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DTRA MAGAZINE ISSUE #04

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DTRA Magazine Issue #03Grand Fromage: Anthony Brown

Editor: Ian Osborne

Design: Ian Roxburgh

Photographers: Ian Roxburgh, Ian Osborne

Contributors: Anthony Brown, Anna Butler,

Peter Boast

Race poster designer: Ryan Quickfall

Race cat: SP Lodge

#04

ON THE COVER:The blue groove at the NorfolkArena, Kings Lynn CONTENTS:The pits at Rye House Photos: Ian Roxburgh

C O N T E N T S


Intro 09DTRA 2015 Recap 12

Maxxis Tyres 30DTRA 2015 Champions 34

Pete Boast’s Five Tips 54The Greenfield Groove 58

Hooligan Class 68Hells Race 72

Superprestigio 2015 78Alan Birtwistle 82DTRA Gallery 86

DTRA 2016 Rider List 110DTRA 2016 Rules and Regs 112

Parting Shot 114

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Welcome to the 2016 DTRA race season. After a winter of hardwork this season promises to be nothing short of spectacular. We look forward to seeing the familiar faces of our returningracers and are thrilled to meet all the new riders who havesigned up to race and join the DTRA family. For 2016 we bringyou an exciting line up of venues, including one new location atGreenfield Dirt Track (page 58), that promise to deliver the bestflat track action the UK has ever seen. This season also seesmany of our sponsors returning and we would like to take theopportunity to thank all of them. The big news is that we nowhave a title sponsor and the series will now be called the Maxxis2016 UK National Flat Track Championships. This means biggerand better things for all involved, especially you the riders. We’dalso like to welcome back our army of volunteers who work sohard behind the scenes and in the thick of the action on race day.We couldn’t do it without you. Other exciting news is that alongwith Sideburn magazine we will be bringing you the HooliganEuropean Championship Mini Series, which is sponsored byHarley Davidson and Roland Sands (page 68). Round one of theseries will take place at the MCN Festival of Motorcycling withround two in Belgium at the Hells Race (page 72) and the finalevent will take place at Dirt Quake. It’s an exciting time for flattrack racing and the 2016 season looks like it’s going to be thebest yet. All that remains is to wish everyone a fun and safeseason of racing. See you at Rye House on April 10.

Anthony Brown

INTRO

Photo: Ian Roxburgh

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DTRA 2015 RECAP

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DTRA 2015 ROUND ONELeicester Speedway, 26th April

Round one of the 2015 DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) race series kickedoff in style at Leicester Speedway on April 26. Sunshine and a well-groomedtrack provided the perfect start to the season. With a record number of raceentries the 2015 series looked like it would be more competitive than everbefore. And it didn’t disappoint!

Photos: Ian Roxburgh


DTRA Round 1 Results

Pro Class1. Tom Neave2. Oliver Brindley3. Aidan CollinsRestricted Class 1. Ross Herrod 2. Scott Faulkner3. Christophe Decombard Rookie Class 1. Richard Rowden2. Sean Kelly3. Andrew SmithVintage Class 1. Anthony Brown2. Guy Sutherland3. Paul Harrison

Thunderbike Class 1. Dave Chadburn2. Neil Martin 3. Ross Herrod Minibike Class 1. Leah Tokelove 2. Freddie Hales 3. Robert NeaveYouth Senior Class 1. Toby Hales2. Skye Adams3. Connor JacksonYouth Intermediate Class 1. Storm Stacey 2. Joe Burden 3. Kier Armstrong Youth Junior Class 1. Leon Collier

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DTRA 2015 ROUND TWOPeterborough Speedway, 16-17 May

Round two of the 2015 DTRA (Dirt Track Riders Association) race series moved to Peterborough Speedway for a special two-day event at the MCN Festival of Motorcycling. Not only did this event feature two days of hard fought flat track action, butalso included the Trans-Atlantic Trophy with Britain’s best taking on some legends of the sport from the USA. Visiting ridersincluded Dave Aldana, Kevin Schwantz and Jay Maloney. Sunshine and a well-groomed track provided the perfect setting foran amazing weekend of dirt track racing.




Pro Class1. Aidan Collins2. Oliver Brindley3. Tim NeaveRestricted Class 1. Conor Bolsover2. Gary Birtwistle 3. Ross Herrod Rookie Class 1. Daniel Kafta 2. Richard Rowden3. Andrew SmithVintage Class 1. Guy Sutherland2. Frank Chatokhine 3. Paul Harrison

Thunderbike Class 1. Geoff Cain 2. Tom Clemans 3. George Pickering Minibike Class 1. Alfie Collett2. Leah Tokelove3. Robert NeaveYouth Senior Class 1. Skye Adams2. Toby Hales 3. Ben NeaveYouth Intermediate Class 1. Storm Stacey2. George Hopper 3. Joe Burden Youth Junior Class 1. Leon Collier

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DTRA 2015 ROUND THREEEastbourne Speedway13 June

Round three of the 2015 DTRA race series saw another amazing weekend of flat track racing.Adding to the action from the USA were Nevin Pontious and Julian Heppekausen from DeusEx Machina. With the rain holding off the fast and dusty Eastbourne track provided someepic race day action.




