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Grasstrack

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Grasstrack
500 cc Grasstrack bike
Presence
OlympicNo
ParalympicNo

Motorcycle Grasstrack is a form of track racing which typically, in its current form, takes place on a flat track consisting of two straights and two bends usually constructed in a field.[1][2] It is one of the oldest types of motorcycle sports in the UK with the first meetings having taken place in the 1920s.[1]

History

[edit]

In the United Kingdom, kidney-shaped circuits were sometimes used to include a right hand bend, and undulating hillsides were also used to increase the challenge for riders.[1] The events traditionally occurred after haymaking and before harvesting season on newly-cut fields.[1] Postwar grasstrack circuits included "permanent" venues such as Brands Hatch and Mallory Park which were not simple oval shapes, although solo motorcycle races were run in an anti-clockwise direction. Later, these were converted into tarmac circuits with races using the more common clockwise direction associated with modern roadracing.

In the modern era, it is generally similar to Speedway with races usually taking place over 4 laps from a standing start. Unlike Speedway, which has 4 riders per race, Grasstrack racing can have many riders in each heat and the circuit is normally longer allowing higher speeds. Grasstrack has three solo classes, 250 cc, 350 cc and 500 cc together with three sidecar classes; left-handed 500 cc and 1000 cc (turning left) and right-handed 1000 cc (turning right).

The British Grasstrack season usually starts in early spring around the Easter holidays and runs through the summer/autumn months. More spectacular racing takes place at larger roped tracks including the Poacher and ASTRA Champion of Champions and Grand Slam meetings in Kent and in particular the most exciting meeting of all at the famous Rhodes Minnis circuit.

The pinnacle of the domestic Grasstrack season is the British Masters Championships. This official ACU championship is where the British champion is crowned in the mainstream 500 cc solo and 1000 cc right hand sidecar classes. Many famous Speedway riders such as 1976 world champion Peter Collins started their racing careers in Grasstrack. Some Speedway riders continue to take part in national Grasstrack meetings when their schedule permits. Grand Prix road racers John Surtees and Gary Hocking also began their racing careers in grass track competitions.[3][4] Other competitors from the postwar era included now-famous names such as Bernie Ecclestone and Murray Walker.

In Europe the same sport is often called Long Track racing.[5] This is exactly the same setup as British grasstrack which has tracks normally around 600–800 meters in length, but is held on the continent with tracks up to 1000–1200 meters in length and with speeds reaching 90 mph – 100 mph. The machinery used is the same as are the riders.

Grasstrack Motorcycles

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Grasstrack racing motorcycles look quite similar to Speedway machines but there are different engine capacity limits for each class. In the UK there are classes for 250 cc (normally 2 stroke engines), 350 cc and 500 cc bikes (usually 4-stroke engines).[1] Unlike Speedway bikes which have no gears, Grasstrack bikes usually have a 2 speed gearbox.[1] Both Speedway and Grasstrack bike have no brakes.[1] The only other main difference is that speedway bikes have no rear suspension and are shorter in length, usually by around 10–12 inches.

Also there is a class called Pre-75. These are bikes that have been made before 1975. The three classes in Pre-75, are 250, 350 and 500 cc.

As well as solo racing, sidecar racing is also quite popular and often very spectacular. There are mainly three recognised classes, 500 cc (using solo 4-stroke engines) and two 1000 cc classes (using stock road bike engines). Again, they all run on methanol, and the 500 cc class and the 1000cc Lefthand sidecar class run anti-clockwise around the oval track, and the 1000 cc class clockwise. The reason behind the difference in direction is often asked, the main reason being the origin of each class. The 500cc sidecars having been developed in mainland Europe, where drivers drive on the right of the road. The 1000cc sidecar has been developed in the UK where road users drive on the left. Therefore, the sidecar wheel is always found on the nearside of the vehicle.

The fastest recorded oval lap record is held by UK's Kelvin Tatum MBE at Rastede (1000 m Grass/Sand surface) in Germany at an average speed of 144.31 km/h.

Junior Grasstrack

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Riders can start in Grasstrack racing at a young age (6 years old in the UK). Junior Grasstrack clubs cater for riders with motocross bikes as well as Grasstrack machines.

The ACU hold a National Youth Championship each season.

