Galashiels Classic Scramble - 14th August 2008

Scottish Classic Racing Motorcycle Club’s Galashiels Scramble
by Richard Winn

Thick mist almost caused the cancellation of this meeting but it eventually cleared to allow racing to commence in very slippery conditions. With the fine weather the track dried steadily throughout the day and although one very wet section had to be cut out the racing was terrific and very hard fought, particularly between the Bell brothers, Lewis and Liston. Their speed on heavyweight machines over the wet ground was a joy to watch and the competition between the two of them was very intense. Despite a couple of unplanned trips off the track and into the bushes Liston shared the overall win in the Pre 60 Class with Colin Jackson who was also BSA Goldstar mounted with Colin’s brother Steve in third on his Tribsa.

In the Pre 65 over 350cc Class Lewis Bell took a great overall win on his Triumph Metisse from those Jackson’s with Colin again beating his brother Steve. The most stylish rider of the day was undoubtedly Anthony Ireland from Carlisle on his BSA who walked away with the Pre 70 Class. He seemed to glide over the mud with his relaxed riding style where others struggled. Second was a battling Jim Allison, also BSA mounted and third was up and coming star Andrew King on Charlie Robertson’s AJS Stormer. Anthony also came second in the over 40’s to Dunoon’s Grant McClure who seemed to go faster as the day drew on. In third was Ian Stainton from Kendal with his all action riding style aboard his screaming two stroke Kawasaki.

Husqvarna mounted Tommy Anderson was probably the day’s quickest rider and took wins in both the Pre 75 up to and over 300cc Classes with Grant McClure second on both occasions. Special mention must go the rapidly improving Liam Lamb on his 250cc Maico who came third in the smaller Pre 75 Class and also came a great second behind mud master Tommy in the Under 40’s. A smooth ride from Gavin Hunter saw him take his Maico into third in the bigger Pre 75 Class. A young rider to watch out for in the future must be Jaimie Rutter who put in a storming ride on his rare 250cc Can Am in the Under 40’s. A good days racing was finished off with Graeme Bell winning the over 50’s from Steve Cornall who recovered well from a big crash earlier in the day. In a good third was Jim McQuillan despite a coming together with Ian Ridley on the start line in the last race.

Next up is the final meeting of a great season on the 5th of October at the excellent North Berwick track. Details are available from Creena.

Results

Pre60 1=) Colin Jackson & Liston Bell 3) Steve Jackson

Pre65 over 350cc 1) Lewis Bell 2) Colin Jackson 3) Steve Jackson

Pre 70 unlimited 1) Ant Ireland 2) Jim Allison 3) Andrew King

Pre75 up to 300cc 1) Tommy Anderson 2) Grant McClure 3) Liam Lamb

Pre75 over 300cc 1) Tommy Anderson 2) Grant McClure 3) Gavin Hunter

Over 50’s 1) Graeme Bell 2) Steve Cornall 3) Jim McQuillan

Over 40’s 1) Grant McClure 2) Ant Ireland 3) Ian Stainton

Under 40’s 1) Tommy Anderson 2) Liam Lamb 3) Jaimie Rutter