Pro Class1. Aidan Collins2. Oliver Brindley3. Tim NeaveRestricted Class 1. Ross Herrod2. Scott Faulkner3. Christoph DecombardRookie Class 1. Michael Herman2. Peter Jordan3. Sean KellyVintage Class 1. Guy Sutherland2. Anthony Brown3. Derek Brindley

Thunderbike Class 1. George Pickering2. Geoff Cain3. Tom ClemansMinibike Class 1. Nevan Pontius2. Leah Tokelove3. Adam LoveseyYouth Senior Class 1. Toby Hales2. Ben Neave3. Jordan-Lee MillerYouth Intermediate Class 1. Joe Burden2. Kier Armstrong3. Jack BellYouth Junior Class 1. Leon Collier

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DTRA 2015 ROUND FOURNorfolk Arena, Kings Lynn 17-18 July

Round four of the 2015 DTRA race series took place alongside Sideburn’s Dirt Quake lV event at the NorfolkArena speedway circuit. The event produced the best weekend of flat track racing witnessed so far this seasonthanks to good weather, a carnival atmosphere and a quality track that made for fast and honest racing.

Photos: Ian Osbourne



Pro Class1. Tom Neave2. Aidan Collins3. Tim NeaveRestricted Class 1. Gary Birtwistle2. Alexz Wigg3. Ross Herrod Rookie Class 1. Sean Kelly2. Phil Gerrad3. Jeremy SkippVintage Class 1. Frank Chatokhine2. Anthony Brown3. Derek Brindley

Thunderbike Class 1. George Pickering2. Dave Chadburn3. Neil Martin Minibike Class 1. Leah Tokelove2. George Pickering3. Adam WallerYouth Senior Class 1. Toby Hales2. Ben Neave3. Jordon MillerYouth Intermediate Class 1. George Hopper2. Joe Burden3. Jack Bell Youth Junior Class 1. Leon Collier

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DTRA 2015 ROUND FIVEAmman Valley Trotting Track, Wales 8 August

Round five of the 2015 DTRA race series moved west to Wales to the Amman Valley half-miletrotting track in Dyfed. With the sun shining, a longer than usual circuit that producedhigh-speed racing and the deep cushioned surface made for an incredible event.




Pro Class1. Oliver Brindley2. Francesco Cecchini3. Aidan CollinsRestricted Class 1. Alexz Wigg2. Gary Birtwistle3. Scott FaulknerRookie Class 1. Sean Kelly2. Phillip Gerrard3. Andrew SmithVintage Class 1. Guy Sutherland2. Anthony Brown3. Guto Llewellyn

Thunderbike Class 1. George Pickering2. Guy Sutherland3. Geoff CainMinibike Class 1. Leah Tokelove2. Martin Huning3. Adam WallerYouth Senior Class 1. Toby Hales2. Skye Adams3. Jordon Lee MillerYouth Intermediate Class 1. Storm Stacy2. Joe Burden3. Kier ArmstrongYouth Junior Class 1. Leon Collier

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DTRA 2015 ROUND SIXAmman Valley Trotting Track, Wales 9 August

Round six of the 2015 DTRA race series was in stark contrast to round five held only a day earlier at the samelocation at Amman Valley Trotting Track in Wales. The sunshine and dust of round five was replaced withmisty rain and sloppy dirt, but this didn’t slow things down and the racing was as fierce as ever.

Photos: Ian Osbourne



Pro Class1. Oliver Brindley2. Francesco Cecchini3. Aidan CollinsRestricted Class 1. Tom Booth Amos2. Ross Herrod3. Daniel KafkaRookie Class 1. Sean Kelly2. Andrew Smith3. Phillip GerrardVintage Class 1. Guy Sutherland2. Guto Llewellyn3. Hubert Bastie

Thunderbike Class 1. George Pickering2. Guy Sutherland3. Tom ClemansMinibike Class 1. Leah Tokelove2. Alfie Collet3. Adam LoveseyYouth Senior Class 1. Toby Hales2. Skye Adams3. Connor JacksonYouth Intermediate Class 1. George Hopper2. Joe Burden3. Storm StaceyYouth Junior Class 1. Leon Collier

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DTRA 2015 ROUND SEVENRye House Speedway, Hoddesdon 13 September

Round seven of the 2015 DTRA series held at Rye House provided a greatconclusion to an action packed race season. With dry weather and the uniquebanked track it provided some hotly contested racing throughout the day.




Pro Class1. Aidan Collins2. Alan Birtwistle3. Oliver BrindleyRestricted Class 1. Toby Hales2. Ross Herrod3. Daniel KafkaRookie Class 1. Andrew Smith2. Jeremy Skip3. Sean KellyVintage Class 1. Anthony Brown2. Guy Sutherland3. Paul Harrison

Thunderbike Class 1. George Pickering2. Dave Chadurn3. Tom ClemansMinibike Class 1. Leah Tokelove2. Alfie Collett3. Martin HuningYouth Senior Class 1. Toby Hales2. Skye Adams3. Jordon Lee MillerYouth Intermediate Class 1. George Hopper2. Joe Burden3. Jack BellYouth Junior Class 1. Leon Collier

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Maxxis tyres have been involved with flat trackracing in the UK since 2004. A year later PeterBoast launched the UK Short Track flat track

racing series and Maxxis supported it from the start. In 2013 Boast handed over the reins to Anthony Brown and the DTRA was born. Maxxis remained involved andsupported the series directly. They have continued tosupport the race series and in 2016 are going one stepfurther becoming the title sponsor for the newly named2016 Maxxis UK National Flat Track Championship. All riders will be required to ride with Maxxis DTR1 tyresfor the DTRA season putting everyone on an equal footing.

The Maxxis DTR1 tyre was developed exclusively in theUSA by riders and teams following feedback tests and trials.From day one they have been produced by MaxxisInternational from factories located in Taiwan. The DTR1design hasn’t changed since its inception. It was andremains a fantastic flat track tyre. It was also Maxxis whostarted the ball rolling on the successful EU road legalstatus approval for the DTR1 tyre. This is not the case inthe USA because they have their own DOT approval systemand this doesn’t agree with the EU (ECE-R30) certificates.