Current ACU British Youth Champions[6]

Class Champion
Autos Jacob Penfold
Cadets Leo Sturgeon
Juniors Cooper Rushen
Intermediates Cameron Taylor

Organisation

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Whilst there are several Grasstrack racing clubs in the UK, the sport is regulated by the governing body of British motorcycle sport, the Auto Cycle Union (ACU) who organise an annual British championship.

British Championships

[edit]

The British Grasstrack Championships take place at two separate events. The 250 cc and 350 cc solo, 500 cc sidecar and 1000 cc Left Hand sidecar championships take place at the ACU British National Championships. The 500 cc Solos and 1000 cc Right Hand Sidecar Champions are decided at the ACU British Masters Championships. Qualification for the National Championships are by way of a National Gradings List. There is a British Masters Qualifying event held to determine qualification for the British Masters Final event.

The British Championships are important events, particularly for 500 cc solo and 500 cc sidecar riders. The results of the championships determine who is to represent the nation on an international level for the FIM World Longtrack Championships and the UEM European Sidecar Championships. More recently a World Championship has emerged for 1000 cc Right Hand sidecars. Qualification is determined on results from both the British Masters event and the British Sidecar Speedway Championships. Many 500 cc solo riders race Grasstrack for their profession, therefore a good result in the British Masters is essential.

British Masters Championship

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500cc Solo[7]

Year First Second Third
1982 United Kingdom Simon Wigg United Kingdom Steve Schofield United Kingdom Sean Wilmott
1983 United Kingdom Simon Wigg United Kingdom Simon Cross United Kingdom Steve Schofield
1984 United Kingdom Martin Hagon United Kingdom Trevor Banks United Kingdom Simon Cross
1985 United Kingdom Simon Wigg United Kingdom Peter Carr United Kingdom Trevor Banks
1986 United Kingdom Simon Cross United Kingdom Martin Hagon United Kingdom Trevor Banks
1987 United Kingdom Martin Hagon United Kingdom Trevor Banks United Kingdom Nigel Da'Ath
1988 United Kingdom Steve Schofield United Kingdom Trevor Banks United Kingdom Jeremy Doncaster
1989 United Kingdom Simon Wigg United Kingdom Clayton Williams United Kingdom Paul Fry
1990 United Kingdom Simon Wigg United Kingdom Martin Hagon United Kingdom Paul Fry
1991 United Kingdom Mark Loram United Kingdom Jeremy Doncaster United Kingdom Simon Wigg
1992 United Kingdom Joe Screen United Kingdom Steve Schofield United Kingdom Jeremy Doncaster
1993 United Kingdom Mark Loram United Kingdom Trevor Banks United Kingdom Kelvin Tatum
1994 United Kingdom Simon Cross United Kingdom Steve Schofield United Kingdom Kelvin Tatum
1995 United Kingdom Joe Screen United Kingdom Kelvin Tatum United Kingdom Simon Cross
1996 United Kingdom Kelvin Tatum United Kingdom Steve Schofield United Kingdom Jeremy Doncaster
1997 United Kingdom Paul Hurry United Kingdom Kelvin Tatum United Kingdom Trevor Banks
1998 cancelled due to Weather
1999 United Kingdom Kelvin Tatum United Kingdom Joe Screen United Kingdom Scott Nicholls
2000 United Kingdom Kelvin Tatum United Kingdom Paul Hurry United Kingdom Glenn Cunningham
2001 United Kingdom Kelvin Tatum/Glenn Cunningham United Kingdom Paul Hurry
2002 United Kingdom Paul Hurry United Kingdom Joe Screen United Kingdom Andrew Appleton
2003 United Kingdom Joe Screen United Kingdom Matt Read United Kingdom Kelvin Tatum
2004 United Kingdom Paul Hurry United Kingdom Andrew Appleton United Kingdom Jason Handley
2005 United Kingdom Paul Hurry United Kingdom Jason Handley United Kingdom David Howe
2006 United Kingdom Andrew Appleton United Kingdom Richard Smith United Kingdom Jamie Rodgers
2007 United Kingdom Glen Phillips United Kingdom Paul Hurry United Kingdom Joe Screen
2008 United Kingdom Jason Handley United Kingdom Paul Cooper United Kingdom Glen Phillips
2009 United Kingdom Lewis Denham United Kingdom Jamie Rodgers United Kingdom Andrew Appleton
2010 United Kingdom Andrew Appleton United Kingdom Jamie Rodgers United Kingdom Tim Nobes
2011 United Kingdom Andrew Appleton United Kingdom Glen Phillips United Kingdom Tom Perry
2012 Australia Cameron Woodward United Kingdom Tom Perry United Kingdom Glen Phillips
2013 Australia Cameron Woodward United Kingdom Andrew Appleton United Kingdom Paul Cooper
2014 United Kingdom Andrew Appleton United Kingdom David Howe United Kingdom Paul Cooper
2015 United Kingdom James Shanes United Kingdom Andrew Appleton United Kingdom James Wright
2016 United Kingdom James Shanes United Kingdom Edward Kennett United Kingdom Paul Hurry
2017 United Kingdom James Shanes United Kingdom Paul Hurry United Kingdom Edward Kennett
2018 United Kingdom Zach Wajtknecht United Kingdom James Shanes United Kingdom Andrew Appleton
2019 United Kingdom James Shanes United Kingdom Zach Wajtknecht United Kingdom Paul Hurry
2020 cancelled due to Covid
2021 United Kingdom Chris Harris United Kingdom James Shanes United Kingdom Mitch Godden

