DTRA Final Round

Rye House this Sunday.
Rye House Stadium, Rye Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 0EH
Just north of the M25, the closest track to London.

The DTRA need marshals to volunteer if you help out, get there for 10am.
Free to spectate.

Ben will be there selling Sideburn merch.

Rye House Today

Free to spectate!
Racing all day from 11.30-ish till 5.
Huge entry of racers.
Weather is going to be good.

DTRA Decider - Next Sunday

Don't forget the final round of the 2014 DTRA series is NEXT SUNDAY, Rye House in Hertfordshire.
RACERS - Entries close TODAY.

SPECTATORS - Why go along?

• The National Championship will be decided in a breathless 12-lap final. The favourite (in my opinion) Tom Neave, is going to be champion for the first time if he can pull it off, but it's going to be a nail-biter.
• The pits are open so you can get close to the bikes and riders.
• The Vintage class is going from strength to strength with everything from firebreathing framers to road legal Triumph twins with the lights taken off.
• There will be about 24 Thunderbike framers to salivate over.
• Sideburn will be there selling the new issue, T-shirts and stuff.
• Racing starts about 11 and it's all over by 5pm.
• It's free to spectate.

Rye House Stadium, Rye Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 0EH

UPDATE: Marshals and helpers required please. You need to be there for 10.30-ish if you can help.

Rye House 1946

Rye House is a track, North of London, that the DTRA regularly race at and rent for practices. To learn it has such history is great.

We race there on Sunday 21 September.

I find it interesting, that while US servicemen went back to California and set down the ground rules of what it is to be a motorcycle (and hot rod) rebel - rules still being mirrored by real and wannabe outlaws 70 years later - the British returned home and raced. Many of them raced on makeshift ovals on the latter years of the war.

We have a feature on 1939-45 warzone speedway in Sideburn 8. G

DTRA News + Photos by Sam Christmas

The first official practice of the 2014 DTRA series took place at Rye house, Hertfordshire, last Saturday. Great weather, good turn out, decent track conditions, loads of new faces, no need for the paramedics.
All photos: Sam Christmas

Geoff Cain, on his new Honda 450, and Frank Chatokhine (on his old Metisse Triumph).

 The only female rider at the practice, Leah Tokelove.

Two-piece or one-piece leathers? Or motocross kit? Or speedway kevlars. Even Dimitri's jeans over BMX armour. We've seen it all, but never a Welsh dragon onesie (with wings and tail tied up) as worn by Olivier from France (studying in Swansea).

 Dimitri Coste on a borrowed Honda, Tom Firth on a rented CCM 230.

 Ross 'King' Herrod.

David Death Spray came for a few laps on the Rotax KTM he sprayed for Ross. He was quickly up to a good pace.

 Drogo and Ross waiting their turn on track.

 GI, riding without a brake all day, after a malfunction.

There was a French invasion. Five French riders - Olivier (from Les Petroleurs); Christophe and Frank, plus Dimitri and Olivier. There will be one more when Hubert gets his bike built.

Peter Boast (54 - number, not age - the godfather of British flat track) and Guy Sutherland, 97, plus Nick Ashley on his street tracker.

 Boastie, always on it.

 Top junior, Ollie Brindley, moves up to the adult class this season.

 Team Co-Built.

The DTRA are looking to fill two positions -

Commentator - Have you ever fancied yourself as the next Murray Walker? Or maybe you are already better than Murray was. Either way we are after your help at our rounds this year. Alex Ragby our usual commentator is busy at many of our rounds, we would like to develop our own presentation with someone who is enthusiastic about our sport.

Press Officer - We would like more people to hear about what happens at our events. Do you have some spare time to help promote the news from our club.

Contact: info@dirttrackriders.co.uk

DTRA Practice Tomorrow

The first official DTRA practice of the year goes off at Rye House tomorrow, if anyone fancies a ride out for a butcher's.

Anyone who would like to be a flag marshal would be very welcome. You need to be there from 9.30-3 (with breaks in that time).

I will be taking magazines and a few T-shirts if anyone wants to buy anything without paying postage. If there is anything specific you want, leave a comment or email us. G

Rye House Stadium, Rye Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 0EH

Photo: FT Photos

Noyes Camp UK

If you follow the blog you'll have seen a few posts about Kenny Noyes. He's a former Moto2 rider and US national dirt track champ. He kicked ass at the recent Superprestigio. He's a top fella and pictured above, testing Guy's Co-Built in Spain.

