Ledbury MCC Saturday Early Evening Grasstrack
Preview: Ben Falconer
THE hottest young prospects are set to thrill the crowds at Ledbury MCC's grasstrack on Saturday, June 13.
While Kent King speedway rider James Shanes and Birmingham's Tom Perry have had a few years to become well established on the grass in the adult ranks, youth champions Callum Walker from Lydney and Zach Wachjknecht add even more quality and youth to a very competitive line up at the Hazle Meadow track.
Shanes, who won the club's ACU Masters Challenge last year, is starting to make an impression on the big German longtracks as well as in National League speedway, and now is in his third full season on a 500cc machine. But Former Premier League Riders speedway champion James Wright will also be at the tapes - and he beat Shanes last weekend at Bridgewater. With his speedway pedigree he may find Ledbury's compact track to his liking.
Cornishman Josh Dingle is a regular supporter of Ledbury MCC events and his all-action style makes him a crowd favourite. And after 12 years in speedway, Lee Smart is concentrating on grasstrack, and should be another contender, along with last year's winner Rob Finlow.
Perry doubles up in the 350cc class, where top three grading list rider Barry Powell from Cinderford will be keen to win again after last year's victory at this event. Tewkesbury's Gerald Short heads up the pre-75 class with Roger Taylor from Eldersfield.
Sidecar classes for both 500cc and 1000cc outfits are well supported, with 12 of the bigger outfits programmed. Practice starts at 2pm and tapes go up on the first race at 3.30pm. Admission to the track on the Ross Road a mile outside Ledbury is �10, �8 for concessions and under 16s go free-of-charge.