Maxxis make DTR1 tyres in 19-inch diameter inaccordance with most bikes racing with the DTRA. Forthose using 17-inch rims Maxxis recommend the GoldspeedSupermoto Wets. One problem faced by most British riderswhen converting a motocross or enduro bike to a flattracker is the resultant wheel and tyre size doesn’t fit theirbike. This is because they’re too wide when using theMaxxis specified rim sizes fitted with DTR1s. These tyresare wide because they’re flat track specific and designed forbikes with triple clamp forks and swing arms rather thanconversions like so many are.

Tony Brook from AAA Racing, who are the UK distributor

of DTR1 tyres, explains: “As a consequence, and ignoringthe official Maxxis rim size recommendation for a moment,the most popular rim sizes for those converting motocrossand enduro bikes are 2.15” (WM3) front and 2.5” (WM4)rear. It doesn’t make sense but it works. We have actuallyseen a DTR1 front tyre fitted on a front wheel with a 1.85”(WM2) rim but that was borderline. Thanks to popularwheel building deals and other incentives quite a few UKriders are actually using the same size rims (2.15” and/or2.5”) on both front and rear wheels without a problem.”

Using a 130/80 x 19 (27.0 - 7.0 x 19) front DTR1 and a140/80 x 19 (27.7 - 7.5 x 19) rear DTR1 is the sensible wayto go for the right feel when riding and true flat track set-up. That said, it is possible to run two front DTR1s or tworear DTR1s on the same bike (subject to careful rim sizeselection) if space is tight or you’re looking for that fatbike image.

DTR1 tyres have proved to be extremely adaptable in theUK and are suitable for a huge variety of track surfaces.Whether it’s speedway gravel, dirt or indoors on bareconcrete DTR1 tyres have proved more than worthy. To takethings a step further some riders like to cut their tyres togain a greater advantage. Cutting DTR1 tyres is an an artand does make a difference but it depends on the track, thesurface and your riding style. You’ll see some people in theUK, especially the pro riders, racing with cut tyres. Be sureto get some advice before hacking into your new rubber.

Time has shown that DTR1 tyres do a top job for flat trackracing and they have a well proven longevity helping to keepthings as economical as possible. With everyone racing theDTRA season on DTR1 tyres the humble novice has thesameadvantage as the big name pros like Aidan Collins, OliverBrindley and the Neave twins. For more information aboutDTR1 tyres feel free to contact AAA Racing.

MAXXIS FLAT TRACK TYRES

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DTRA 2015 CHAMPIONSLast season saw some of the best flat track racing in the UK to date.Here are the DTRA 2015 champions for each class.


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DTRA 2015 Pro Class ChampionAidan Collins

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DTRA 2015 ThunderbikeClass ChampionGeorge Pickering

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DTRA 2015 RestrictedClass ChampionRoss Herrod


DTRA 2015 Vintage Class ChampionGuy Sutherland

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DTRA 2015 Rookie Class ChampionSean Kelly

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DTRA 2015 Mini Bike Class ChampionLeah Tokelove

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DTRA 2015 Youth Senior Class ChampionToby Hales

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DTRA 2015 YouthIntermediate Class ChampionJoe Burden


DTRA 2015 Youth Junior Class ChampionLeon Collier

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5Peter Boast is the godfather of dirt track racing in theUK and started the UK short track race series in 2005.He’s won multiple championships and currently rides forTeam Suzuki in the UK and Europe. He has a wealth ofknowledge and experience regarding all thingsmotorbike and dirt track racing.

BOASTIE#54TOP TIPSwith

Top Tip #1. Tools & FuelThe good thing about flat track is you don’t need massive amounts of tools or fuel. You only need some basic tools including aplug spanner, a socket set, spanners from 8 – 19mm, a rear wheel socket, a few screw drivers and a hammer. With regards tofuel you just need normal pump fuel. There’s no need for any special rocket race fuel. The most you should use per meeting isabout five litres.

Top Tip #2. Clean BikeI hate to see riders roll up with bikes covered in dirt from the last meeting. Firstly, it’s not very nice for the tech guys tocheck, and secondly it normally means your bike has not been prepped well enough. It’s important to have some pride inwhat you’re riding and how it runs. You should look after your bike with loving affection and clean it to make it look it’s best.It will help it run better and last longer.

Top Tip #3. Protective KitYou will crash at some point racing flat track. Falling off, even at slow speeds (sub 15mph), can hurt. You could be travellingup to 60 to 70mph flat track racing, so give yourself the best chance of reducing injury in the event of a crash. Motocrossgear is okay but make sure you’ve got pads for the elbows and knees, along with the all important back protection. Kevlarsuits are better than motocross gear but once again they need to be well padded. Leathers are the best thing to ride in solong as they’re not too old. They will stand a lot more crashes than motocross or Kevlar gear. I also see some guys trying fora cool image riding in jeans. Don’t do it. This is a bad idea.

Top Tip #4. Food & WaterRiding a flat track bike can be hard work even if it’s just a six lap race. Days can be long and hot so staying hydrated bydrinking plenty of water is important to perform at your best. Keep eating a little and often to keep up your strength.Bananas, fruit, and flapjacks all work well. Save the fish and chips for the trip home.

Top Tip #5. Right AttitudeI’ve raced nearly every motorcycle sport going and what I like about flat track is the cool and friendly attitude on and off the track. You’re not racing for mega bucks. It’s just for a little trophy so it’s important to keep things in perspective. We all want to do our best when the flag drops but we also want go home safely in one piece afterwards. We don’t want tosee people wiping fellow riders out in every corner. Learn from your mistakes. Also watch others race, learn from them andtheir lines. Try to improve a little every time you go out on the track, reach your own goals safely and come back with asmile on your face.

