The circuit – one of the old stomping grounds of MotoHead back in the day – is a natural terrain track with good loamy soil which has been graded and watered all week. And the club is trialling a new Mini auto50/ 65cc class on a shortened track.

Along with the new mini class the normal Expert/Senior and Junior classes are running and an Evo/ Vets class. The track can be found signposted from the A607 between Melton and Grantham at Waltham on the Wolds and Croxton Kerrial. Camping available on the Saturday night.

Steve – whose real name is Steve Murray and was a top youth racer then AMCA championship contender in the 1980s – has a touring rock show called Vampires Rock but the lockdown has meant he’s not been able to go on the road. So he’s recorded his first original music album and this is the first single.

Steve’s son Ozzie races and the pair are regulars at practice tracks all over the country. Steve, who often has a CCM in stage when he’s performing, saw the chart listing and took a snapshot of it, saying: “I’ll have to blow that up as a popster for my wall!”

The single costs 79p from iTunes. And you can see the video here!

Luke Burton(Geartec Honda)    AMCA MX1 British Motocross Champion 

“In the end,2020 as turned out to be a fun race season thanks to Steve Harvey and all the AMCA team. I didn’t think we’d get racing at all this year so I’m buzzing to win my 5th AMCA British title and it’s made it that much better to bag it for such a down to earth guy as Paul Mason the Geartec team owner. There’s a lot of hard work gone in behind the scenes from everyone around me, from my fiancé all the way through to Paul Mason, Nick Owen, Timmy Alberts and Stuart Turner. I’d like to say a thank you also to Max Mx and VIP Practice tracks for letting me use their facilities in preparation for this season. This title is for all of you guys LB”.

Jamie Wainwright (Wainwright Plant and Haulage KTM)    AMCA MX2 British Motocross Champion

“It’s been a strange year racing , we had our plans set to compete in the ACU British championship And the Bridgestone Masters but after everything being cancelled due to Covid, we decided to try and defend the AMCA MX2 British title. With 10 out of 12 moto wins and the top step on the podium at every round I would say I’ve had a pretty good year…. I’ve felt very strong and comfortable with my riding as well which has made me enjoy it a lot. It’s not the way we wanted to end the championship with Round 5 being cancelled but it is what it is and we will celebrate when we can but no complaining, it’s still a great feeling right now to get another AMCA title. The AMCA have done a great job to get the racing to go ahead this year and a big thank you also to all those who have has been involved with preparations of the tracks and running the meetings. I would also like to say a massive thank you to my family members, close supporters and all of my sponsors that have been there and by my side this year and past years. It really is much appreciated. . Here’s to 2021”.

Shane Carless (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna)   AMCA 125cc British Motocross Champion

“The 2020 AMCA British Championship was a weird one for all of us! I lost my wonderful Mother earlier this year so things have been very tough for me and that made me extra determined. This AMCA 125cc title was totally for her and I was going to win no matter what so that I could dedicate it to her!

Our plan though was to try and defend my MX1 title but that didn’t happen as I dislocated my shoulder just a couple of days before the first round. Initially I had then made my mind up not to race at all this year. Mid-week prior to the Championship my FUS Team suggested that I could maybe try competing in the 125cc class instead. I had lots of treatment on my shoulder and it was feeling better every day so I decided to just give it a go and what a good move it proved to be as we ended winning another AMCA title! I have never had so much fun racing the 125cc with every position a battle for a lap or so!

I just want to say a massive thank-you to Gareth and Anthony at Marsh MX, Mike Keenan of FUS and  Steve Archer and his family, the amount of support I have received from them is unreal. They are always 100% behind me no matter what and it definitely wouldn’t happen without them that’s for sure. FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna Thank-you”.

James Lane (LRT Midwest Husqvarna)  AMCA Vets British Motocross Champion

“Coming into the championship for 2020 I had done a fair bit of preparation with practicing a fair bit and at one point we thought that might be all we were going to do! With only a few races under my belt we headed to Boraston for round 1 on a super knarly, rutted circuit .

I felt good that day on my 350F having had  alot of experience on the more technical tracks. I scored 1- 2-1 and got the overall which I was well pleased with for me and our sponsors. It could have been a maximum as I was leading the second moto too but a tip over cost me meaning that I had to come from last to 2nd which was great so I knew my speed was good .

Round 2 we were at Long Lane which produced the same results 1-2-1. I was again leading the second race but my brother Simon passed me on the last corner, making up ground on me after having doubled the whoops which I rolled through.

