Words/pictures:- Sue Symons

Like their last meeting at Knockhill in Scotland, the North East Motorcycle Racing Club timed the fifth and sixth round of their championship at Croft Circuit just right to attract a strong contingent of British Superbike Support class rider’s which gave an extra boost to an already impressive line up of competitors’.

Jimmy Storrar stamped his authority in the Open Class from the off putting on a faultless and stylish performance on his BMW 1000, taking four victories which included adding his name to list of recipients of the magnificent solid silver and antique bronze Ken Redfern Trophy.

Storrar, a 23 year-old motor mechanic from Scone near Perth recorded a start to finish victory in the trophy race crossing the finish line almost four seconds ahead of John Ingram (Suzuki 1000). Ingram from Wigan, who recently returned to the sport following a lengthy break as lost none of his expertise and showmanship and celebrated his runners’ up position with the most incredible ‘stand –up wheelie’ almost the length of the start and finish straight!

Scotsman, David Paton (Motorrad Central BMW 1000) circulated in third for most of the race until he was reeled in by Hull rider Mike Booth (Honda 1000) in the closing stages, but he did manage to hold on to fourth just ahead of South African ace Allann Jon Venter on his MAP Triumph 675, with Irishman Matthew Percy (VSK Logan Waste Yamaha 1000) sixth. Storrar was delighted to receive the trophy from Ken’s brother Mike Redfern and was quite taken back by the sheer weight of it!

Jimmy Storrar receiving the Ken Redfern trophy from Mike Redfern

Rather than a one off race ‘The Laird of Croft trophy’ was awarded to the rider with the most points accumulated during the four Formula 600cc races over the weekend. Although, former South African Supersport Champion A J Venter now lives at nearby Yarm he only heard about the meeting the previous Tuesday and was lucky to secure a late entry. Venter (MAP Triumph 675) looked smooth and stylish taking both victories on Saturday ahead of Scotsman Craig McLelland (Miltech Racing/Reactive Suspension York Kawasaki) with Josh Day who is currently leading the National Metzeler Superstock 600 series on his Yamaha third in both.

With Venter side-lined for the third race while the cracked exhaust of his Triumph was welded by Darlington racer Adam Nix, McLelland went on to snatched victory by half a second from Gateshead fast man Chris Coates (Yamaha). Venter was back for the final race so the pressure was on! Presuming Venter won the race then McLelland needed to finish no lower than sixth to be crowned ‘the Laird’. Venter cleared off taking the chequered flag ten seconds ahead of Josh Day with Irishman Nicki Coates (Yamaha) third followed by McLelland who rode a well calculated race to finish fourth and was thrilled to be presented the ‘Laird of Croft’ trophy by his fellow countryman and former three times British Superbike champion Naill Mackenzie.

Craig McLelland being presented with Laird of Croft trophy by Niall Mackenzie

The third Trophy up for grabs was the Mac Hobson silverware for the sidecar fraternity – the entry was disappointing but there was some close racing mid field which added some sparkle. This trophy also went ‘North of the border’ won by Scottish duo Gordon Shand/Callum Lawson (LCR Suzuki) crossing the finish line almost fifty seconds ahead of Stephen Charlton/Leon Fitzpatrick with James Neil/Graham Whitehill (Yamaha 1000) third.

Mac Hobson trophy winners Gordon Shand/Callum Lawson with Niall Mackenzie