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George Pickering is a familiar face on the DTRA

circuit winning the Thunderbike Class for the

2015 series and coming sixth in the Pro Class.

By day Pickering is a hard working farmer

and gets to play with lots of big machines.

It was only a matter of time before he put

the two interests together and in 2013

started building his own tracks to play on.

The Greenfield Groove was born.

Greenfield Groover


Over the years Pickering has experimented and rebuiltlearning his track building craft on the fly. In 2015, thenow named Greenfield Dirt Track, grew in popularityattracting some big names from the flat track world. The DTRA soon realised the potential and possibility of arace. Over the winter Pickering has worked hard to makesomething special for round six of the 2016 DTRA series.We caught up with the man behind tractor to find out more.

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When did you build the first incarnation of theGreenfield Groove? I built our first dirt oval in the spring of 2013.How did it get its name? Greenfield is the place the track is located and obviously it’sa dirt track. The nickname Greenfield Groove came in thesummer of 2015. The track started getting packed up oneafternoon and a groove formed. It was Ross Herod who cameup with Greenfield Groove and it stuck.How did the track evolve? When I made the first oval in early 2013 it wasn’t very big. It suited mini-bikes more than full size dirt track bikes but itwas a start. I was just happy to have somewhere to practiseflat track. Did things change in 2014?In 2014 I increased the size of the straights. This allowed formore speed and suited flat track bikes better. My track prepwasn’t so good then which meant I was water logged formost of 2014 because of always leaving it compacted down.At the end of 2014 we’d only been able to have a handful ofdays on it, so I ploughed it up never to be seen again.Was a completely new track built in 2015?At the end of March I decided on a different location for thetrack. This was on a piece of land I thought would drainbetter so I wouldn’t have the water logging problems. Thisland was more sand based. I wasn’t sure I would be able toget it packed down suitable enough for flat track riding sowe made a tyre packer.Tell us about the tyre packer?I decided to make it out of scrap implements we had kickingaround the yard. This wasn’t the best idea because it meantit took a lot more time modifying things and prepping rustyold metal. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without a lot ofhelp from friends. Once we had made the tyre packer and agrader, made from a couple of old gates, I had decided I wasgoing to use the farms John Deere sprayer for watering.Getting water into the track, packing it down with the tyrepacker and just leaving it to dry out soon got us thecompaction in the soil we needed.

Did you ride this track much?I rode the track a couple of times with Leah Tokelove andToby Hales to test it. Once we’d ironed out a few bumps andholes I decided to invite a few others to try it. That day wentwell. The track changed throughout the day and I started tolearn how to grade it. Everything was a learning process butit was costing me money to I had to charge people to ride tocover costs. We ended up having quite a few practise days in2015. I improved my grading skills which made the trackfun to ride.What’s install for 2016?I decided I was going to build an oval of a similar size tothe speedway tracks we normally race on. I measured thelength and width of 12 of our British speedway tracks,worked out the average and used that as a rough guidefor the size. I decided I was going to dig out the centreand put the dirt on the track to build it up. This allowedthe track to drain naturally to the centre and into thedrains we are adding. This will make the track moreridable in poor weather conditions. This has also madethe track slightly cambered which I think should be goodto ride. I don’t even want to think how many hours I haveput into this.


Greenfield Groover

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Greenfield Groover


Tell us about the TT track and mini oval?I decided to make the most of the space I had taken up byadding a TT in the centre and a mini oval mainly for kids toride. The 2016 dirt track is located in a similar position tolast year’s track, so I am hoping the dirt used should be justas good as it was last year.You had some big names ride the track in 2015. Tell us more? Johnny Lewis came over for the 2015 DTRA presentationand the following day I held a final practise day on that trackwhich he came and rode. It was very cool to get some feedback from a professional flat track rider because he’s riddenat so many different tracks. I think he enjoyed riding atGreenfield. Many of the British Pro Class also rode it. I alsoran some practise days and evenings with a few local kids. It was good to see them improving. I bet I did more laps in a tractor last year than on a bike though (laughs).When and how did the idea for an official DTRA racecome about? This was because of success of the practise days. When Itold Anthony Brown (DTRA head honcho) I was going tobuild a full size oval with a TT track he was keen to run aDTRA round there. Possibly keener than me originally. I was grading the track last year to a standard as good asthe speedway tracks and a lot of people preferred the dirtover shale. When things are growing as fast as the DTRAand flat track are in the UK, you’ve got to keep tryingdifferent things. When did the idea for TT track come about? Making an oval of this size from scratch allowed me to have

the space in the centre to make a TT layout. I’m lucky tohave access to plenty of dirt to make a jump and themachinery to build it.Explain a little about the track and what racers canexpect to ride on? The oval is an average speedway size similar to Rye House.The TT will have a tight lefthand bend on the turn cominginto the centre. This is followed by a short straight into a righthander followed by the jump. The rest of the layout hasn’tbeen fully decided yet. I might have another little surprise. How hard is it to design and build a track? Not easy. Designing a track isn’t hard but building one canbe. The dirt tracks I’ve had in the past haven’t taken muchbuilding. I’ve just marked them out, packed them down andgraded them up, but this new one has taken a lot more work.I wouldn’t like to think how many hours we’ve been diggingthe centre out to build the track height up. We’re all fairlynew to this. There have been a few occasions when we’vedone something and realised afterwards there was an easierway of doing it.What do you have planned for the event? We’ve got quite a few plans for the event. I’m praying theweather is kind to us or it could ruin everything. I’ve hadnightmares about it.What facilities will there be? On the Saturday night we’re hoping to have a band(s)playing with a bar. They’ll be an ice cream van, fish and chipvan and burger van in attendance all day. On the Saturdayafter the racing we’re going to have a mini-bike barn burnerrace on the small oval which should be fun.

