Post Croft Race Report by Jono *UPDATED with a new YouTube*
Posted on 7th June 2024 at 22:30
Round 3: CRMC Croft - Amazing to realise that this Croft meeting means we are approaching half way through the season and some riders have already started to build substantial leads in their respective classes and with Sunday's races earning double points due to the late start at Croft on Sundays, there was everything to play ride for! Click here for the BionicBikers YouTube
CRMC Croft 1 - 2 June 2024 - Race Report by Jono Yardley
The grids at Croft were a little thin, mainly due to it falling just one week after the pre TT Classic and of course the start of TT week, but we still had some brilliant riding. The one man who stood out head and shoulders, and winning the ‘Rider of the day’ award, was 17-year old Dean Widdowson, for his brilliant rides on the Kramer Supermono.
Dean's bike blew up in the first race, but he then managed to displace Mike "Spike" Edwards who was guest riding Dean's father's bike, (Andrew Widdowson) and rode the fast Kramer to a fine 2nd place and a win in the remaining two places. This meant him beating Ant Hart, and that ain’t an easy task.
Dean Widdowson on his Kramer 690
Dean Widdowson collecting his "Rider of the Day" award
Talking about age, I had a really good chat in the commentary box with Jim Porter, it was astounding for me to learn that he started racing before I started school, and I’m 66 years young this year! Amazingly he is still thoroughly enjoying his racing and is still as competitive as ever – he’s currently third in the over 55 yrs Classic 350 Championship.
Jim Porter riding his Ducati 350
Catching our commentator's eye were...
Talking of championships, some riders have already started to build substantial leads in their respective classes. Neil Watson has a 113 pt lead over Graham Higlett in the Classic 350 twins, Tyler Scothern is continuing his super strong dominance in both 350 & 500cc versions of the Goldstars – a 161 & 109 point lead respectively, Steve Cross is also, so far having a great year on his ZXR 400 Kawasaki, apart from a single no score at Darley moor he’s won every race and has a 110 point lead over Will Pagett. Another rider who is looking very hard to beat is Adam Carson who is dominating the 750 Superstock Class – another over 100 point lead.
Neil Watson Honda 350
Tyler Scothern BSA Goldstar
I’m afraid to say that the dreaded commentators curse came into play big time at Croft, I had made special mention of Neil Kiddie in my piece in the program only for him to crash at the hairpin in practice – sorry Neil! But he got his act (& bike) together and finished well in the three races and currently leads the New Rider Championship. One of the championships that I predict may well go down to the wire is the Over-55 PC 350 class, which Phil Godber currently leads, but Rob Mawbey and Mark Edge are pushing Phil hard and new to the CRMC is Stephen Munt who obviously knows how to ride a TZ quickly – his 2nd and a win is testament to that.
Neil Kiddie, Suzuki GSXR750 (59)
Stephen Munt, Yamaha TZ350 (84)
Whilst on the subject of ‘new to us’ riders, it was great to see Daniel Good out on his VFR 750 in the Superstock 750 class. Two 4th places and a 3rd certainly offers great promise. But in this class the men on top form are Mark Roxborough and Adam Sheriff, both also VFR mounted. Another rider in great form is Tony Hart – one of the pleasures of my job is finding the owners / riders of the bikes of the Meeting and Tony’s immaculate Yamaha TZ 750 was a worthy winner. He looked a little nervous as he said ‘I’d better not crash it then’! But no fear, it still looked fabulous as he collected his trophy at the Saturday evening award presentation as well as his prize for two second place finishes.
Daniel Good Honda VFR750 (125)
Tony Hart Yamaha TZ750
Tony collects Bike of the Meeting trophy from Alex George
The busy trophy presentations
The other ‘Bike of the Meeting’ was Martin New’s beautiful Kawasaki ZXR 750, painted in the proper Kawasaki colour scheme and looking better than if it was new in the showroom.
Next stop is Cadwell Park on the last weekend of June. It’s a favourite circuit for many riders, it’s a proper challenge; over two miles of undulating twisty track, and the great viewing makes it very popular with spectators. I always enjoy commentating there, and can’t wait...
All the photos are available online now - click here for PJM Photography
We're off to Cadwell Park for Round 4 on 29-30 June 2024
- see you there!
Later this month we return to Cadwell Park, possibly one of the most popular circuits we visit. There's a good entry and racing will be close, competitive and fun, as always. We've just opened entries for our Oulton Park meeting in August - go to the Next Meeting page to enter and find out more!
Roll on Round 4: Cadwell Park 29 - 30 June 2024
All the photos are available online now - click here for PJM Photography
Watch the Bionic Bikers First Visit to a CRMC Meeting on YouTube:
Tagged as: Race Report
Share this post: