whowasthatberntpersson

I believe Ben and Kurt Shields have pulled out along with Cam Woodward, Taylor Poole, Samsurry Pigram and Ben Turner in

My Lad? Its nearly all 350cc stuff now, was hoping to do Gosford on the 31st but don't think his bike will be ready. Waiting to get confirmation of venue and date for the Under 16 350cc Title, looks like Tamworth on 28th Feb at this stage but thats far from definate.

The little pommy fella did a great job (Howard I mean), he's not bad at all. He did say at the end that his arse was hanging out because of the way they were pumping out the races, it was non stop all night but he was very professional, quite easy on the ears. The boys (Howard and Bryn) decided to go to Broadford on the Sunday, rather than stay in Shepparton for the pairs, so we missed his dulcet tones, it sounded like Keith Anderson on the mike on Sunday. Oh and I forgot to mention the flies....my god they are bad down there, don't bet on horse racing in Shepparton, the amount of flies on a nag could make the difference.

Just got back from the Under 16 Championships, my thoughts are below the report which I found on the Gillman Speedway website; Arthur Sissis Successfully Defends Australian Junior Championship Gillman Media posted Tuesday January 20, 2009. Arthur Sissis successfully defended the Australian Under 16 125cc Junior Speedway Championship at Undera Park Speedway in Victoria on Saturday night (17 January). As he did last season, Sissis went through the card unbeaten, and now becomes only the fourth rider to win the championship a second time. Other two times winners are Jason Hawkes (1987 when he beat Leigh Adams, and 88 when he beat Jason Crump), Russell Harrison (95, 97) and Mark Jones (99, 01). Interestingly none of the two-time winners went on to real high profile international careers and Sissis may follow the trend as he will compete in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup series in Europe this year so ultimately may be lost to a senior speedway career. Place getters behind Sissis on Saturday night were Nick Morris (Qld), Mason Campton (NSW) and Dane Cartwright (NSW). Cartwright (13) and Campton (12) were direct qualifiers for the final while Morris won an eventful semi-final. The first start was stopped for a first corner bunching, when Morris fell. In the restart, Robert Medson’s bike failed in the first corner, and then in turn three, Clinton Dennis moved up into Morris who fell, and the referee excluded Dennis as the cause. Medson was also excluded from the rerun as he was not under power at the time of the stoppage. A major disappointment for the Adelaide rider as he had been the fourth highest scorer in the heats. That left Brady Kurtz and Morris for the third start and this time Kurtz's bike failed in the first corner, leaving Morris to transfer to the A final. The final saw Sissis emerge in front from the first corner, and he led Morris and Campton to the finish line with Cartwright retiring with bike trouble. The following night Sissis made it a double, and Medson gained some compensation, when they teamed together for a near perfect score in the team (pairs) championship. Sissis and Medson dropped just one point when Mason Campton was able to split them in the opening heat. The South Aussie pair were so dominant they had the title wrapped up after the fifth of their six heats. Nick Morris and Clinton Dennis from Queensland finished strongly with first and second in their last three heats for 23 points and second place. Third place went to Mason Campton and Brady Kurtz from New South Wales, with 20 points. Brady Kurtz and Dylan Blain will both be in action in the junior events at Gillman Speedway