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#38George Pickering The RacerHow did you get into racing? I’ve always ridden around the farm and made varioustracks, but I started racing at Mablethorpe on the beachwhen I was 15.Didn’t your dad used to ride motorcycles? My dad used to race when he was younger. He’s startedracing on the beach again since I decided I was going todo it. How long have you been racing flat track? I started racing flat track in 2012 in the Restricted Class.Race achievements? I’ve won the junior and all the motocross classes atMablethorpe beach races. I won all the adult MX classesin consecutive years once. My best championship resultwith DTRA has been sixth in the Pro Class and I won theThunderbike Class in 2015. I also won Sideburn’s SnowQuake ice race earlier this year in Italy. Main rivals? I haven’t got one off track but everyone is on track. What will you be racing in 2016? In 2016 I’m going to just race my KTM in the Pro Classand will no longer race the Thunderbike Class. Why do you do it? I do it because I’d miss it too much if I didn’t. Maybe it’san obsession. What do you hope to achieve in the sport? I want to race to the highest standard I can and in asmany countries as I can. I’d like to help the sport growwith my dirt track too. I’m keen to help new riders get onboard, especially junior riders.


GreenfieldGroover

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Following the success of Hooligan and Super Hooligan raceclasses in the USA the DTRA has teamed up with SideburnMagazine to bring a European mini series for 2016. Theseries, which is sponsored by Harley Davidson and RolandSands will consist of three rounds with the first race takingplace at round two of the DTRA race series at the MCNFestival of Motorcycling in Peterborough on May 14-15.The second round is at the Hells Race event in Belgium on18-19 June with the final race in the series at Dirt Quakewhich takes place at the Norfolk Arena in Kings Lynn on15-16 July. Bikes permitted in the Hooligan Class need tobe twins that are 750cc and above with unmodified frames.No knobbly tyres are permitted. This racing is more aboutfun but expect some top class riding regardless. For more details about the series see Dirttrackriders.co.uk

Photos: Paul Bryant

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Belgium is to hold a DTRA style flat track event all of itsown on June 18-19 this year. It all started after a group ofriders from Belgium rode at Dirt Quake in 2014. They wenthome and built flat track race bikes and in 2015 Angelo vanZele, Bram de Roeck and David van Parijs came over to raceround one of the DTRA series. They were hooked instantly.The Belgium boys have become part of the DTRA racefamily and improved massivly throughout the season. They decided it was time to put on an event in their homecountry and after finding a venue Hells Race was born. We caught up with Angelo van Zele and Bram de Roeck toget the low down on their event.

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Where did the idea for Hells Race come from?From our first lap on a race track last year in the UK we’vebeen dreaming of an opportunity to ride in Belgium. We lovecoming to the UK for the DTRA races but don’t get to ride asmuch as we would like. And we do need a lot more practice.We’ve always been on the lookout for spots and tracks wherewe could do a couple of laps. This is not easy becauseBelgium is not as motorcycle minded as the UK. Luckily, wecame into contact with the track owners of Helzold and theywere kind enough to offer us one of their weekends, theirservices and expertise. We wanted to organise somethingthat’s open to everyone but with the main focus on properflat track racing. Plus have a showcase to promote the sportand give people the chance to ride. One thing led to anotherand Hells Race was born.Is this the first event of its kind in Belgium? It’s probably not the first flat track race ever held in Belgiumbut is certainly the first event that’s open for everyone, andwhere you get to see all the different classes from Rookies toPros and allow newbies to have a go on a proper track.You have experience in running events with yourchopper gigs. How long have you been doing that? This year we’re having the fifth edition of the FlandersChopper Bash. It all started as a small two-day chopper eventbut has been growing ever since. Last year we had more then1,200 people and about 700 bikes. This year we even had tofind a new location that could hold more people and bikes.Where is the Hells Race event? The race is at Helzold Stadion, Helzoldlaan 3550 Heusden-Zolder, Belgium. Details are on the website. Is it easy to reach from the UK? Yes. If you take the ferry crossing it’s about a three-hourdrive that’s almost all highway.What’s the track like?Helzold track is the home of the Helzold Stars speedwayclub. It’s a ¼-mile track that they made a lot wider completewith a new gravel surface. They are only allowed to organisethree competitions a year and we managed to get one ofthese, so we’re happy because it’s the only track in BelgiumEntrance price and food availability?It’s €12 with camping included pre-booked before the race or€15 on the door plus €5 if camping is needed. This is free forevery registered rider plus one, and there will be food anddrink stands. How is the weekend structured?The camp site will be open from Friday afternoon and thebar will be open until 1am. On Saturday we have an openpractice so you can ride as much as you want. Sunday is raceday. Everybody will ride at least three heats and if you’regood enough you might even reach the final. We also have aDash for Cash for the Pro’s on Sunday. If you want to winsome $$$ you better sign up!What classes are available? We have all the usual classes you’d see at the DTRA exceptfor the kids classes. Unfortunately, Belgium has somestrange laws and there is no possibility for that.International riders with an international license can ridefrom the age of 16 if accompanied by an adult or parent. Wewill also have a Newbie Class. This is open to everyone whowants to have a go for the first time and they can ride theirold motocrosser, Triumph, scrambler or street tracker. Allyou need to do is unplug your front break and install a cutoff switch. Unfortunately, there’s no mopeds, street bikes,Vespas etc. We are not looking for another Dirt Quake here.

