You have stumbled on a delightful box of tricks, Classic Trials & other perverse stuff from Michael Leete. MCC ACTC and other trials. VW Beetles, Dellows, Marlins, or even Suzuki X90's
Dave became one of only a handful of people that have won a Classic Trial in both a Front Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive Car having won the Tamar in 2003 in his Golf. Andrew Kearns was best Solo and Alan Wear best Outfit.
Peter Browne captures Dave Haizelden storming Angel Steps on his way to a resounding Overall Car Win on the Tamar Trial Click Here for more of Peter’s Photos
Videos by Kofi Farley, Duncan Stephens and James Smith
This years Tamar went down well with competitors with the hills having just the right amount of bite. Most of the sections were pretty dry but Angel Steps greasy.
After a poorly supported Exmoor Clouds entries were better for the Tamar with 24 Motorcycles and 35 Cars, a third in Class Five.
Class Eight had some difficult restarts. Dan Keat was the only class 8 to climb Tanks Terror where Dave Haizelden was the only other car to clean the section. Aaron Haizelden dropped six here. If he hadn’t he would have finished on three, same as Dave but had a faster special test time!
Dave Haizelden dropped the only marks on his Tamar when he stopped at the three on Trehole but even here nobody on four wheels climbed higher.
There were two clean sheets amongst the Solos, the win going to Andrew Kearns on Special Test times.
Premier awards went to Steve Urell, Adrian Wade and Paul Merson.
Richard Dunning pictured by Chris Barham
North Devon MC’s Tarqa Trial was an ACTC Championship qualifier for motorcycles only but attracted a disappointing entry of 34. This comprised four outfits, sixteen solos and thirteen cars.
The route was sensitive to the needs of the different categories. There was a total of 22 sections and included six solo only sections. There were also two unique to the three and four wheel brigade, including Riverton, well known to Lands End competitors.
Adrian Wade was best solo, dropping 12 marks, two better than John Lukett. David White also only dropped 12 but competing in Class X wasn’t eligible for best overall.
There were four outfits taking part. Steve Urell claimed premier outfit but both Geoff Westcott and Richard Maddern retired.
On four wheels Paul Merton was a familiar winner in his special followed by Ray Ferguson in Class Seven.
Chris Barham Reports:-
Over all a really good day. Wet start but sunny finish. Fantastic days sport with so many varied sections. From slippery field hill climbs, Classic sections and rocky lanes. Road miles minimal with plenty of green lanes mixed in.
From a bikers side the easiest section near the end caught so many points it was funny as. and that was the atmosphere through out the day, plenty of laughs and good will.
Many competitors will know the work that goes into a trial, weeks of route planning, official paper work with ACU, MSA, highways department ,private land owners and residents on route. Hedge cutting and section clearing. All of which is appreciated on the day but why are we not getting the numbers? The future of The Tarka is in jeopardy! Which is a real shame.
There was plenty of grip after the dry summer even though there was some drizzle on the day.
Richard Maddern and Chris Barnicoat gun their outfit in the dry conditions (Photo by Adam Walter)
Videos by Duncan Stephens and Josh Cook
Competitors appreciated Holsworthy Motor Clubs revised route which still included the classic Cutliffe Lane
Paul Merson was best car, dropping nine marks, the only four wheel competitor in single figures. Aaron Haizelden was second on 14 in his Reliant Scimitar.
Tony Hocking was best motorcycle, followed by Kathy Martin who was also best in Class B1. Steve Urell was best outfit.
Its summer so things slow up in the Classic Trials world. Time to reflect on the future of the sport. Time for a poll!
Here are the questions. If you are logged in to FB you can click on the links, see the results and comments. If you are a member of the Classic Trials Group you can also still add to them.