this Saturday night. Riders are also reminded Gillman will be holding the Gillman Junior (125cc and 350cc, subject to nominations) Championships on 7 February as support events to the Gillman Solo Championship; and the Gillman Junior Sidecar Championship on 21 March (again, subject to nominations) as support to the Gillman Sidecar Masters. The inaugural Under 16 250cc Sidecar Championship was won by Shane Hudson/Sam Gilbert (NSW) from Ashley Duncan/Mitchell Duncan (Vic), with Dylan Blain/Robert Gottardi (Qld) spinning infield on turn 2. Ashley and Mitchell Duncan top scored in the heats with the maximum 12 points, with Hudson/Gilbert the other automatic qualifiers with 11 points. Blain/Gottardi (9 points after a first race exclusion) won the semi final, from Hayden Bond/Brady Cox (NSW, 10 points) and Jake Mitchell/Dakota Ballantyne (SA, 8 points). Results: Individual Solo Championship heat points: Arthur Sissis (SA) 15, Dane Cartwright (NSW) 13, Mason Campton (NSW) 12, Robert Medson (SA) 11, Brady Kurtz (NSW) 10, Nick Morris (Qld) 10, Clinton Dennis (Qld) 9, Cameron Heeps (WA) 8, Cooper Riordan (Vic) 7, Mathew Day (Qld) 6, Luke Mitchell (SA) 5, Dylan Blain (Qld) 4, Jack Fallon (Vic) 4, Max Fricke (Vic) 3, Braden Munro (Vic) 1, Ellis Perks (Qld) 1, Sam Anderson (Vic, reserve, dnr), Blake Russell (WA, reserve, dnr). Semi-final: Morris (W), Kurtz (B, ret), Dennis (Y, exc), Medson (R, ret) Final: Sissis ®, Morris (Y), Campton (W), Cartwright (B, ret) Solo Teams (Pairs) Championship heat points: SA 29 (Arthur Sissis 17+1, Robert Medson 12+4), Qld1 23 (Nick Morris 14+1, Clinton Dennis 9+3), NSW 20 (Mason Campton 13+1, Brady Kurtz 7), Qld2 15 (Dylan Blain 6+1, Mathew Day 9+1), WA 14 (Cameron Heeps 12, Blake Russell 2), Vic2 14 (Max Fricke 10, Braden Munro 4+3), Vic1 11 (Jack Fallon 6, Cooper Riordan 5). Sidecar Championship heat points: Ashley Duncan / Mitchell Duncan (Vic) 12, Shane Hudson / Sam Gilbert (NSW) 11, Hayden Bond / Brady Cox (NSW) 10, Dylan Blain / Robert Gottardi (Qld) 9, Jake Mitchell / Dakota Ballantyne (SA) 8, Rhys Madill / Scott Schofield (Vic) 8, Lachlan Schreurs / Jesse Hunter (Vic) 7, Jarrod Mitchell / Jordan Holmes (Vic) 6, Harley Blackwell / Dane Cartwright (NSW) 4, Kane Turner / Ryan Hatcliffe (SA) 4, Peter Blackwell / Bart Blackwell (NSW) 3, Sam Anderson / Talysha Dawson (Vic) 1 Semi-final: Blain (, Bond ®, Jake Mitchell (W) Final: Hudson (, Duncan ®, Blain (W, exc infield) Very eventful two days, prcatice was held on Friday night with racing on Saturday night and Sunday morning. The weather was all over the place, it was freezing on Friday night, cool on Saturday night and absolutely boiling on Sunday. Overall a good couple of days racing which had more than the usual ups and downs, dodgy decisions etc etc. The best man won, Arthur is a standout but there are a number of other very promising youngsters, apart from the teenagers who did well (Morris, Campton, Medson, Dennis, etc) a few new names stood out. Brady Kurtz was unlucky, he's a tiny little fella, who looks to have a big future, another very young rider who impressed was Max Frikke from Mildura. I think the pairs (teams event) has served its time, the only team riding was from Morris/Dennis and later on Sissis / Medson. Its great for the kids to get an extra meeting though and some of the kids showed what they are capable of, once the pressure is off. The club had their work cutout cramming in so many events and the track took a battering with the full sidecar and solo championships both on Saturday night. I think the 350cc Aussie Championships which is coming up soon will be a better guide for those wanting to know who the next lot of emerging Australian talent are.

Only a few days before Arthur Sissis defends his Aussie under 16 Title. This time last year the likes od Darcy Ward, Justin Sedgman, Alex Davies, Todd Kurtz etc were all battling it out with the young guns. They are all 16 now and have stepped up to the 500's and are doing very well indeed. So who are the young guns? Obviously Arthur, he's a big chance to retail his crown, but there are quite a number of chances. Mason Campton 15 - His last 125cc meeting, he'll be 16 in October Doing very well on the 350, starting to get a bit big for the 125's but he's a chance Clinton Dennis 15 - His last 125cc meeting, he'll be 16 in February, another one who now looks uncomfortable on the smaller bikes but he's capable of taking it out Nick Morris - Was unlucky not to make the final last year, still only 14, has won all the biggies in Queensland since Darcy Ward stepped up, if luck is on his side he's a real chance. Brady Kurtz - The best of the younger riders, a little inexperienced and inconsistant but on his day he's capable Cameron Heeps - Classy rider but lack of competition in his home state will go against him Robert Medson - Steady performer but don't think he has the class to win it Dane Cartwright - A real spoiler Dylan Blain - Good starter but probably doesn't have the natural aggression to figure in the placings Don't know much about the local riders but you can never discount them. There are some good outsiders , a lot will depend on the draw as gate positions are vital on the 125's. Should be a cracking few days racing with the teams meeting on Sunday.

Motorcycling Queensland have just released this video clip. http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=yjFPoXI8VH0 Jason Crump talks about the sport and what you need to get into it. It features some great 125cc action, every motorcycle club should be showing this to their non speedway riding members.

Had a good chat to Vaclav Verner at Newcastle on Saturday night. He assures me that there will be a World 250cc Junior Speedway Championship in 2010. Already approved by the FIM. This begs the question; What will happen to the other forms of junior racing around the world. Australia has no proper 250 racing (350cc class is for 14-16 year old), Scandanavia and Poland currently has the 80cc two strokes, the UK (no actual structured junior scene that I know of), USA (does have 250's, could bring some of there kids into the reckoning) I know this has been discussed previously but it really looks like it happening, a good move in my opinion but I can see some countries being very reluctant to change from their current junior setups. Infact the Aussie kids will have to take a backward step as many of them are already on the 350's, likewise some Brit kids are on 500's.

Got back to the Western suburbs of Brisbane early Sunday evening after a fantastic few days away. My observations; Caught up with many BSF members and old faces I only seem to see at this time of year (Bryn appeared sober) I thought Gosford was the better meeting. Much closer racing and more emphasis on track craft rather than horsepower. Both meetings were very very lucky to survive the weather, rain was a very serious threat on both nights and it was rather chilly for those of us from the Northern Climes, BFD was wrapped up like a new born, Darwin never gets weather like that. A few track problems at Nwcastle, a few riders were having a real gripe about the track and just prior to the 350cc finals Davey Watt stopped proceedings, saying that track was far too dangerous/unpredictable for the kids to race on. This resulted in another track grade. The main focus of attention seemed to be the fourth bend. My first visit to Newcastle, I know the track is fast and exciting, but is this really good speedway? Hardly a pass all night and riders were getting completely filled in trying to change lines to make a move. Unlike Gosford where racing opportunities did exist, Darcy Ward in particular showed what could be achieved, and was involved in the best two races of the night. Michael Penfold blew an engine in practice at Gosford and Darcy Ward did the same at Newcastle, Darcy has spent the last two nights at Steve Kurtz place (the Australian GM dealer) in Cowra rectifying the problem and has both bikes ready for Mildura. I spent a very enjoyable few days staying the Hunter Valley area near kurri Kurri, what a hotbed, the likes of Richard Sweatman, The Shields Family , Kozza Smith, Sam Masters, all live within striking distance and there are tracks all over the place (hush hush type of tracks if you know what I mean) Had the opportunity to check out the work in progress at Kurri Kurri, what a fantastic venue this is going to be. Peter Campton (Father of junior rider Mason) is behind the project. The tracks are already in place with viewing mounds ready to be turfed. No stone seems to be left unturned and local businesses and speedway people are right behind the venture. Talk of the first junior meeting taking place before the end of summer. Track lengths are Senior - 320 metres and Junior 135 metres. Next biggie for me will be the Australian Junior Titles at Undera on the 17th and 18th January, back home for a week or so then a return visit to Gosford for the Australian Under 21 Titles (and 350cc supports)