1000cc Sidecar[8]

Year First Second Third
1982 United Kingdom Dave Manning & Peter Blanke United Kingdom Pete Brown & John Morron United Kingdom Steve Smith & Trevor Pye
1983 United Kingdom Steve Smith & Trevor Pye United Kingdom Roger Measor & Jeff Measor United Kingdom Ted Tucker & Dave Ward
1984 United Kingdom Alan Blewitt & Barry Metcalfe United Kingdom Steve Dewison & Chris Brown United Kingdom Ted Tucker & Dave Ward
1985 United Kingdom Roger Measor & Dave Harris United Kingdom Pete Brown & Craig Cheetam United Kingdom Steve Dewison & Chris Brown
1986 United Kingdom Roger Measor & Dave Harris United Kingdom Ken Lane & Paul Urycz United Kingdom Steve Dewison & Dave Ward
1987 United Kingdom Steve Dewison & Dave Ward United Kingdom Roger Measor & Dave Harris United Kingdom Dave Manning & Peter Blanke
1988 United Kingdom Steve Dewison & Dave Ward United Kingdom Roger Measor & Dave Harris United Kingdom Richard Piggott & Tony Angelico
1989 United Kingdom Steve Dewison & Dave Ward United Kingdom Richard Piggott & Tony Angelico United Kingdom Alan Blewitt & John Blewitt
1990 United Kingdom Steve Smith & Keith Wall United Kingdom Roger Measor & Steve Bailey United Kingdom Alan Blewitt & John Blewitt
1991 United Kingdom Richard Piggott & Martin Bailey United Kingdom Roger Measor & Steve Bailey United Kingdom Russel Ing & Paul Urycz
1992 United Kingdom Ken Lane & Mark Edwards United Kingdom Russel Ing & Paul Urycz United Kingdom Gary Jackson & Kevin Williams
1993 United Kingdom Ivor Matthews & Peter Jones United Kingdom Russel Ing & Paul Urycz United Kingdom Ken Lane & Mark Edwards
1994 United Kingdom Roger Measor & Shane Lapham United Kingdom Ivor Matthews & Peter Jones United Kingdom Gary Jackson & Kevin Williams
1995 United Kingdom Roger Measor & Shane Lapham United Kingdom Mark Edwards & Nick Walters United Kingdom Gary Jackson & Mick Stace
1996 United Kingdom Gary Jackson & Mick Stace United Kingdom Mark Edwards & Nick Walters United Kingdom Roger Measor & Shane Lapham
1997 United Kingdom Gary Jackson & Mick Stace United Kingdom Rob Wilson & Tony Miles United Kingdom John Halsey & Jason Glenie
1998 cancelled due to Weather
1999 United Kingdom John Halsey & Jason Glenie United Kingdom Gary Jackson & Carl Pugh United Kingdom Rob Wilson & Tony Miles
2000 United Kingdom Rob Wilson & Tony Miles United Kingdom Colin Blackbourn & Martin Bailey United Kingdom Ivor Matthews & Symon Wall
2001 United Kingdom Rob Bradley & Tris Winterburn/Gary Jackson & Carl Pugh United Kingdom John Halsey & Jason Glenie
2002 United Kingdom John Halsey & Jason Glenie United Kingdom Gary Jackson & Carl Pugh United Kingdom Ivor Matthews & Tony Miles
2003 United Kingdom Rob Bradley & Tris Winterburn United Kingdom John Halsey & Jason Glenie United Kingdom Rob Wilson & Ian Whale
2004 United Kingdom Paul Whitelam & Kevin Jones United Kingdom Rob Bradley & Jason Gill United Kingdom Matt Fumarola & Andi Wilson
2005 United Kingdom Rob Wilson & Ian Whale United Kingdom John Halsey & Jason Glenie United Kingdom Paul Whitelam & Terry Saunters
2006 United Kingdom Rob Bradley & Shaun Simpson United Kingdom Rob Wilson & Nicky Owen United Kingdom Duncan Tolhurst & Australia Rob Patterson
2007 United Kingdom Colin Blackbourn & Paul Whitelam Jr United Kingdom Steve Smith & Carl Pugh United Kingdom Ivor Matthews & Tony Miles
2008 United Kingdom Rob Bradley & Shaun Simpson United Kingdom Paul Whitelam & Alan Elliott United Kingdom Rob Wilson & Terry Saunters
2009 United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Tom Cossar United Kingdom Colin Blackbourn & Martyn Smith United Kingdom Rod Winterburn & Liam Brown
2010 United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Carl Blyth United Kingdom Rob Bradley & Shaun Simpson United Kingdom Paul Whitelam & Alan Elliott
2011 United Kingdom Rod Winterburn & Liam Brown United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Carl Blyth United Kingdom Rob Bradley & Shaun Simpson
2012 United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Carl Blyth United Kingdom Rob Bradley & Shaun Simpson United Kingdom Paul Whitelam & Alan Elliott
2013 United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Carl Blyth United Kingdom Rob Wilson & Terry Saunters United Kingdom Rob Bradley & Shaun Simpson
2014 United Kingdom Rod Winterburn & Liam Brown United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Carl Blyth United Kingdom Gareth Winterburn & Billy Winterburn
2015 United Kingdom Colin Blackbourn & Carl Pugh United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Carl Blyth United Kingdom Gareth Winterburn & Billy Winterburn
2016 United Kingdom Rod Winterburn & Billy Winterburn United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Carl Blyth United Kingdom Gareth Winterburn & Liam Brown
2017 United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Carl Blyth United Kingdom Rod Winterburn & Billy Winterburn United Kingdom Gareth Winterburn & Liam Brown
2018 United Kingdom Gareth Winterburn & Liam Brown United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Carl Blyth United Kingdom Rod Winterburn & Billy Winterburn
2019 United Kingdom Gareth Winterburn & Liam Brown United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Carl Blyth United Kingdom Colin Blackbourn & Carl Pugh
2020 cancelled due to Covid
2021 United Kingdom Mark Cossar & Gareth Williams United Kingdom Gareth Winterburn & Liam Brown United Kingdom Tom Cossar & Wayne Rickards