Round 3 at Warmingham and I knew Simon, Paul Burn and Jamie Powell would be fast. Jamie would be wanting to make a statement being the 2019 Vets Champ and having his first ride of 2020 but I knew I wanted to beat him straight up on a new Husky 350 which I felt I was riding better than the Honda. We went 1 1 4 which got me the overall and managed to beat all my rivals in the first 2 moto’s. Moto 3 was also going well, moving into 2^nd reeling in Jamie good only to crash twice and drop back to 4^th.

Round 4 and a return to Long Lane was really wet. I decided to run my 2stroke which was lighter and more instant power but it proved hard to ride in the end as the track dried out. But 1-1- 2 score gave me enough points for the Championship win. Once again the last corner at Long Lane after the whoops I crashed whilst leading letting Simon through on the last corner that stuffed me for the maximum but I was happy with the overall!

All in all at 42 years young I was happy with my riding and the great result for me , my mechanic Grant Reed and our team. I love helping Simon run LRT and I was pumped that me and Simon went 1 and 2 in the championship He certainly didn’t make it easy for me !!!!

Kevin Rogers (Morris Oils KTM)   AMCA Vets Over 50’s British Motocross Champion

“Having not raced competitively in motocross for 15 years, my daughter Ellie wanted me to return to racing  but as my wife was diagnosed with cancer and then passed away Oct 2018 that meant Ellie was dependant on me for all her care and transport. Motocross therefore at that time was just too much of a risk if I got injured!.

However, once Ellie had passed her driving test that removed the dependency on me so I thought that I would now like to return and have a go at the AMCA Vet’s Championship with the hope of a top 10 position, never imagining getting on the podium or finishing top three.

After entering the series, I was informed that within the Vet’s there is the over 50s which as I am 53  I was in that one too. The first round at Boraston was such an eye opener, after the first race I almost collapsed with exhaustion, The second race I crashed and ended upside down on my head. but after this I managed to improve my bike fitness and went on to achieve my best results.

Most pleasing was my podium at Long Lane  alongside both Simon and James Lane. Back in 2002 I finished 3^rd in the AMCA MX1 class which qualified me to represent the Country in the IMBA European series which was one of my all-time ambitions.                 

This year has though topped that by achieving 1^st overall in the over 50s Championship so at long last my other ambition has been fulfilled in being a Championship winner. I ride a standard KTM 450SXF 2020 which was purchased two weeks before the first round. I’m a privateer with support from the Shrewsbury based Morris Lubricants which I can’t thank Stuart Holloway enough for. They supply me with all my oil’s and lubricants.

I must say the older I get the more I enjoy racing. I have had so much enjoyment racing with fellow Vet’s that I have not seen for many years and would like to thank them all for the relaxed and friendly reception.

Also, I would like to thank all at the AMCA and the organising clubs for the hard work they put in to ensure the events and Championship was run.Here is looking forward to 2021!”

Joel Fisher (MRS/Suomy KTM)   AMCA Youth 85cc Champion

“I came into the 1st round not knowing what to expect but after I scored maximum points I was really confident. Going into round 2 Yarin(Evans) was riding really well but I was on course for the overall again until I got a puncture in the last race when leading. That dropped me back to 2nd in the Championship.

At round 3 I managed to get all 3 wins at Warmingham and close the gap to be only 4 points behind Yarin so at Long Lane I knew I had to give it my all as we were uncertain if the final round at Brookthorpe was going to run. On the second visit to Long Lane I again bagged all 3 wins and was now crucially leading the Championship.

 I cant thank everyone enough who has helped me this year, Malcolm Rathmell Sport, Suomy Helmets, Fist Handwear, OnesevenoneAB, AD modular, Tech4mx, Rikki Priest, ELoils, my family and friends and anyonelse I forgot”.

Words and pics by Mike Wood

Sunday’s forthcoming final round of the AMCA championship has been cancelled due to more last-minute Covid restrictions. So the leaders after Sunday’s round are now the 2020 champions.

So congratulations to all this year’s winners. That’s Luke Burton in MX1, Jamie Wainwright in MX2, Shane Carless in 125, Joel Fisher on 85 and James Lane in the Vets.

Photos: Mike Wood

After the deluge of wet weather, the rain had thankfully ceased in the Telford area before the commencement of Sunday’s proceedings. Yes the going was naturally heavy early on but the sand-type prevailing soil had soaked up the water forming a whole host of ruts and line selection helping to produce some close, exciting racing as the day unfolded. In MX1, having already bagged a maximum at Long Lane earlier in the series, Luke Burton started the day with a classy gate to flag victory in the opening clash. Taking 2^nd was a new boy to AMCA competition, James Mackrel from Northern Ireland who got home ahead of Tommy Alba, Neville Bradshaw, Ashley Greedy, Josh Waterman, Scooter Webster and Luke Hawkins. The day did not start too well though for expected front runner James Dodd who found himself a distant last in the early stages, eventually getting home in 16^th.

