The Isle of Wight motorcycle club held the final round of the 2016 Winter Trials Championship on Sunday 4th December at Knighton Sand Pit, Newchurch. The Club would like to thank the landowner, Mr Roger Morgan, for welcoming us back to this excellent venue. Very many thanks also to Nick Symes, assisted by his band of merry helpers, for eight fun but challenging sections and to Viki Taylor who braved the biting cold wind to record the day’s events with her camera.
The Expert class was won by Will West who lost just nine marks, all on the tricky section four. Rob Howard pushed Will all the way to finish in second, only five marks between these two. Simon Newnham battled on well to secure third spot. Ben Read proved to be the clear winner of the well contested Intermediate class. Ben completed the trial with the lowest total of the day – a miserly seven dropped marks. Andy Scott-Jackson just about took second place from Mike Taylor in third. Andy’s final attempt on the graded hill climb (section eight) was very impressive, pretty much all on the rear wheel, I’m not sure it was planned that way but it looked awesome for the spectators!
James Craven should be really pleased with his performance, the clear winner of the Novice group of riders – great effort James. Keith Jacobs must also be happy to settle in second with Phil Chase in third. Course setter, Nick Symes was the only Twin Shock rider today and added another, maximum, ten Championship points to his seasons tally.
Phil Silvester finished the year on a high with another win in the Adult beginner class, despite riding unopposed, today’s result has earned him his first Winter series Championship – great achievement Phil, very well done. Meanwhile Jos Wright rode an absolute blinder in the Youth Expert class, his section scores rivalled some of the adults on the B course. Harrison Crickmore sealed the Youth Beginner’s Championship - emerging as the clear winner today from the improving Josh Morris. The beginners were presented with a separate section eight, the graded hill was deemed to be too difficult for the beginners to attempt. – however the youngsters found the alternative (rocky) section to be rather testing too.
The Club next meet on Boxing Day at Shorwell Chalk Pit for the annual Father and Son trial. At the earlier than usual start time of eleven o-clock. Prizes are on offer for the best Adult and Youth fancy dressed riders. I hope to see you all then. The Club would like to wish all its members, land owners, friends and associates a very happy Christmas and very best wishes for 2017.
The Club will be returning to Knighton in April 2017 for the 50th Golden Anniversary Wight Two Day Trial. The Reg’s and entry form are available from the Club website and entries are now open. We are expecting a bumper entry so please get your paperwork sent in sooner rather than later to secure your place in this historic Club milestone.