Oakburn Park Speedway in Tamworth will host the 2009 Australian Under 16 350cc Championships on Saturday 28th February. This is good news for everyone who has been pushing for this event over the past few months. The first date selected was 21st Feb however this clashed with the re staging of the Dave Booth Memorial at the Gold Coast, another big 350 event, so the date was moved forward a week. With two great events just a week apart and not that far away distance wise, maybe this will entice the long distance travellers.

There are probably four or five realistic chances. Arthur dominated last years title but he was beaten in his own State title and the Victorian State title by riders in this field.

The lineup for the Individual, Pairs and Sidecar Championships being held at Undera Victoria are; Individual - 17th January 2009 - Dylan Blain - Luke Mitchell - Sam Anderson - Mason Campton - Dane Cartwright - Mathew Day - Clinton Dennis - Max Fricke - Cameron Heeps - Brady Kurtz - Robert Medson - Nick Morris - Brayden Munro - Ellis Perks - Cooper Riordan - Arthur Sissis The following four riders are reserves: Reserve 1: Blake Russell Reserve 2: Brayden Paver Reserve 3: Harley Brigden Reserve 4: Bryce Brigden Teams 18th January 2009- Vic. 1: Anderson & Riordan - Vic. 2: Fricke & Munro - SA: Sissis & Medson - WA: Heeps & Russell - NSW: Campton & Kurtz - Qld. 1: Morris & Dennis - Qld. 2: Blain & Day Twelve teams have also been named to take part in the Australian U16 Teams Sidecar Championship, and they are as follows: - P.Blackwell/B.Blackwell - H.Blackwell/D. Cartwright - D.Blain/R.Gottardi - H.Bond/B.Cox - A.Duncan/M.Duncan - S.Hudson/S.Gilbert - R.Madill/S.Schofield - Jake Mitchell/D.Ballantyne - Jarrod Mitchell/J.Holmes - T.Moon/TBA - L.Schreurs/J.Hunter - K.Turner/R.Hatcliffe A few surprise omissions from the Individual meeting, I have no idea how these lineups get chosen but every year we seem to get some weard selections. I'm sure the MA phones would be running hot, if the office was open.

I think the Shields have British parentage (Mother maybe?). I know Australian riders without British parentage need to place (top two I believe) in their State titles, its hard to keep track of the constant changes regarding work permits etc, but I heard that a few riders were really sweating on a State title place. There are a lot of new riders heading over to the UK this year, the start of something special for Australian Speedway me thinks. The qualifier on Friday should be an absolute cracker, hope to catch up with quite a few people there.

The only Gold Coast meeting in January is on the 17th, the same night as the junior title at Undera. North Brisbane may be up and running again by then, but I wouldn't count on it. Speedway has been given the go ahead to run under a new committee as agreed at the North Brisbane Motorcycle Club AGM recently but I don't expect any action until the end of the summer (hope I'm wrong though)

Good luck with this venture. Australia has a thriving 125cc junior speedway scene which obvioulsy works, preparing youngsters from 7-16 for the step up. In my opinion these bikes are only suitable for mini tracks though. I have loads of 125cc racing clips if anyone is interested. By the way when you see the Title "Australian Under 16 Championship" or Junior Championship, it means Under 16's on 125cc machines. We also have a 350cc class now, its for 14 to 16 year olds and the boys are stepping off the 125's with enough skill to handle the 350's, or in some cases riding both bikes for competition.. Its a system that works.

Its being held at Broadmeadow on the 3rd January, the day after the qualifier at Gosford. You definately won't need to pre purchase tickets for either event. Not sure of start times yet. Hoping to get down to both meetings from Queensland, if they run 350 support events as I expect they will.