Burton took victory again in moto two, moving up from 4^th and passing the hard charging leading trio consisting of another AMCA debutant Luke Hawkins, Neville Bradshaw, racing his big Red CR500 Honda in its final event and Tommy Alba. With Burton taking control on lap five, early pace-setter Hawkins went down to 6^th as Bradshaw got home in 2^nd despite very close attention from Alba whilst Mackrel struggling with a reoccurring shoulder injury was 4^th. On this occasion, Burton’s closest title rivals Greedy and Waterman had to settle for 5^th and 7^th places respectively.

What a great race the final MX1 moto of the day was to be as Mackrel led for eight laps. In the early exchanges, Hawkins and Greedy were putting the pressure on with Hawkins getting through but all eyes focussed on Burton as he was on a serious charge after gating in 8^th. Gradually picking off his rivals, Luke moved into 2^nd on the final lap and was just a couple of bike lengths down on winner Hawkins at the flag. So on the podium it was Burton taking the top step joined by Mackrel and Alba earning a richly deserved maiden AMCA podium. In the title chase, Burton leads the way on 553 points from Waterman 509, Greedy 502, Adam Chatfield 471 and Dodd 461.

Although Jamie Wainwright was to suffer his first defeat of the season in MX2, he still took the overall win on the day and thus extend his Championship advantage. Slipping off on the opening lap of moto one, Jamie was quickly back on-board his KTM, only losing a couple of places and dropping down to 7^th spot. At the front, both Henry Williams and Ryan Crowder took turns to lead before Williams finally stamped his authority on proceedings. On a charge, Ray Rowson returning from injury then came through to move up into 2^nd and insert heavy pressure on Williams in a scrap that raged all the way to the chequered flag. Following his rare, early slip, Wainwright took 3^rd from Crowder, Luke Dean, Rory Jones and Jordan Eccles.

Unfortunately in the first attempt to run MX2 moto two, Rowson crashed heavily requiring medical attention, get well soon Ray! In the rerun, Jansen Day grabbed the holeshot before quickly being replaced by Jordan Eccles. Making no mistake on this occasion, Jordan sailed on to nail his first AMCA Championship moto win as Wainwright took 2^nd after gating 5^th. The super consistent Williams, Crowder, Josh Coleman, Lewis Dowdeswell and Day were next up.

Stretching that throttle wire to the max, Crowder on the 2T KTM grabbed a glorious last MX2 moto holeshot but before the completion of the opening lap that man Wainwright was on his tail. Quickly moving through, Jamie put the hammer down to then glide onto a big win as Crowder followed him home. Williams completed another good day earning 3^rd just ahead of the FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna boy’s Eccles and Dowdeswell. That left the MX2 podium featuring some rather familiar faces as Wainwright, Willams and Crowder took home the honours. In the Championship table, Wainwright on 592 points looks on course to retain his title with Crowder 520, Williams 506, Coleman 482, Eccles 450 and Day 440 chasing.

One rider who would certainly not have been fazed by the wet, heavy track at Long Lane is Matt Ridgway. Using all of his top level Enduro experience to the max, Matt posted the fastest 125cc qualifying time and proved to be a major contender when the racing started, eventually taking the overall runners-up spot behind Shane Carless. In 125cc moto one, Matt grabbed the holeshot and led for seven laps before Carless came through for the win. Also in the mix during the opening clash were Travis Steels, Jimmy Margetson, Jonathan Roderick-Evans, Clinton Barrs and Aaron Colley. Indeed that 4^th place earned by Championship contender Margetson was particularly impressive after initially gating down in 18^th.

After that comeback, Jimmy was quickest away in moto two before being passed on lap one by both Carless and Ridgway. In this one, Steels took 4^th from Damon Strydom who had gone out of the opening clash when in 8^th place. With Matt Ridgway in 2^nd, his brother Jordan was also right on it, taking 9^th just behind Barrs, Roderick-Evans and Jordan Wright.

In the final 125cc moto it was Carless all the way from Matt Ridgway, Strydom, Margetson, Steels and Luke Newman. On the Long Lane podium that super maximum man Carless took top slot from Ridgway and Margetson. With that haul of another big 150 Championship points, Shane sits on a nice total of 582 from Margetson 515, Strydom 448 and Steels 435. Having bagged two successive podiums, Ridgway is in 8^th and still in with a mathematical chance of earning a final medal position.

