Darley Moor Preview by Jono Yardley

Our first meeting of the year certainly didn’t disappoint, the racing was absolutely excellent and I’m sure the excellent standard of riding will continue throughout the year. Darley is one of the easier tracks to learn and get your head around. The viewing points from which to watch the racing are very good and easily accessible. Only a short distance from the unique starting grid, is a grassy bank, from here you have a good view of both the start and the last corner, which is a tricky to master, 110 degree right hander. I say the starting grid is unique, because it’s the only grid which is off the main course. It’s the same as used by motocross courses. 

 

The Classic Lansdowne Series is once again with us at Darley. These machines, in both 350 & 500cc guises have to run to very strict rules, which keeps modifications to a minimum and in almost ‘standard specification’, very close to how they were manufactured back in the 50’s & 60’s. The racing is always good and competitive and one to watch. 

 

Another ‘One to watch’ are the new to CRMC Post Classic Era 3 bikes. We will see a plethora of slightly newer machinery, including the CBR 600 Hondas going head to head with the Ducati 748’s, and in the larger Class watch out for the 916 version of the Duke going head to head with the Kawasaki ZXR 750’s. Certainly both of these matches have so far proved completely level, with no single obvious dominant bike. 

Amongst the many classic racing stars, I’m delighted to report that Dave Tetley, partnered by Dan Mills is once again back out on three wheels. They both were awarded the prestigious ‘Rider of the Day’ award at Pembrey. Dave had never raced a sidecar before, despite having raced solos very successfully for many years. He learned the totally different skills required ultra quickly and even finished the weekend with a win. Can he do it again? We wait with baited breath... 

 

So not long to wait now before classic motorcycle racing returns to Darley, a whole host of different bikes, from 125 up to 1300 will be on track. I know I’m looking forward to what will be a wonderful weekend of racing. Please make the effort and join us, whether on track, marshalling or watching. You won’t be disappointed. 

 

Jono