relatively low number of starters - 38 - although the quality more than made up for the quantity. Former World Champion Yrjo Vesterinen made a welcome appearance on a Bantam, along with fellow Finn Tom Sjoman, who was out on Vesty's familiar Tiger Cub and it was Vesterinen who emerged a clear winner in class C, losing just six marks in the difficult conditions, four ahead of Andrew Scott on his Tiger Cub. Steve Thomas completed the top three on his Bantam, with 24 marks on the scoreboard.
Despite dropping 49 marks, Chris Nutter topped the Ce class on his BSA, with Max Heys (Cub) on 62 and Peter McCawley (James) on 72.
Eric Atkinson and his amazing Ambassador had class D all to himself, following the retirement of Paul Harrison's Banvill.
In the Twin Shock class, Mick Clarke (Bultaco) saw off the challenge of Geoff Potts' Fantic ahead of third-placed Honda of David Wilkinson.
It was a close-run affair in the 12- strong class Te, with Phil Holey (Honda) edging out Paul Whittaker (Fantic) with the scores on 28-29.
John Matthews (Suzuki) finished third on 65.
The club would like to thank the landowners, the observers and the clerks of the course, Alan and Matt Taylor. Red Rose's next championship trial is at Copy Pit, Cliviger, on November 22. Nearest postcode is BB10 4SZ.
Results
Class C: Yrjo Vesterinen (Bantam) 6, Andrew Scott (Cub) 10, Steve Thomas (Bantam) 24.
Class Ce: Chris Nutter (BSA) 49, Max Heys (Cub) 62, Peter McCawley (James) 72.
Class D: Eric Atkinson (Ambassador) 65.
Class T: Mick Clarke (Bultaco) 31, Geoff Potts (Fantic) 42, David Wilkinson (Honda) 48.
Class Te: Phil Holey (Honda) 28, Paul Whittaker (Fantic) 29, John Matthews (Suzuki) 65.