British Grasstrack Championship

[edit]

Current ACU British Grasstrack Champions

Class Champion
250cc Solo[9] Jake Mulford
350cc Solo[10] Paul Cooper
500cc Sidecar[11] Mitch Godden & Paul Smith
1000cc LH Sidecar[12] Alex Balman/Mark Hopkins
Pre75 250cc Solo[13] Phil Ranson
Pre75 350cc Solo[14] Chris Mackett
Pre75 500cc Solo[15] Ricky Scarboro
Upright 250cc Solo[16] Chris Mackett
Upright 350cc Solo[17] Luke Harris
Upright 500cc Solo[18] Tony Atkin

World Championships

[edit]

The FIM, the World's motorcycle racing authority run a World Longtrack series as well as a World Team Cup. Although both events are named 'Longtrack', they often are competed for on Grass. The World Longtrack series competitors must either qualify by finishing high enough up the standings the previous year, be selected by the FIM for a 'Wild Card', or compete in a series of qualifiers and the 'Challenge' meeting, held annually.

The World Team Cup involves each team consisting of 3 riders racing each other for points. The top team at the end is the winner.

The 1000cc Right Hand Sidecars also have their own World Championship, previously known as the 'Sidecar World Cup' and 'Sidecar Gold Cup'. The event usually takes place on speedway circuits, with Sidecar Speedway machines being mostly used.