So far this campaign, the fast starting Paul Burn has provided the major threat to the dominance of the Lane Brothers in the AMCA Vets contest. But on Sunday, Paul was a non-starter as James and Simon again took the top two positions to thus almost guarantee that they will be earning the gold and silver medals in this class. Electing to ride a 250cc 2T Husqvarna instead of his trusty, big 4T mount, series leader James looked set to start round four with a win by coming through to pass his brother Simon with two laps remaining of moto one. However in a late twist, Simon fought back to retake the lead on the final circuit and with just one turn remaining. Taking 3^rd was Kevin Rogers from Anthony Bennett, Brian Staples and Andrew Watkins.

In Vets moto two, the Lane boys again swapped positions before James claimed the win after Simon had suffered a late fall. Taking 3^rd was Rogers with regular top ten finishers Bennett, Staples, Rich Tudor, Watkins and John Barnes in the mix. Kev Rogers then got the final Vets moto holeshot before being passed by Simon Lane and eventual  winner James Lane. Having his best ride of the day, Barnes took a great 3^rd in this one just ahead of early leader Rogers. On the podium it was James, Simon and Kev Rogers. That result means James tops the title table on 584 points just 15 ahead of Simon whilst Rogers has now leapfrogged Burn up into 3^rd on 477.

Going into Sunday’s event, just 4 points separated Yarin Evans and Joel Fisher at the top of the Youth 85cc standings. In a dramatic moto one though that was to change as Evans found himself in a distant last place on the opening circuit. With a terrific ride though, Yarin got right back up to 4^th behind winner Fisher, Lewis Roden and Caleb Greaves with Oakley Kettle, Oliver Rigby and Tyler Smith in the frame.

After that moto one effort, Evans then grabbed the holeshot in both moto’s two and three before Fisher came through for the wins. On each occasion, Roden got home in 3^rd and Rigby 4^th. On the podium it was Fisher, Evans and Roden who are also the title chasing top three.  Going into this weekend’s final and deciding round, Fisher now tops the table 9 points clear of Evans with Roden a further 63 points in arrears.

Words and images by Mike Wood

This weekend it’s a return to Long Lane, near Telford and as expected it’s certainly very tight at the top of a MX1 class stacked full of quality. Luke Burton leads the way just 6 points clear of Josh Waterman with Ashley Greedy a further 23 points in arrears. On the first visit to Long Lane, Burton scorched to an immaculate maximum so he certainly knows the fast lines around the venue and will be looking for a repeat podium topping performance on Sunday! Waterman and Greedy though are also top riders and will be pulling out all of the stops to ensure that they go to the finale still right in contention for that MX1 crown. Out to try and stop the current top three and reel them back in will be the likes of Adam Chatfield, James Dodd, Corie Southwood, Tommy Alba and Neville Bradshaw.

Nine races and nine wins, Jamie Wainwright is certainly the boss in MX2. Currently holding 2^nd in the standings is Ryan Crowder, a place he has certainly earned with consistent top rides and podiums at both Boraston and Warmingham Lane on his rapid 2T KTM. Below Ryan, just 10 points separate the hard charging trio of Josh Coleman, Henry Williams and Luke Dean. In this very competitive MX2 class which always produces close, on the edge racing, Jansen Day, Jordan Eccles and Lewis Dowdeswell are next up.

With three podiums and five moto wins, Welsh ace Shane Carless tops the 125cc standings. At present, Shane is 48 points clear of Jimmy Margetson with Damon Strydom in 3^rd. Looking at the Championship table, the current top three have forged a little bit of breathing space for themselves but in this class anything simply could and probably will happen! The fast starting Nathan Bache, Jonathan Roderick-Evans, Travis Steels, Luke Newman and Jordan Wright are next in the standings. Looking for potential spoilers on Sunday, then how about Clinton Barrs and Matt Ridgway who have both produced some very strong performances during the last two rounds. Indeed Ridgway is right on it and will have certainly been buoyed by a podium placing last time out! 

The Lane Brothers James and Simon still hold the top two places in the 2020 Vets title chase. Although they suffered their first moto defeat of the season at Warmingham when 2019 AMCA Vets Champion Jamie Powell got the better of them, the Lanes are definitely in control of their own destiny. After three rounds, James sits on 437 points, 12 ahead of Simon with the fast starting Paul Burn in 3^rd. Going into the Long Lane event this weekend, next up in the Vets are Kevin Rogers, Anthony Bennett, Chris Jones and John Barnes.

After bagging a Warmingham maximum, Joel Fisher has closed the gap on Youth 85cc leader Yarin Evans to just 4 points. With Fisher and Evans looking likely to go head to head for the title glory, the battle for bronze could be equally intriguing. Lewis Roden, Caleb Greaves, Oliver Rigby, Falon Baillie, Harley Prickett and Oakley Kettle have already shown that they are right up for that particular challenge!

Words and images by Mike Wood.

