Nsw Under 21 And Under 16 350cc Championships

[whowasthatberntpersson]

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.

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

[BigFatDave]

Thanks for that, m8, good to see Tom getting back on track and the Sedgemen Bros firing.

 

Bit of a preview of the Ozchamps qualifier looking at the field.

Edited October 28, 2008 by BigFatDave

[Danzell]

Nice to see young MR DARCY WARD keeping up his great performances that we have seen in the UK this season, Boston certainly missed him when he went home to sunny Aus, anyway well done to all the youngsters who took part and cant wait to see Darcy in full swing at the norfolk arena next season.