World Longtrack Championships

[edit]

World Sidecar Championship

[edit]
Year[19] Venue Winners Second Third
2005 Germany Werlte abandoned due to weather
2006 United Kingdom Isle of Wight Australia Scott Christopher & Trent Koppe United Kingdom Gary Jackson & Carl Blyth United Kingdom Rob Wilson & Nicky Owen
2007 Australia Wayville Australia Mick Headland & Paul Waters Australia Gary Moon & Duane Dennis Australia Mark Plaisted & Sam Harrison
2008 United Kingdom Kings Lynn Australia Darrin Treloar & Justin Plaisted Australia Rick House & Adam Commons Australia David Bottrell & Ben Pitt
2009 France La Reole Australia Mick Headland & Paul Waters Australia Gary Moon & Josh Sinnott United Kingdom Rob Wilson & Terry Saunters
2010 United Kingdom Coventry Australia Mick Headland & Jesse Headland United Kingdom Gary Jackson & Henry Rogers United Kingdom Richard Moore & Rick McAuley
2011 Australia Murray Bridge Australia Darrin Treloar & Jesse Headland Australia Glenn O'Brien & Aaron Maynard Australia Grant Bond & Glenn Cox
2016 Australia Gillman Australia Darrin Treloar & Blake Cox Australia Trent Headland & United Kingdom Daz Whetstone Australia Mick Headland & Jesse Headland
2017 Australia Gillman Australia Warren Monson & Andrew Summerhayes Australia Darrin Treloar & Blake Cox New Zealand Andrew Buchanan & Australia Denny Cox
2018 Australia Gillman Australia Darrin Treloar & Jesse Headland Australia Mark Mitchell & Tony Carter New Zealand Andrew Buchanan & Australia Denny Cox
2019 Australia Gillman Australia Warren Monson & Andrew Summerhayes Australia Mark Plaisted & Ben Pitt Australia Darrin Treloar & Blake Cox
2020 cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021 cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

European Championships

[edit]

FIM Europe hold European Championships for both the 500cc Solos and 500cc Sidecar classes. Qualification for both events is through one of the semi-finals, before a One Day Final, where the winner of the 'A' Final at the end of the event is crowned European Champion.