Leading Championship positions

MX1 (Top ten) 1 Luke Burton (Geartec Honda) 406 points 2 Josh Waterman 400 (IDS Transport/Hardcore Racing Yamaha) 3 Ashley Greedy 377 (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna)  4 Adam Chatfield 374 (Wulfsport/ Meredith MX Suzuki) 5 James Dodd 366 (JSR Thunderroad Honda)  6 Corie Southwood 357 (Langmead & Hay Kawasaki)  7 Neville Bradshaw 309 (500cc Honda) 8 Tommy Alba 309 (The Grafix Shack KTM) 9 Will Hughes 275 (SRH Racing) 10 Mark Roberts 263  (FastEddy KTM).

MX2   1 James Wainwright 450 points (Wainwright Plant & Haulage KTM) 2 Ryan Crowder  387 (Hazport/Sandiford KTM)  3 Josh Coleman 367 (Wulfsport/Meredith MX Suzuki)  4 Henry Williams 366 (Apex KTM UK)  5 Luke Dean 357 (5 Two Racing KTM) 6 Jansen Day 335 (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 7 Jordan Eccles 320 (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna) 8 Lewis Dowdeswell  306 (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna) 9 Cory McShane 294 10 Mark Young 294 (JSR Thunderroad Honda).

125CC 1 Shane Carless 432 points (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna) 2 Jimmy Margetson 384 (Wulfsport Maico) 3 Damon Strydom 362 (Apex KTM UK) 4 Nathan Bache 315 (KTM) 5 Jonathan Roderick-Evans 307 6 Travis Steels 306 (ANSA Redline KTM)  7 Luke Newman 306 (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 8 Jordan Wright 296 (Rikki Priest Yamaha) 9 Clinton Barrs 294 (DK Offroad Kawasaki) 10 Matt Ridgway 262 (Midwest Husqvarna).

Vets   1 James Lane 437 points (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 2 Simon Lane 425 (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 3 Paul Burn 399 4 Kevin Rogers 344 (Morris Lubricants) 5 Anthony Bennett 339 (K & F Racing Kawasaki) 6 Chris Jones 339 (JSR Thunderroad Honda) 7 John Barnes 317 8 Brian Staples 289 (Redline KTM) 9 Gareth Dunsford 276 (D&G Master Builders) 10 Andrew Watkins 255.

Youth 85cc 1 Yarin Evans 429 points (J4M54 Pratice/SRH Racing KTM) 2 Joel Fisher 425 (MRS/Suomy KTM)  3 Lewis Roden 366 (Kenda Tyres) 4 Caleb Greaves 353 (Dirtshifter/Devotion Ink) 5 Oliver Rigby 343 (Tom Arnold/Lucas Oil) 6 Falon Baillie 305 (MDMX Apico Factory Racing) 7 Harley Prickett 294 (M P Highclass) 8 Oakley Kettle 287 (Rikki Priest Academy) 9 Cameron Woodburn 263 (Gritty People/Putoline UK) 10 Jonas Brown 258 (Phil Morris Racing). 

“Unfortunately, due to communication from the Harm Reduction and Operations from Gloucestershire Police, both events running at Cheltenham this weekend will be CANCELLED.

“According to Gloucestershire Police going ahead with running the events will be deemed as unlawful and the organisers and the riders could receive fines if they attend.

“To be able to run in Gloucestershire we need to be registered with an organisation called DCMS – we were only made aware of this today. Unfortunately, we have been unable to make gain approval today and therefore, to protect the AMCA and our riders, the decision has been made to cancel the events. A further statement will be issued, detailing the possibility of rescheduling the events.”

Photo: Mike Wood

Following a hot, round three held at Warmingham Lane, Cheshire on Sunday, there’s no change at the top of the standings in the 2020 AMCA British Motocross Championship powered by Datatag and supported by Dunlop. Luke Burton (Geartec Honda), Jamie Wainwright (Wainwright Plant and Haulage KTM), Shane Carless (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna), James Lane (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) and Yarin Evans (J4M54 Practice/SRH Racing KTM) lead the way   as the condensed season reaches its business end with just two events remaining.

Going into round three, just 6 points separated the MX1 top three of Luke Burton, Josh Waterman and Neville Bradshaw. Whilst Burton and Waterman bagged another podium place at Warmingham, the unlucky Bradshaw endured a nightmare picking up just 44 points and 27^th overall on the day. In moto one, James Dodd, Ashley Greedy and finally Waterman led the contest. Series leader Burton had gated 7^th before moving up into 2^nd and challenge for top slot only to slip back to 5^th. On the final lap, Luke repassed Tommy Alba to earn 4^th at the flag behind Waterman, Dodd and Greedy with Adam Chatfield, debutant Jayden Ashwell and Corie Southwood next up. For Bradshaw this moto was a disaster, suffering from a seized back brake after he had overfilled the brake reservoir!

