Following the success of last year’s Men’s National Autograss Championships, the Yorkshire Dales Autograss Club is set to host the second round of the British Autograss Series which takes place at their North Yorkshire track on July 15/16.
The permanent track at Thornborough, seven miles south of Bedale near West Tanfield, and just three miles from the A1, will see some of the best Autograss racers in the British Isles descend on the Hillside House venue to do battle in Britain’s premier series in the various classes over the two days with both fast and furious action on track and a host of attractions for all the family off it.
Following the opening round held in South Wales recently, lots of local drivers will by vying for honours out of the 700 entered who will be in action around the spectacular 300-metre oval track in 13 classes for both men and ladies, from Juniors, F600 and standard Stock Hatch cars right the way through to the ultra-powerful, twin-engined Class 7 Super Saloons and the mighty Class 10 open-wheeled Specials.
In men’s Class 1, Connor Griffiths leads with Yorkshire Dales (YD) driver Ian Ullathorne in the top ten after the opening round whilst Lown Davies heads the ladies’ standings. Class 2 sees Craig Conway along with wife Jess in control of their respective championships with YD member Jack Hodgson from Leeds looking to improve on his 11th place after round one.
Paul Stevens is in control in Class 3 but will be challenged by YD drivers Simon Farrar, Ryan Power, and Beverley’s Callam Allanson whilst Jade Russell (YD34), Callum’s sister, is just four points behind the ladies Class 3 leader Nicola Saint. Class 4 has Adam Henley and Kelly Wetherick as respective leaders whilst the popular Class 5 will provide plenty of entertainment.
Here, Daniel Lodge leads the men’s series with Howden farmer Colin Chilvers in YD46 hoping for a good run whilst Sarah Bateman heads the ladies’ Class 5 table. Darlington’s Lee Nickling in YD8 will be hoping to close the gap to Class 6 leader Andy Russell but it’s the blue-riband Class 7 which will provide a major spectacle.
The ‘Super Saloons’ is headed by Welshman Cameron Mills but with the likes of Thornborough regulars Andy Holtby in his Chevvy LS3-powered Mini pickup, and Pateley Bridge driver Andy Jefferson, as well as Paul Johnson (YD22), who will come out on top of over 40 competitors in the class is anyone’s guess. Michaela Dance leads the ladies Class 7s.
An amazing 80 drivers contested men’s Class 8 in the Carmarthen opening round with Chris Pope leading the way, but Yorkshire Dales drivers Darren Mullen, Harry Liversidge, Liam Nicholls, and James Heselton will be aiming to uphold local glory. In the ladies Class 8, it’s the YD37 of Lindsay Mullen, Darren’s wife, at the top of the table with Liam’s mum Sue Nicholls (YD7), celebrating four decades in the sport, expected to challenge along with Pateley Bridge’s Laura Jefferson who’s back racing this year following a year off to have a baby.
Sean Power (YD97) holds fifth in Class 9 after last month’s opener and will look to chase down leader Andy Hornshaw from Harrogate with Chloe Richardson leading the Class 9 ladies whilst Class 10 is headed by Lee Seagreaves and Josie Tomkinson in their respective classes. Starting at just ten years of age, there will be over 70 Juniors in action, with Jac Owens currently leading the Saloons class and Max Holtby, hoping to emulate dad Andy, at the front of the Specials class. Lewis Farrar and Lily-Rose Pratt uphold YD hopes at their local track.
Harry Russell (YD86) and York’s Graham Foster-Vigors (YD66) will be chasing F600 leader Harrison Barnbrook in the men’s class whilst second placed Maria Kyriakou from the Yorkshire Dales club will be hoping to close the gap to the leader Donna Evans in the ladies’ class. The home club has a great chance in the Stock Hatch class with Darlington driver Phil Peek leading the way after round one with teammate Paul Lickley from Knaresborough expected to go well in his ‘Fabulous Lightning McQueen’ liveried car at his local track where he won the Men’s Nationals last year. Meanwhile, Sophie Eggerton leads the ladies’ class.
There will be full commentary all weekend, numerous trade stands, food and drink outlets and a licenced bar. Ticket prices cost £30 for the weekend for adult admission with 12 to 15-year-olds and Senior Citizens being charged £15. Accompanied children aged 12 and under are admitted free. Limited availability camping is available at a cost of £10.
Gates open at 08.00 on Friday and 06.00 on Saturday with racing from 09.00 whilst gates open at 07.00 on Sunday with racing from 09.00. For further information, please visit the club’s Facebook page or call Sue Nicholls on 07966 695646.
Just a short ride from the venue there is Lightwater Valley Theme Park and the popular market towns of Masham, Thirsk, Leyburn, Bedale and Northallerton with the cosmopolitan cities of Ripon and Harrogate close by too.
Pictures attached (courtesy of Moo Pics) copyright free for editorial use and publication, higher quality versions and others are available by request.
- Andy Holtby (SC61) will be a front-runner in Class 7
- Car YD37 will see Daz Mullen in action in his Class 8 Special
ENDS