Year[20] Venue First Second Third
1978 United Kingdom Hereford United Kingdom Chris Baybutt Germany Franz Kolbeck United Kingdom Don Godden
1979 Netherlands Assen United Kingdom Gerald Short Germany Gunther Brackland Netherlands Tjalle Reitsma
1980 Germany Bad Waldsee Germany Willi Stauch United Kingdom Gerald Short Sweden Sture Lindblom
1981 France Artigues de Lussac United Kingdom Neil Farnish United Kingdom Bernie Leigh Denmark Skjold Larsen
1982 Belgium Damme United Kingdom Jeremy Doncaster United Kingdom Mike Beaumont Germany Josef Maucher
1983 Germany Nandlstadt Germany Christian Brandt Germany Eric Schafferer United Kingdom Gerald Short
1984 Netherlands Eenrum United Kingdom Martin Hagon Czech Republic Vaclav Verner Denmark Kent Noer
1985 France La Reole United Kingdom Clayton Williams Netherlands Harm Horstede Denmark Tommy Brock
1986 Netherlands Eenrum United Kingdom Simon Cross United Kingdom Steve Schofield Germany Joachim Reitzel
1987 Germany Nandlstadt Czech Republic Roman Matoušek Germany Joachim Reitzel United Kingdom Bob Dolman
1988 Netherlands Joure Germany Frank Kehlenbeck United Kingdom Will James Denmark Kent Noer
1989 France La Reole Germany Robert Barth Denmark Kent Noer United Kingdom John Bostin
1990 Netherlands Uithuizen Germany Robert Barth Denmark Kent Noer Netherlands Henk Snijder
1991 Germany Werlte Russia Rif Saigareev Germany Thomas Diehr United Kingdom Trever Banks
1992 Belgium Alken Netherlands Anne van der Helm Czech Republic Vaclav Milik Netherlands Paulus Ellens
1993 Netherlands Eenrum United Kingdom Richard Musson Netherlands Paulus Ellens Italy Armando Dal Chiele
1994 Germany Cloppenburg Germany Robert Barth Netherlands Anne van der Helm United Kingdom Steve Schofield
1995 Netherlands Joure United Kingdom Kelvin Tatum Germany Bernd Diener Netherlands Anne van der Helm
1996 France Saint-Colomb-de-Lauzun Australia Steve Johnston United Kingdom Steve Schofield Czech Republic Zdeněk Schneiderwind
1997 No Championship
1998 Germany Schwarme Czech Republic Zdeněk Schneiderwind Russia Oleg Kurguskin Italy Massimo Mora
1999 Germany Werlte Germany Bernd Diener Czech Republic Zdeněk Schneiderwind Ukraine Vladimir Trofimov
2000 France Saint-Colomb-de-Lauzun Czech Republic Zdeněk Schneiderwind Netherlands Uppie Bos Germany Enrico Janoschka
2001 Netherlands Noordwolde Netherlands Maik Groen Czech Republic Zdeněk Schneiderwind Netherlands Uppie Bos
2002 Germany Berghaupten Germany Sirg Schutzbach Czech Republic Zdeněk Schneiderwind Netherlands Uppie Bos
2003 France La Reole Germany Gerd Riss Germany Herbert Rudolph Germany Matthias Kroger
2004 Netherlands Eenrum Netherlands Theo Pijper Germany Gerd Riss Germany Bernd Diener
2005 Germany Schwarme United Kingdom Paul Hurry Netherlands Dirk Fabriek United Kingdom Andrew Appleton
2006 France La Reole Germany Stephan Katt Netherlands Theo Pijper Netherlands Dirk Fabriek
2007 United Kingdom Folkestone Netherlands Theo Pijper Germany Stephan Katt United Kingdom Andrew Appleton
2008 Netherlands Siddeburen France Stephane Tresarrieu Germany Richard Speiser Finland Rene Lehtinen
2009 Germany Berghaupten Germany Stephan Katt France Stephane Tresarrieu United Kingdom Glen Phillips
2010 France La Reole United Kingdom Andrew Appleton Netherlands Theo Pijper Germany Martin Smolinski
2011 United Kingdom Wainfleet Germany Martin Smolinski Netherlands Jannick de Jong United Kingdom Andrew Appleton
2012 Netherlands Eenrum Germany Stephan Katt Netherlands Dirk Fabriek Netherlands Jannick de Jong
2013 Germany Bielefeld Netherlands Jannick de Jong Netherlands Dirk Fabriek Germany Richard Speiser
2014 France St. Macaire Netherlands Jannick de Jong United Kingdom David Howe Germany Enrico Janoschka
2015 Netherlands Staphorst Netherlands Jannick de Jong United Kingdom James Shanes Germany Stephan Katt
2016 United Kingdom Folkestone United Kingdom James Shanes France Mathieu Tresarrieu United Kingdom Andrew Appleton
2017 Germany Hertingan United Kingdom James Shanes United Kingdom Andrew Appleton United Kingdom Edward Kennett
2018 France Tayac France Dimitri Berge Czech Republic Josef Franc United Kingdom Zach Wajtknecht
2019 Germany Bad Hersfeld United Kingdom Zach Wajtknecht United Kingdom Paul Hurry Denmark Kenneth Hansen
2020 France Tayac France Mathieu Tresarrieu Netherlands Romano Hummel Netherlands Dave Meijerink
2021 United Kingdom Leamington Spa cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2022 United Kingdom Leamington Spa due to take place on 7 August 2022
Year[21] Venue First Second Third
1980 Germany Melsungen Germany Otto Bauer & Peter Stiegelbrunner Germany Egon Waller & Edgar Starke Germany Michael Datzmann & Rosamunde Datzmann
1981 Netherlands Assen Germany Michael Datzmann & Rosamunde Datzmann Germany Heinz Pagel & Hans Werner Kempa Germany Otto Bauer & Peter Stiegelbrunner
1982 Germany Schwarme Germany Michael Datzmann & Rosamunde Datzmann Germany Heinz Pagel & Jurgen Zaddach Germany Rudolf Meyer & Diter Held
1983 Netherlands Assen Germany Michael Datzmann & Rosamunde Datzmann Germany Michael Lippmann & Willi Ganss Germany Heinz Pagel & Jurgen Zaddach
1984 Germany Berghaupten Germany Michael Datzmann & Rosamunde Datzmann Germany Heinz Pagel & Jurgen Zaddach Germany Ulrich Wehrle & Stefan Rufat
