Ashley Newbery, winner
Ashley Newbery dealt the AceDunlop Trial, held at Charing, Kent, 28/1/07
Rd-2 of the South Eastern Centre Trials Championship
This was the first win of the season for 2005 champion Ashley Newbery. As a result Newbery goes top of the championship standings. In conditions, which were cloudy, an early advantage by running well back in the field gained an important early lead, which he held all day. The Beta ace knew that with arch rival and current champion MRS Sherco’s James Fry being excluded during the trial he would once more hit the Head Lines. The Beta ace succeeded not only in a win but also a comprehensive stamp of his foot saying, “I’m back, read the results” The remaining Expert field will be crying in despair, Newbery is on form watch out as the ace was dealt at the Dunlop.
Gas Gas rider Ben Wibberley was not able to equal his result from round 1 beating Ashley Newbery, the Flying Barham MCC rider had to settle for second overall and now holds second in the championship. Wibberley’s attitude during the event was a confident one and his potential to overhaul Newbery now being a possibility if he can keep his cool. Wibberley was relentless in chasing Newbery, indicating there's a lot more to come, but still miles off Newbery’s win.
Sherco’s Simon Bird lost his rear suspension for a portion of the trial finishing in third position. His near retirement was of grave concern, but Bird is no quitter and secured valuable points in the championship. He fought hard to regain lost ground and his physical training program over Christmas paying off, grit determination and a will to win, is this rider able to challenge Newbery?
Intermediate winner Dave Strank struck home with a convincing win. Strank had an easy win in the face of some very talented competition. This being the young and dashing, Stuart King. King having only just moved into the Adult classes made a steady ride of his second place finish. Beta rider Mark Baker, had a bit of a pigs ear of a ride on lap one losing 50%+ of his marks on this lap. Baker pulled himself together on laps two and three to just grab third place.
Novice winner Paul Walsh made easy work of the tough course. His win and 1-mark loss was way better than second placed Dave Harris on 7-marks. Third place went to Dave Croud, an excellent ride and a single mark digit result.
Expert rider MRS Sherco’s James Fry was excluded from the results on his second lap. A discrepancy on a score-card became a matter of concern at one of the sections and that this matter could not be agreed upon and therefore Fry was considered excluded and did not finish the trial.
My thanks to the Ashford club for an excellent trial. A big thank to the land-owner and an even bigger thank you to all you observers – well done top trial.
Ben Wibberley, second
Simon Bird, third
Adam Farley, fourth