Motor racing hits Weymouth beach (From Thisisdorset)

Motor racing hits Weymouth beach

4:51pm Saturday 9th February 2013 in Latest

MOTORSPORT fans descended on Weymouth beach for a weekend of racing fun.

The town played host to the first ever event, which saw solos bikes, quad bikes and buggies battle it out to win on the sand track.

Despite the rainy conditions on Saturday spectators lined the Esplanade to watch the free event, which also raised money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

On Saturday it was the turn of the juniors to race round the course, while tomorrow the adults will take on bigger jumps on faster machines.

The course proved a hit with racers and spectators with its numerous twists, turns, sharp corners and jumps.

Motorsport fans came from across the South West to watch.

Jack Berry, 14, from Shaftesbury said the quad bikes were his favourite races.
He said: “I like to see how fast they can go.”
Brad and Brett Lewis, 15 and 13, were down to support school friend, Harry Pritchard, who was racing.
Denise Newman and daughter Natalie 18, live in Weymouth. Mrs Newman said: “We saw it advertised - every time there an event on the beach we come down.
“I think it's good - it's a nice atmosphere with everyone.”
Natalie said: “I just like watching them all try to beat each other - it's all good fun to watch.”
Tracey Holmes from Yeovil was down to watch son Sam in the novice 450 quads on Sunday.
She said: “It's brilliant. The track is good - it's well set out and well organised.”
She said the best bit was the 'adrenaline and the atmosphere.'
Sylvie Pattison from Wincanton said the motor racing community was like 'a big family.'
She said: “Everyone knows everyone.”
Mandy Chainey from Beaminster said the track was good and 'made a change from the mud.'
Young motorbike rider Jemima Newberry, 17, from Stone Allerton in Somerset, competed in the 250 class.
She said: “It's a good track.”
She added that it was a 'great atmosphere' with all the spectators. Jemima said she loved the thrill of motor racing and the speed.
Her father Jonathon competed as well in the adult class on Sunday.
 

 

Jaime Claridge, one of the organisers for ORE-Events, who ran the weekend, said it had been a 'fantastic weekend.'
He said: “It went really well- better than we could have expected.
“The racing was fantastic - we have had great support from riders across the UK.”
He added: “It's a first year event and we hope to grow it each year - we hope to make it was big as the Lions Beach Motocross event in October.
“All the riders have loved it and really enjoyed themselves and said the track was good.”
The organisers would like to thank Dickies Workwear for their support and to the general public for coming out and supporting the event.