1985 Netherlands Kuinre Germany Heinz Pagel & Jurgen Zaddach Germany Ewald Heim & Robert Heim Germany Karl Keil & Joachim Reeg
1986 Germany Bad Waldsee Germany Josef Onderka & Franz Onderka Germany Karl Keil & Reiner Ganster Germany Heinz Pagel & Herbert Bucker
1987 France Valence Germany Josef Onderka & Franz Onderka Switzerland Hans Bolliger & Bernhard Gloor Germany Karl Keil & Reiner Ganster
1988 Germany Celle Germany Karl Keil & Joachim Reeg Germany Josef Onderka & Franz Onderka Netherlands Marco Glorie & Erik van Dijk
1989 Germany Berghaupten Germany Josef Onderka & Josef Feigl Switzerland Hans Bolliger & Bernhard Gloor Germany Karl Keil & Joachim Reeg
1990 Germany Haunstetten Germany Josef Onderka & Robert Wolf Germany Karl Keil & Joachim Reeg Germany Bernd Soger & Heinz Brandt
1991 Netherlands Eenrum Germany Josef Onderka & Robert Wolf Germany Karl Keil & Joachim Reeg Germany Eward Heim & Robert Heim
1992 Germany Berghaupten Germany Josef Onderka & Walter Huber Germany Thomas Kunert & Josef Feigl France Laurent Sambarrey & Lionel Sambarrey
1993 Germany Harsewinkel Germany Karl Keil & Joachim Reeg Germany Josef Onderka & Josef Feigl Netherlands Marco Glorie & Harry Drenth
1994 Netherlands Lattrop Netherlands Marco Glorie & Harry Drenth Germany Karl Keil & Joachim Reeg Germany Eward Heim & Robert Heim
1995 Germany Melsungen Germany Thomas Kunert & Wolfgang Maier Germany Peter Murmann & Stefan Muller Netherlands Marco Glorie & Harry Drenth
1996 Netherlands Eenrum Germany Thomas Kunert & Marco Hundsrucker Germany Josef Onderka & Uwe Kuhberger France Jacues Leduc & Michel Gorget
1997 Germany Melsungen Germany Josef Onderka & Uwe Kuhberger Germany Thomas Kunert & Marco Hundsrucker Germany Oswald Bischoff & Mario Siebert
1998 France Morizes Germany Josef Onderka & Uwe Kuhberger Germany Thomas Kunert & Hermann Bacher Germany Oswald Bischoff & Mario Siebert
1999 Germany Vechta Germany Thomas Kunert & Hermann Bacher Germany Josef Onderka & Uwe Kuhberger Germany Oswald Bischoff & Mario Siebert
2000 Netherlands Lattrop Germany Josef Onderka & Martin Wamprechtshammer Germany Thomas Kunert & Hermann Bacher Netherlands Marco Glorie & Harry Drenth
2001 Germany Melsungen Germany Thomas Kunert & Marco Hundsrucker Germany Oswald Bischoff & Mario Siebert Netherlands Marco Glorie & Harry Drenth
2002 Netherlands Siddeburen Germany Josef Onderka & Martin Wamprechtshammer Netherlands William Matthijsen & Erwin Boers Germany Thomas Kunert & Markus Eibl
2003 Germany Angenrod Germany Thomas Kunert & Hermann Bacher Germany Oswald Bischoff & Rainer Falter Netherlands William Matthijsen & Erwin Boers
2004 United Kingdom High Easter Germany Thomas Kunert & Bernd Kreuzer Netherlands Tjeerd Hoekstra & Henk Auwema Netherlands William Matthijsen & Nathalie Matthijssen
2005 Netherlands Siddeburen Netherlands Sven Holstein & Desiree Daubert Netherlands William Matthijsen & Nathalie Matthijssen Netherlands Mark Detz & Gerald Eelding
2006 Germany Melsungen Germany Thomas Kunert & Bernd Kreuzer Germany Markus Brandhofer & Helmut Beller Germany Karl Keil & Berit Tralau
2007 Netherlands Eenrum Netherlands William Matthijsen & Nathalie Matthijssen Germany Markus Venus & Florian Niedermeier Netherlands Sven Holstein & Desiree Daubert
2008 Germany Bielefeld Germany Thomas Kunert & Markus Eibl Netherlands William Matthijsen & Nathalie Matthijssen Germany Stefan Brandhofer & Marco Hundsrucker
2009 United Kingdom Wimborne Netherlands William Matthijsen & Nathalie Matthijssen Germany Thomas Kunert & Markus Eibl Netherlands Markus Brandhofer & Corinna Gunthor
2010 Germany Uithuizen Germany Thomas Kunert & Markus Eibl Netherlands William Matthijssen & Sandra Mollema Netherlands Sven Holstein & United Kingdom Anthony Goodwin
2011 Netherlands Noordwolde Netherlands William Matthijssen & Nathalie Matthijssen Netherlands Mark Detz & Bonita van Dijk Germany Stefan Brandhofer & Daniel Eibl
2012 Germany Werlte Germany Thomas Kunert & Markus Eibl Germany Markus Venus & Markus Heiss Germany Stefan Brandhofer & Daniel Eibl
2013 Netherlands Loppersum Germany Thomas Kunert & Markus Eibl Netherlands William Matthijssen & Nathalie Stellingwerf France Christophe Grenier & Netherlands Gerben Sanders
2014 United Kingdom High Easter United Kingdom Josh Goodwin & Liam Brown United Kingdom Nick Radley & Abi Radley Germany Markus Venus & Markus Heiss
2015 Germany Hertingen cancelled due to accident during practice
2016 Netherlands Vries Netherlands William Matthijssen & Sandra Mollema Germany Markus Venus & Markus Heiss Germany Markus Brandhofer & Michael Zapf
2017 France Tayac Netherlands William Matthijssen & Sandra Mollema Germany Markus Brandhofer & Tim Scheunemann Germany Markus Venus & Markus Heiss
2018 Germany Wertle Netherlands William Matthijssen & Sandra Mollema England Mitch Godden & Paul Smith Germany Markus Venus & Markus Heiss
2019 Netherlands Eenrum Netherlands William Matthijssen & Sandra Mollema Germany Markus Venus & Markus Heis England Mitch Godden & Paul Smith
2020 cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021 cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