MX1 moto two was to then produce a classic as five riders disputed the leadership for just about the entire duration. Showing fantastic composure after grabbing the holeshot, Southwood held on to earn his maiden AMCA MX1 win despite intense and constant pressure from Burton, Greedy, Waterman and Chatfield, what a race! Taking a rather lonely 6^th was Dodd ahead of Bradshaw and another debutant Josh Taylor.

Then showing though just how quickly fortunes in motocross can quickly change, Southwood after that moto glory was to endure a final race nightmare. Losing the use of his back brake after damaging it in a deep rut, he then crashed heavily leaving him down in 17^th place. In this one, Bradshaw had made a glorious holeshot and led the first three laps before being forced out with a puncture on the ‘Big Red CR500’, compounding what was a miserable day for the popular 2T ace. So moving to the front in this one to earn the win was Adam Chatfield, seeing off late, heavy pressure from Dodd as Burton got home 3^rd from Greedy and Waterman who passed Taylor on the final lap following a tough race long battle. Having his best ride of the campaign so far, Bradley Tranter took a great 7^th in this one. In the title race, it’s Burton leading the way just 6 points clear of Waterman with Greedy now 3^rd and a further 23 points in arrears.

Just what can you say about the brilliant Jamie Wainwright as he further increased his lead in the MX2 title race. At Warmingham, Jamie reeled off another three big moto wins with the equally talented Ryan Crowder being the only rider to head Wainwright during the day. In moto one as Wainwright controlled all the way from gate to flag with Luke Dean in 2^nd, this was all about a brilliant five rider tussle for 3^rd. Eventually Henry Williams won that one despite the very best efforts of Crowder, Lewis Dowdeswell, Josh Coleman and Mark Young. Also enjoying a right old scrap were Jansen Day and Cory McShane for the right to finish 8^th.

MX2 moto two and Crowder blasted his KTM to the front leading the way for a couple of laps before Wainwright came through for another win. Next in the finishing order was Day after working hard to see off Young and Williams whilst Jake Preston on the 2T KTM produced his best ride of the series to get home in a great 6^th. Starting down in 16^th, Jordan Eccles came through strongly to earn 8^th, closing rapidly on Coleman.

In the final MX2 clash it was the Wainwright show as he stormed to another gate to flag win with the gallant Crowder again taking a fine 2^nd. Williams who has been right in the mix in all three rounds so far got home in 3^rd spot in this one, enough to earn a richly deserved podium. Having his best ride of the day, Eccles moved from 19^th up to a superb 4^th with Preston impressing again in 5^th. Starting the day with a very strong 2^nd, Dean then tasted the Warmingham dirt in the remaining clashes going 14/8. In the Championship standings as Wainwright gallops off into the sunset, Crowder holds 2^nd with just 10 points then separating the next three riders, Coleman, Willams and Dean.

The fast starting Nathan Bache led the opening 125cc contest for five laps until series leader Shane Carless came through for the win. Taking 2^nd was Jack Timms making his debut both for the FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna team and in the AMCA 125cc series. Carrying his fine form from the previous week’s round at Long Lane, Matt Ridgway took 3^rd in this one with a storming ride after initially gating in 17^th. Also starting strongly were Jimmy Margetson, Clinton Barrs, Jordan Wright, Jonathan Roderick-Evans and Travis Steels. Not enjoying the start to his day though was Chris Povey suffering a downhill crash when holding 4^th.

In a rerun 125cc moto two, Povey had led both attempts. But once again a fall halted his progress, tumbling in a deeply rutted corner then being hit by the following Travis Steels. With the unlucky Povey picking himself up,  Roderick-Evans controlled before a determined Timms glided through for the win leading home his FUS teammate Carless, Damon Strydom and Wright. Once again, Ridgway, Barrs, Bache and Margetson were in the mix.

Bache was quickest away in the final 125cc moto leading for five laps before being passed by Carless and then being overhauled by Timms and Margetson. Having his most profitable ride of the day, Povey took 5^th as Ridgway confirmed a deserved podium place by finishing 6^th. On that podium, FUS riders Carless and Timms filled the top two places with Carless also increasing his series lead to now be 48 points clear of Margetson, Strydom and Bache.

In the AMCA Vets title chase, the 2019 Champion Jamie Powell returned to inflict the first defeat of the season on the flying Lane brothers. James Lane though celebrating his 42^nd birthday did still go onto earn the overall win on the day and also maintain his Vets series lead. In all three clashes it was Paul Burn, the holeshot King who led the way before eventually being overhauled. Burn led moto one for six laps as first Simon Lane then James Lane passed him. Therefor Burn had to settle for 3^rd as Powell having his first ride of the season took 4^th with Kevin Rogers, Chris Jones, Andrew Watkins and Anthony Bennett next.