It’s about giving people the opportunity to try flat track.Tell us about the Hooligan race?There’s also the Hooligan Class for twins and multis above750cc. It’s part of the three race European Championship MiniSeries organised by DTRA and Sideburn. The other two racesof series are to be held at the MCN Festival and Dirt Quake.Go to www.dirttrackriders.co.uk to register for this class.Is there a party on Saturday night? You bet!What can people expect from this race? A genuine turn left go fast event. There will also be a smallbike show.Is there anything that’s different that DTRA regularsshould know about?No. The whole setup is pretty much the same. Why changesomething that has proved itself already.Are there any different rules that DTRA regulars shouldbear in mind?Nope


Is there anything else we should know?The track owners have been organising speedway races forover 30 years so they have a great deal of experienced. Theyhave a bunch of tractors standing by so we’re confident thetrack will be in perfect condition all weekend long. Theyguaranteed us that they can get the track ready again in notime should it rain.What about DTRA race numbers?If you would like to keep your personal DTRA number forHells Race you will need to get registered before 1 May.Make sure you mention your number in the comment box oremail (DTRA #...). There might be riders from othercompetitions like the Dutch Flat Track Cup that have thesame number, so it’s first come first served.What about safety?We do not have an air fence but the track is pretty wide.There are no championship points to win here so don’t pushyourself too hard. Ambulances will be present at all times.What about day licenses?

Day licenses are included and don’t forget your oilabsorption mat – it’s Belgian law once again.Other useful information?You can’t enter or leave the camping ground with yourcar/van/motorhome during the race on Sunday. We’re prettysure we have covered all bases but bear in mind it’s the firstevent of this kind that we have organised. There willprobably be some small things that we didn’t think of orshould have done differently. If you have any problems orremarks please come and talk to us and we’ll work it out. Where can people find more information about the race?www.hellsrace.com or email us at [email protected] Sponsors?DTRA, Dutch Brothers, Sideburn, FTW Co and Bib andTucker so far.Anything to add?Last but not least we would like to give a big shout out toAnthony Brown and Gary Inman for all their help, tips,promotion and support. Thank you.

WWW.KENNYNOYES.COMPROUDLY SUPPORTS THE DTRA

Come ride Dirt Track with me at the Noyes Camp in

Motorland, Aragon. Experience the thrill and learn the

technique or rear wheel steering our oval and TT tracks

with a steel shoe stepped on your left boot.

We have a bunch of KLX 140s, full riding gear, five

different tracks and several different schools and race

day options to choose from. See you at the Dirt Tracks!

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Britain’s Oliver Brindley and Alan Birtwistle were invitedto race the Superprestigio indoor flat track event inBarcelona on December 12. The pair were up against

some of the best racers in the world including road racer MarcMarquez from Spain and flat track hot shots Brad Baker andJared Mees from the USA. Brindley put in an impressive startwhen he qualified in first ahead of all the big names present.Unfortunately, a few bike issues spoiled his chances but asusual he rode with determination, class and style. Birtwistleshowed his skills as he rode consistently well throughout andnarrowly missed out on making the final. The final saw sometop action with Baker taking the win ahead of Marquez insecond and Mees third.

Photos: Ian Osborne

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Maria Herrera Oliver Brindley


Marc Marquez

Alan Birtwistle

Brad Baker

20 Questions

ALAN BIRTWISTLEAlan Birtwistle is one of the fastest Pro Class riders on the DTRA circuit. He grew up around dirt bikes thanks to his dad who raced motocross andon the road, including racing the Isle of Man TT. Along with his dad owning a bike shop it was no surprise he grew up a two-wheeled petrol head. As a kid Birtwistle rode anything whether it was hacking around the fields or racing motocross, which he did from the age of 14 to 19. He thenheaded off travelling around the world. During this time flat track in the UK was kicking off and on his return Birtwistle got a bike together to race.He survived his first flat track event but his season was cut short a week later following a crash on the road. In 2012 Birtwistle flew to the Statesto race the Amateur Grands in Springfield, Illinois. Over the next three years he made the trip to the USA to race flat track as well as at the X-tremeInternational Indoor Ice Racing Series. Not only is Birtwistle a fast racer but also one of the world’s best show boaters. His limbo action from DirtQuake 2015 went viral on social media. Just don’t ask him to show you a burn out if you happen to be on the Isle of Man during TT week.

Photo: Paul Bryant

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1. Describe your first motorbike? I had an electric bike that my dad put a 24-volt battery the size of abreeze block into. Then a Z50.

2. How did you do in your first race?Terrible. I was about 11 riding a KX60. It was so bad I went intoretirement for three years. Then I came back strong. My first flat trackrace in 2010 went pretty well. I was on my TT500 framer at Stoke in theThunderbike Class.

3. What’s your essential brekkie?Porridge with homemade almond milk and fruit.

4. Lucky race charm?I don’t have one. Being superstitious is unlucky.

5. Essential tool in your box?Rear wheel nut spanner because I change my gearing so often.

6. Energy drink, tea/coffee or a cheeky shot?Definitely not energy drinks kids. The fast guys don’t drink it. They getpaid to advertise it. Stick to green tea.

7. Who are you arch enemies on the DTRA race track?I don’t have enemies. We all get on well. I probably get into the mostbattles with Oliver Brindley. He’s is getting older in a good way while I gainage in a bad way.

8. What’s you bike hauler for races?My Sprinter race camper. I love it. It has done 310,000 miles and stillgoing strong... kind of.

