Joy at Darley Moor for local speedsters

The final eight championships were all settled during round seven while a new ‘Star’ of Darley Moor was also crowned.

Burntwood ace Lloyd Shelley decided to step up and compete in the main races, having already claimed the Sound of Thunder and Formula 600 titles with a round to spare.

After some intense racing against British Superbike stars Ben Godfrey, Richard Cooper and Tom Fisher, the 33-year-old secured an impressive sixth in the opening race.

Riding a Triumph 675, he was also the fastest non-1000cc machine racer to cross the line.

Shelley then finished fifth in race two to secure overall fourth place for the ‘Stars of Darley’.

Newly-crowned Pre Injection 600 champion Andrew Lowe, from Stone – who also finished third overall in the Pre Injection (Up to 1300cc) – took a start to finish victory in the combined Steel Framed 600/Pre Injection 600 race.

His win saw him claim the Jake Hingley Trophy in memory of a racer who began his career at Darley Moor in 2012 before his life was cut short following a crash at Cadwell Park two years later. Jake’s father Neil was on hand to present the trophy to Lowe.

The success capped off another memorable year for the region’s riders, which also saw Anthony Eades and Wolverhampton passenger Keith Box claim the sidecar title, Dudley’s Mark Cockerton finish second in the Classic 350 class, and Willenhall’s McCauley Longmore third in the Formula 125 class.

Wednesbury’s Neil Lloyd, 47, was fourth in the Lightweight class having missed a few rounds due to road racing commitments. He said: “We’re going to make a decision over the next few weeks as to whether we’re running the Honda RVF next year or to change class and bike.

“Either way, we’re putting an entry in for the Isle of Man’s Manx GP, although I might be too old to enter now. Hopefully we can have a successful 2018.”

Darley spokesman Brian George said: “The club wishes to thank all the spectators who attended, the majority of which stayed to the end, and those who have supported the club throughout the year.

“A huge thank you obviously goes out to the dedicated marshals and officials who have endured a wide variety of weather conditions this year and without who there would be no racing.

“And last, but definitely not least, thank you to the competitors that come back each week, putting on the show for the spectators.”

The club’s annual awards dinner will be held in Stoke-on Trent-on February 3.

Meanwhile, a new track proved no obstacle for Double Two Racing as the three-rider team pulled off their best result of the year – despite having already wrapped up the title – during the penultimate round.

After altering their usual pit stops for round nine of the No Limit endurance championship at Croft, in Yorkshire, the Black Country racers – supported by Scott Stevens – came first in the 600 class.

Pete Wright, from Tividale, and Blackheath’s Martyn Siviter admitted it had been a ‘cracking result’ for the whole team.

Wright said: “Scott, having tested at Croft two weeks previously, was already up to speed and his track tips were invaluable. He posted one of the fastest laps of the whole weekend despite being a newcomer.”

After qualifying a season high third on the grid, Siviter started the race for the first time since suffering a monster crash at Donington.

“We knew we would likely drop a few places but we decided to change things up a little with the title already won,” said Wright. “The first pit stop was scheduled for 50 minutes mainly to avoid the usual 45-minute melee.

“Mart got a great start and as he pulled down pit lane we sat second in class and a brilliant eighth overall.”

After a faultless pit stop Wright was sent on his way, 36 seconds behind Club 600 leaders Track Prep, before handing back to Siviter for the final push. At the chequered flag, the team had finished first in class, fourth in National 600 and sixth overall.

Double Two Racing were also back in action at Donington Park for the final time and ensured they signed off with 100 per cent podium finishing record after finishing third.