"Pop" seems to spend his time rotating between Western Australia and Queensland due to work comitments. Apart from the recent Pinjar Park outing he also represented Queensland in a teams meet against New South Wales at the Gold Coast Speedway, riding against and with a whole bunch of teenagers and really mixing it with them. I didn't realise he was on his fifties, makes his recent achievemnets all the more remarkable.

He most certainly did. This was Nick's 4th Queensland Under 16 Championship, as Chopper said he's been knocking at the door for a while, 2005 - 5th (Age 11) 2006 - 3rd (Age 12) 2007 - 2nd (Age 13) 2008 - 1st (Age 14) The results don't tell the full story either, the two favourites both fell in their first rides making it very hard for themselves. The final was an absolute cracker, Dylan Blain made the start and was under pressure for three laps, likewise Nick who was chasing came under pressure from Clinton Dennis who had got past Matty Day. On the last lap Dylan moved slightly wide off the line and Nick was through leaving a gap for Clinton who was right up Nick's clacka for the rest of the race..certainly got my heart rate going and the tinnies came thick and fast.

Thanks for posting the clips Lance. Some very good junior action, the meeting always looked a bit risky weather wise. As Squeeky said loads of current and former riders in the pits, we could of put quite a good Aussie team together from those just spectating. Certainly some very good riders coming through the ranks, the race between Darcy Ward and Josh Grajczonek had real spice to it, the two friends were out to out do each other, Josh got the start and despite Darcy's best efforts held on for the win, this race being just as the heavy rain started to fall. Here's a team of past and present riders who were in the pits (not riding); Ryan Sullivan Chris Holder Mick Poole Steven Davies Mitch Shirra Trent Leverington Craig Hyde Special mention for the Under 16's who rode in the afternoon heat and humidity, some great racing, some of the youngsters are coming on in leeps and bounds. Hope you enjoyed your first taste of Aussie action Squeeky?

Taken from http://www.ccjuniormotorcycleclub.org.au/j...way/jpage2.html 25th October - Nepean The NSW U16 350 championship was held along with the NSW U21 Championship. Junior 125s were also present as a support class. Queenslander Nick Morris was in hot from. He dropped only one point (to Mason Campton) and won the rest of his races to finish top qualifier. The day started well for Mason. He had three wins from his first three heats and looked very confident on his bike. Another Queenslander Tyson Nelson finished second to Campton in their first heat. He later went on to also score three very good heat wins including one over Mason when they met for a second time in the heats. These two finished in joint second on points and advanced to the A Final. Mitchell Watson's stint was short lived, retiring for the day after heat 1 with mechanical problems. After that, some heats had only three riders. Todd Kurtz, the reigning Australian Junior 350 champion, did not do as well as hoped on the dry and later dusty track. He scored enough points to be the final qualifier for the A Final. Dirt track racers Fletcher Tydd and Daniel Begley along with Bryce Johnston kept the others honest always racing hard and never giving up. Begley in particular had two very good races against Tyson and Mason where he finished second and third respectively. When the tapes went up in the final Tyson led away from Mason, Nick and Todd. The track was now very slick and dusty as they raced around. At the start of lap 3 Nick went too hard through the first turns and came down. On the restart (Minus Nick) Tyson again got away to a good start with Mason close behind followed by Todd. As with the heats the racing was hard and fast but Mason could not get close enough to pass. He moved high and low, in and out but Tyson was not to be denied. He crossed the line first with Mason very close behind. A number of junior riders have progressed from 125s to 350s to 500s and are doing very well. The current crop of riders demonstrate great skill and racecraft and when, in a couple of years they move to 500s, they will do very well as seniors. The 125s were run in support and Sean Mclellan had a couple of heat wins before mechanical trouble sidelined him. Another dirt track champion, this young rider is improving every time he races. Jack Holder, Kurtis Tydd and Sam Anderson had fun. Sam was especially happy after a heat win on the tight and bumpy track. It was good to see a couple of new faces in junior speedway and I hope we see more of them. This class of racing is a great way to start speedway and a number of successful juniors are now making an impression in senior ranks.