In a super Vets moto two, James Lane just held off Powell to take the win from Burn, Simon Lane and Rogers. Quickly back into the groove and finding his rhythm, Powell then passed Burn to win the final moto. On lap seven, James Lane had held 2^nd before making an uncharacteristic mistake when dropping his LRT Husqvarna in a rutted turn. So, James had to settle for 4^th this time out behind Brother Simon with Rogers, Bennett, Brian Staples and Jones next up. In the title race, James now leads Simon by 12 points with Burn a further 26 points in arrears.

Although Joel Fisher blasted to a scorching maximum points score in the Youth 85cc class, it’s still Yarin Evans leading the title race. Evans is now just 4 points better off than Fisher so it’s going to be a tight, nervous run-in to the final chequered flag of the season! At Warmingham, Fisher was simply brilliant, strolling to victory in moto one as Evans had to work overtime to see off Lewis Roden and Tyler Smith. Next home in this entertaining opening clash were Charlie Hucklebridge, Oliver Rigby, Danny Webster and Solomon Levey.

In moto two, Evans and Smith chased the flying Fisher to the flag as Roden who had started strongly dropped out of contention in the early laps. Oakley Kettle had a great ride in this one to earn 5^th whilst Caleb Greaves, Rylee Francis and Jonas Brown also worked hard to earn top 10 places.

With another gate to flag success, Fisher confirmed his overall victory in style during moto three. The consistent Evans, Roden, Webster, Smith and Kettle were next up so the Warmingham podium was confirmed as Fisher, Evans and Smith filled the available places.            Words and images by Mike Wood.

So with very little room for error, crashes and mechanical gremlins, the first hurdle in this tough trilogy took place on Sunday at Long Lane, near Telford. Taking the overall victories were Luke Burton (Geartec Honda), Jamie Wainwright (Wainwrights Plant and Haulage KTM), Shane Carless (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna), James Lane (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) and Yarin Evans (J4M54 Practice/SRH KTM). For Burton, Carless and Evans in particular the day proved to be extra profitable as their wins hauled them up the standings and into the pole positions of their respective Championship classes.

Opening proceedings at Long Lane was a typically exciting 125cc contest as the fast starting Nathan Bache quickly hit the front chased hard by early series leader Jordan Wright and Damon Strydom. Four laps in though and Wright crashed heavily in the whoops section before Strydom then passed Bache for the lead. The man on a serious charge in this moto was Shane Carless, gating down in 12^th he quickly reeled his rivals in and was about to make a move on Strydom when the race was red-flagged and halted in the closing stages. So on completion it was Strydom taking the win and his maiden AMCA Championship success from Carless, Bache, Jimmy Margetson, Shane Holmes the 2011 AMCA 125cc Champion and Jonathan Roderick-Evans.

In moto two it was Carless taking the win after leading just about all of the way. Up until midpoint, Bache had looked the most likely runner-up until crashing heavily and snapping his handlebar clamp. Although Nathan gallantly tried to still score points it was not to be as Travis Steels took 2^nd from Matt Ridgway, Chris Povey, Roderick-Evans, Wright bravely recovering following his moto one crash, Margetson and Strydom.

After having suffered from spills in the opening two motos, Margetson was right on it for the last clash of the day. Passing that man Bache on lap five, Jimmy took control of the contest and looked set for the win only to be passed by the hard charging Carless on the final lap and just two corners from home. In this one, Steels was 3^rd with Holmes having another great ride in 4^th and also getting the better of Bache, Strydom, Clinton Barrs and Luke Newman. In the Championship standings, Carless now leads the way 22 points clear of Margetson with Strydom in 3^rd.

With a typically stylish and controlled performance, Luke Burton scorched to three great MX1 wins at Long Lane and thus also move to the top of the early standings. In the opening moto, Luke led from gate to flag as James Dodd slipped back to 5^th after looking set in the runners-up position early on. Ashley Greedy, Adam Chatfield and Josh Waterman all relegated Doddy with the ride by Waterman being particularly eye catching as he moved menacingly up from 10^th. In this ultra-competitive class, Nev Bradshaw, Corie Southwood and Tommy Alba were next up.

In a dramatic start to MX1 moto two, Bradshaw and Dodd made contact on the run into the opening turn, the result being that Dodd lost several of his front wheel spokes. So as Dodd stopped for a quick wheel change, the pack raced off into the distance with Burton again in total control. In this one, Bradshaw got his ‘big Red CR500 Honda’ up into 2^nd spot with Chatfield, Greedy, Waterman and co in the mix as Benjamin Knight, Will Hughes and Scooter Webster rounded off the top ten.