9. Biggest waste of your time? Being indecisive. No, overthinking. No, being indecisive...

10. Craziest place you have slept since you started racing motorbikes?Ice racing in Prince George, Canada. The hotel room beds were sheets ofplywood on top of toilet cisterns.

11. Pee in cup/bottle or wait for the motorway services?Pee in a bottle. The trick is to not block the spout causing pressure or it’llget you back.

12. Three people to have dinner with?That’s a tough one. Alan Watts, Bill Hicks and George Formby. Theconversation and humour would be good. George would mostly entertainwith his ukulele.

13. Which DTRA racer has the most race swagger?Definitely Aidan Collins. He comes from speedway so he’s inherited thespeedway swagger.

14. Worst injury?I’ve been fortunate to not have anything too serious. I punctured my lungand fractured ribs ice racing in St. Louis last year which stopped mecompeting at Daytona.

15. Favourite place to race and why?Springfield TT in Illinois. It has the nicest, tackiest and most consistentdirt. You can ride it hard and go home satisfied. In the UK it would have tobe Greenfield.

16. What theme music would play to a film of your life and why? Probably Problem Child and then Lucky Man by The Verve because of the lyrics.

17. Pre-race rituals and meal?Rituals would just be stretching. My meal is usually sweet potato, lentiland vegetable casserole. Then powered by bananas while riding.

18. Funniest person you know? I don’t have anyone in particular that stands out. In the DTRA it’s GeoffCain. He’s a bit of a comedian when he’s on form. And he’s also got a funnyriding style.

19. Reading? Racers books in the past but now mostly philosophy, science, history andalternative media online. And Sideburn obviously.

20. What will you be doing over the next couple of months?I’ll be doing some practice ready for the coming season. I’m usually out inthe States doing ice racing and Daytona now but I can’t do it all.

You can check out Alan in the new Sideburn video at...https://vimeo.com/159940421


For all your perf

www.dutch-b

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formance parts:

brothers.com

pporting the

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Derek Brindley #25, Paul Baleta #40 and almosthidden Tom Clemans #42 battling it out at

Amman Valley Trotting Track in WalesPhoto: Ian Roxburgh

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Anthony Brown #47 out front and oblivious to Guy Sutherland #97 almost losing it at Rye House

Photo: Ian Roxburgh


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John Dyer getting ready on awet Sunday in Wales

Photo: Ian Osborne

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Philip Gerard #48R, Amman Valley Trotting Track, WalesPhoto: Ian Roxburgh


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Photo: Ian Roxburgh

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Photo: Ian Osborne


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Bram De Roeck #62R chased by Brad Hardman 76R at Rye HousePhoto: Ian Roxburgh


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Stefan Adams #33R at Amman Valley Trotting Track, Wales Photo: Ian Roxburgh

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Photo: Ian Roxburgh

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DTRA 2016 RIDERS LIST0R David Gwyther1 Aidan Collins2R Ian Sisson3 Paul Sheldon4R Paul Harrison5R Frank Chatokhine6R Christophe Decombard7 Ben Baker8R Adam Brink8 Guy Martin9R Ross Sharp10R Ryan Quickfall12R Milo Hiscox13R Gary Inman14 Tim Neave15R Peter Jordan16R Alastair Latimer17R Jeremy Decombard18R John Bell19R Jordan Miller20 Toby Hales20R Michael Herman21 Franck Depoisier22R Mike Ryan23R Stuart Avery24 Oliver Brindley25 Derek Brindley25 Alez Wigg26 Neil Martin27R Drogo Michie28R Michael Johnson29 Adam Allott30 Alan Birtwistle31R David Arnold32R Andrew Murphy33R Sean Kelly34R Andy Smith35R Mike Hill36 Dave Chadburn

37 Leah Tokelove38 George Pickering39R Rick Bearcroft40 Paul Baleta41R Steve Lane42 Tom Clemans43R Matthew Moore44R Lez Stevens45 Geoff Cain46R Daniel Kafka47 Anthony Brown48R Philip Gerrard49R Oliver Lequellec50 Les Wood51 Randel Thomas52 Ross Herrod53R Connor Jackson54 Peter Boast55R Angelo Van Zele56R James Boddy57R John Boddy58R Joe Burden58R Matthew Walker59R Nick Ashley60R Paul Murrell61 Kevin Armstrong62R Bram De Roeck64R Jeremy Skipp65R Kier Armstrong66R James O'hara67 Justin Heavens68 Tom Neave69R Robert Allgaier70R Richard Rowden71 Scott Faulkner72R John Huxley73R Giles Longbone74R Guy Williams75R Jason Cursley


76R Skye Adams76R Brad Hardman77R Steve Newsham78R Wilbur Skipp78R James Jordon79R Greg Krzeszowiec79 Storm Stacy80R Mike Fisher81R Damian Mccann82R Isaac Hunter83R Ben Hunter85R David Van Parijs86R Tom Wright87R Dimitri Coste88R Jamie Courtney89R Hubert Bastie91 Leon Collier93R Jack Bell93R Martin Hüning94R Norm Joss95 Vince Hurst96R Adam Waller97 Guy Sutherland98 Richard Mason100 Matt Lyt101R John Dyer102R Thomas Dunkley103R Alessandro Rossi104R John Harrison107R Chris Scheltens108R Opdekamp Jan109R Tim Aucott110R Liam Worton111R Jeff Green112R Lee Sadler113R Christian Iovanovici114R Paul Salliss115R Tom Edwards116 Sam Hirst

117R Lee Stevens118R Ronald Shamier119R Ben Smith120R Gary Birtwistle121R Hank De Roeck122R Sean Vukovic123R Tony Challis124R Darren Legg126R Ross Jackson127R Dave Lambert128R Ted Wilkinson131R Gareth Howes132 John Pohlman133R Stefan Admas134R Chris Jenner136R Martin Mills137R Tom Moore138R Louis Breton139R Simon Parkin140R David John Webb141R Richard Gardiner142R Ian Cherry143R James Smith144R Andrew Burr145R Treust Pierre-Alexandre146R Peter Koren147R Adrian Middleton148R Darren Mason149R Dave Bruel150R Chris Jenner151R Darren Jukes158R Richard Thrower159R Luke Gardner166R Andreas Tietz517R Julian Heppekausen7X Tara Henry

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HOW TO RACE WITH THE DTRA IN 2016Join the ClubTo compete in our championship you will need to be a club member.