National Championships

[edit]

A number of countries, where the sport of Grasstrack, and Longtrack, are popular, hold National Championships for a number of different classes. In Great Britain, the 500cc Solos and 1000cc Sidecars have their own Championship, whereas the 250cc, 350cc Solos and 500cc & 1000cc Left-Handed Sidecar champions are decided in a separate event. Other classes, such as Youth and Vintage machines also have their own championships.

Some of the more prestigious National Championships include:

France French Grasstrack Championship
United Kingdom British Masters
United Kingdom British Grasstrack Championships
Netherlands Dutch Grasstrack Solo Championship
Netherlands Dutch Grasstrack Sidecar Championship

A number of these countries also hold a National Longtrack Championship

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Grasstrack Champions". speedwaychampions.yolasite.com. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  2. ^ "Grasstrack GB". grasstrackgb.co.uk. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  3. ^ Noyes, Dennis; Scott, Michael (1999), Motocourse: 50 Years Of Moto Grand Prix, Hazleton Publishing Ltd, ISBN 1-874557-83-7
  4. ^ "Gary Hocking". ozebook.com. Archived from the original on 8 September 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  5. ^ "Long Track Champions". speedwaychampions.yolasite.com. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  6. ^ "Frittenden 2021 - Grasstrack GB".
  7. ^ "British Masters (Solos) - Grasstrack GB".
  8. ^ "British Masters (RH Sidecars) - Grasstrack GB".
  9. ^ "British Championship (250cc) - Grasstrack GB".
  10. ^ "British Championship (350cc) - Grasstrack GB".
  11. ^ "British Championship - 500cc Sidecars - Grasstrack GB".
  12. ^ "British Championship (LH Sidecars) - Grasstrack GB".
  13. ^ "Pre 75s British Championship - Grasstrack GB".
  14. ^ "Pre 75s British Championship - Grasstrack GB".
  15. ^ "Pre 75s British Championship - Grasstrack GB".
  16. ^ "Upright British Championship - Grasstrack GB".
  17. ^ "Upright British Championship - Grasstrack GB".
  18. ^ "Upright British Championship - Grasstrack GB".
  19. ^ "Gold Trophy - Grasstrack GB".
  20. ^ "European Grasstrack Solo Championship - Grasstrack GB".
  21. ^ "European Grasstrack Sidecar Championship - Grasstrack GB".
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