With his favourite 2T Honda having blown a gasket in that moto two, Bradshaw’s participation in the crucial last MX1 moto of the day was now in serious doubt. However good friend James Painton was to come to his rescue offering the use of his own CR500. Accepting the kind offer, Neville got home in 4^th as Burton passed Alba and Dodd to earn another impressive victory. Having his best ride of the day, Southwood eventually got up to take  2^nd from Dodd with Chatfield, Greedy, Waterman and Hughes next in the placings. But for Bradshaw that bike loan from a generous Painton could yet prove to be absolutely crucial in the title race as it’s now very tight at the top. Just 6 points separate leader Burton, Waterman and Nev, it’s all to play for!   

With another maximum score, Jamie Wainwright has marched clear at the top of the AMCA MX2 standings. In the very early stages of moto one, Wainwright had James Smith on his tail before he dropped down to 10^th. So as Wainwright raced clear and Henry Williams held an equally safe 2^nd spot, the main focus was on a fantastic tussle for 3^rd featuring Josh Coleman, Jordan Eccles, Luke Dean, Ryan Crowder and Lewis Dowdeswell. On completion, the determined Coleman won that battle royale as Jansen Day and Cory McShane also finished inside the top ten.

Gating in12th, Wainwright quickly got up to 5^th spot in MX2 moto two before passing Day, Coleman, Dowdeswell and leader Dean. By lap three, Jamie was in control for the win but the rides of the moto came from Crowder and Eccles. After crashing early on the opening lap, Crowder came storming back from last to earn a fantastic 6^th whilst Eccles recovered from 18^th to bag a strong 5^th.

In the last MX2 clash as Wainwright gated in 11^th, Eccles made a jet propelled start to quickly earn some daylight at the front of the pack. Looking to have the contest under control he appeared well set to inflict the first Championship defeat of 2020 on Wainwright until it all went wrong with just two laps remaining. Following a crash, Jordan dropped down to 3^rd just behind winner Wainwright and Crowder. Again in the mix were Coleman, Williams, Day and Dean as Lee Truman had his best ride of the day for 8^th. On the podium it was Wainwright, Coleman and Eccles whilst in the Championship table Coleman now holds 2^nd, 46 points off top slot and just ahead of 2T aces Crowder and Dean.

The Lane brothers again took the top two slots in the Vets class at Long Lane but were made to work hard for their spoils by the fast starting Paul Burn. In a classic moto one, Burn led the way before being passed by both Simon and James Lane. Undeterred, Paul fought back to reclaim the advantage with just two laps remaining. Then in a frantic finale, Burn again dropped to 3^rd as Simon leapt past James to snatch the win on the final circuit, great action! Also starting the day in style, Sean Smith got home in 4^th from John Barnes, Chris Jones, Anthony Bennett and Kev Rogers.

Burn again led the way in Vets moto two before first Simon and then James Lane took control. Unfortunately Sean Smith’s participation in the event ended in this clash following a heavy crash as Rogers, Bennett, Barnes and Brian Staples picked up some more useful Championship points.

Making a quick getaway, Simon Lane grabbed the final moto holeshot before brother James found a way through after just two laps. Form her onwards, James led all the way as Bennett had a great ride for 3^rd ahead of Burn, Rogers, Jones, Barnes, Staples and Gareth Dunsford. With the Lane boy’s already beginning to break clear at the top of the title standings, Burn has now moved up into the Championship bronze medal position.  

Following Sunday’s racing there’s now a new leader in the Youth class as Yarin Evans has took control. Falon Baillie was fastest away though in moto one at Long Lane before Evans surged to the front on lap two. Remaining smooth and composed, Yarin then raced onto victory 8 seconds clear of Championship pace-setter Joel Fisher as Lewis Roden took 3^rd with Baillie 4^th, Caleb Greaves 5^th, Tyler Smith 6^th and Oliver Rigby 7^th.

Baillie was again the holeshot King in moto two but by the completion of the opening circuit, Fisher was dictating proceedings. From here onwards he cruised to a massive win from Evans, Greaves, Baillie, Rigby and Smith. Looking favourite to then extend his series lead even further, Fisher led the final Youth 85cc clash before it all went wrong. On lap three, Joel picked up a rear-wheel puncture and so with the tyre threatening to vacate the rim, he had to nurse his bike home for 13^th place. Taking the win was Evans from Smith, Rigby and Baillie. That result meant that Evans now leads the Championship with Fisher just 13 points in arrears as Roden holds third.

Report and pics by Mike Wood