Join online at www.dirttrackriders.co.uk

2016 Memberships became available online January 2016

Race numbers are allocated on a first come first serve basis.

2016 members had up until end February 2016 to renew their membershipto keep an existing number.

Membership FeesFull Adult Annual Membership – £65

(Including compulsory series number board)

Youth Annual Membership – £55

(Including compulsory series number board)

Day Memberships – £10 per day (Maximum of two per year. This fee will be deducted from an annualmembership cost when you sign up for the year)

Get a LicenceTo race or practice with us you will need to hold a valid MCF Licence. Theseare available on the MCF website. Day Licences will also be available at ourmeetings if required. Day Licences are charged at £15 per day for 2016.

Enter an eventEach year the DTRA puts out a schedule of races. All races are pre-entryonly. Entries open around four weeks before each round and close theweek before the race. Details of each race are included in the raceregulations which are issued when the entries open. Entries are madethrough the DTRA web shop. Entries are all prepay only.

Entry FeesAdult race entry for first class entered £45

Adult entry for each additional class(es) entered £20

Youth entry for the appropriate age related class £35

DTRA Race Classes:Details of the full MCF regulations are found on the MCF website:

www.mcfederation.com/sites/default/files/pictures/DL_MCF_Flat_Track_regulations.pdf

Rookie Class• For new riders and those less confident to ride in other classes

• All machines must comply with the MCF flat track regulations for theadult solo classes

• All riders must be aged 18 or over on 01 January in that competitive season

• The top three riders in each season will be removed from the novices and will be promoted to the short track Restricted Class for the following season

Machine Type: 2 Stroke – 125cc to 500cc, 4 Stroke – 250cc to unlimited

Note: If a rider wishes to be upgraded prior to this or is competitiveenough to start racing with us and contest the Pro-Class or the RestrictedClass they may request permission from the series organisers. Any suchrequest will be reviewed by the organisers and may be granted solely atthe organiser’s discretion.

Restricted Class• For more experienced/confident riders who consider they no longer wish

to ride in the Rookie Class

• All machines must comply with the the MCF flat track regulations for theadult solo classes


• The top three riders of the xhampionship will be awarded a nationalnumber the following season and will be promoted to the short track Pro Class for the following season


Note: Riders in the flat track Restricted Class may not also contest theRookie Class.

Note: The DTRA will reserve the right to mix the Pro and Restrictedclasses dependent on entry levels and time constraints.


Pro Class• For all riders holding national plates from the previous season and those

awarded them at the end of the previous season, as well as any riderswith international experience in another motorcycle sport.


• All machines must comply with the MCF flat track regulations for theadult solo classes


Note: Riders in the short track Pro Class may not also contest the Rookieor Restricted Classes.

Note: If a rider wishes to be downgraded to the Restricted Class theymay request permission from the series organisers. Any such requestwill be reviewed by the organisers and may be granted solely at theorganiser’s discretion.

Note: The DTRA will reserve the right to mix the Pro and Restrictedclasses dependant on entry levels and time constraints.

Thunderbike Class• For all riders with machines meeting the technical regulations for the

MCF flat track regulations for the adult solo classes and thethunderbike engine specification below


• The top three riders of the championship will be awarded a nationalnumber the following season

Thunderbike Engine Specifications:

• 2 Stroke, multi-cylinder machines – 500cc to unlimited

• Twin Parallel, four stroke machines – 500cc to unlimited

• Singles, four stroke – 600cc to unlimited

• V-twins and multi-cylinder four strokes – 600cc to unlimited

Note: Riders on equipment that does not meet the above specificationbut deemed suitable may also ride in the class but will not be eligible forchampionship points.

Vintage Class• For all riders with vintage machines meeting the technical regulations

for the MCF flat track regulations for the adult solo classes

• Vintage machines will be pre-approved for entry to this class by the DTRAto ensure that the spirit of the class is adhered to


• Under some (pre-agreed) special circumstances these bikes may beexempt the controlled tyre rule for the rear tyre only

MiniBike Class• All machines must comply with MCF flat track regulations for the

Minibike classes


Minibike Championship Awards:

• Race day points will be awarded to each entrant depending on theirfinishing position in the final of each race meeting

• Championship (if number of entrants allows) will be awarded in twoclasses to the rider with the highest overall points totals based on thewheel size of their machine:

• Minibike SW (Small Wheel) Wheel size 14” or less

• Minibike LW (Large Wheel) Wheel size over 14” but not larger than 19”

Junior Class• For riders aged 7 – 11 years on the 01 January in that competitive season

• Machines must comply with the technical regulations for the Junior/Intermediate/Youth classes and the general MCF flat track regulations

Intermediate Class• For riders aged 10- 15 years on the 01 January in that competitive season


Senior Class• For riders aged 14 – 17 years on the 01 January in that competitive season


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PARTING SHOT #04Not everything goes to plan when racing…Photos: Ian Roxburgh and Ian Osborne

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