Taken from http://www.centralcoastspeedway.com/ NSW UNDER 21 - Posted October 26, 2008 Coffs Harbour's Hugh Skidmore took a stunning victory in yesterday's NSW Under 21 Championship on a brilliant day of top class racing at Nepean. A strong field of local and interstate riders fronted for the event and it was Queensland's Darcy Ward who showed his hand early with a blistering first up win. Others who looked likely to be in the mix were Skidmore, Justin Sedgmen, Tom Hedley, Sam Masters and debutant Alex Davies - all looked the goods. It was a meeting of three halves (we know that's not possible), but a misguided track grade after round two turned the track into a ploughed field and it was then that the cream rose to the top. The Hunter Valley's Michael Penfold put on a career best ride in the heavy going, his brave style perfectly suited to the tough track, while Hedley, Justin Sedgmen and Ward also shone. Another track prep followed, to try and get some normality back into the surface and following that it was a battle for spots in the A final. Ward went unbeaten through the heats, while Justin Sedgmen and Skidmore also went through direct to the A. Tom Hedley had to rely on a countback to get in after touching the tapes in his last ride - just pipping Masters and Penfold for the final spot. Ward made the unusual decision to go off gate two in the final and that left Skidmore with the prime gate 1. Sedgmen took 3 and hedley was left with 4. A tight first turn saw Skidmore just get the better of Ward and ride four superb laps to capture a truly amazing win - he's not yet 18! Ward was second, while a wounded Sedgmen finished third and Hedley fourth. Skidmore was excellent and guts is a huge part of what he does - he really does give it his all, but also rides with plenty of control. Ward is a superstar in the making, perhaps the best 16 year old since Jason Crump (Chris Holder hit his straps when has about 17). Justin Sedgmen has a nice style and will definitely succeed in the UK, while it was good to see Tom Hedley back in action - he looks set for a UK return in '09. Sam Masters, Alex Davies, Michael Penfold, Anthony Perks and Ryan Sedgmen were the next best, Sedgmen losing his way a little after a couple of bike problems. Perks really showed up well and it probably the best he’s ever ridden. Micheal Dyer and Nick Rowe also put in a couple of good rides. Scorers will be posted as soon as they come to hand. ******************************************************************************** *************************** NSW UNDER 16 350cc - Posted October 26, 2008 The 350cc racing was absolutely brilliant and there are some very serious operators coming through the ranks. Tyson Nelson, Mason Campton, Nick Morris and Todd Kurtz were the standouts, and I'd say Morris has marginally the best style of the four at this stage (not much in it though). Many noticed a huge improvement in Gunnedah's Fletcher Tydd and the same can be said for Daniel Begley and the pint sized Bryce Johnson. The final results were Nelson from Campton and Kurtz after Morris fell while challenging for the lead. Comeback man Ben Shields dominated the support solos and looks to be getting back to his best, Tim Heffernan also looked good when the track was slick. We will have some photos from the day in our gallery over the next few days.

Any footage of this meeting available anywhere?

The qualifyer should be a very good meeting indeed....and my young un should be there on the 350 all being well (hopefully at Newcastle the following night too)

Dates are still to be finalised by MA, they will be more concrete in about a month (so I have been told by MA). However most of the Championship meetings will be in January. From experience I would strongly suggest not making any bookings within Australia just yet.

Another question, several of the top Aussie Under 16 year olds have British parentage (similar to Ty Woffinden). Would they be allowed to compete in championship meetings in the UK?

Could well have been Trofimov, I was only about 8 years old at the time. I read somewhere that one of the Ruskies was a big badge collector, maybe a few of them were? What great names though, Tofimov, Gordeev, etc, etc, names that will stick in my mind forever.