From Anthony at the DTRA...

The DTRA is excited to announce a Pre-Season Training day with Kenny Noyes. The day is aimed at seasoned racers and beginners alike who wish to practise their skills on their own bike. 

Entries to training day are restricted to 20 riders only so each individual gets plenty of track time and advice. 
Venue: Rye House Speedway 
Date: 13 April 2014 
Schedule: 
8.30 onwards - Arrival and unload 
9.00am - Sign on and introduction 
10.00am - 3.00pm Track time inc: Free ride and warm up sessions 
 Basic Principles 
 Cornering Drills 
 Bike Setup Clinic 
 Filmed Laps (for feedback purposes) 
 Free ride track time 
 3.00pm onwards- Drinks in the Pub and feedback from the day. 

Cost per rider DTRA member = £100 Non Member = £120
Go to DTRA to sign up. 

UPDATE: UK Dirt Track This Sunday - CANCELLED

UPDATE - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED BECAUSE THE TRACK IS WATERLOGGED Don't forget, weather permitting, there is DTRA dirt track this Sunday, from 11.30 at Rye House, Hoddesdon. It's the most Southernly track the series visits.
Spectators go free!

DTRA Round 6, Rye House, September 15

The latest in the series of 2013 Dirt Track Riders Association posters is by Spanish artist Brusco.
Sideburn is supporting the DTRA by using some of our favourite artists to create posters to promote the series.
We first met him when we went to Barcelona for the Sideburn Kiddo Party last year and like the variety of styles he uses.
Brusco has illustrated the poster for the penultimate round at Rye House, Hertfordshire on September

Spectators get in for free. Racing from 11.30.
If you want to race, in any of the classes, including mini bike, get in touch with the DTRA with all your questions.
If you want to be a flag marshal, that would be great too. You have to get there for 10.30-11am.

We did a short interview with the artist, Brusco.

Age: 35

Where do you live? 
Barcelona

What bike do you own? 
I used to ride a FXSTS Harley Springer, but now I'm selling it. These days I'm finishing my small Yamaha SR250, with a BratStyle look like. I can't wait to ride it!!

What's your dream bike?
May be an W650/800 or an SR500. I love the Japanese custom style.

Who is your favourite racer? 
When I was young I used to follow Mick Doohan, I really loved his races! but now I'm looking closer Marc Marquez, I think that he will bring us amazing moments.

If you were to start racing flat track, what bike would you choose?
I'm sure that I'd love an old school one. Maybe an OSSA, Bultaco or BSA.

What was the inspiration for your DTRA poster? 
What most impresses me about the photos of flat track races, is to see riders tilted to the maximum. I have tried to capture this moment and give it movement.

Finish this sentence. Racing is life, but… 
drawing is safer!

Click Sideburn DTRA 2013 posters to see the others.

Brusco also has a 10 page feature in Gary's new Motorcycle Graphics book. BP

FT Photos

Long-term friend and supporter of Sideburn, Tom Whiting has committed to shoot every round of the UK's Dirt Track Riders Association championship. The idea is to sell riders great shots of themselves, but he'll sell them to anyone. His rates are really reasonable and the shots he's getting are great, as you can see from these.
From top to Bottom: Paul Baleta on his homebuilt KTM; Ollie Brindley - super-fast junior, remember the name; Tim Neave, or issue 10 cover star, on Jon's Honda CR500 two-stroke framer; the senior juniors and our startline marshal, Krusty.
Go to FT photos. G

Out in Front

Just recovering from a great motorcycle weekend in England. Thanks to The Bike Shed crew for their Event (more on that when we get chance) and the Dirt Track Riders Association and all their volunteers for a super-smooth race meet at Rye House.

With nearly 30 riders in the Thunderbike class I didn't qualify for the 12-man A Final, but I was on the front row for the B, got the holeshot, led every lap and managed to break from the pack (see below).

I'd always rather qualify for the A with no chance of a podium, but it is nice to win a race every now and then. 

Thanks to Simon F for the photos. G

The Bike Shed Event

We mentioned this event a while ago, but it's grown out of the original venue and into a new bigger one. It's a mixture of bikes, art and photography. We'll be there. It's shaping up to be memorable. 

Go to The Bike Shed Event website for more details.

We've heard, all those in the know are going to the Bike Shed on Saturday and then going to nearby Rye House to watch the DTRA Flat Track racing on Sunday. Both events are FREE to get in.
How cool is that?

Anyone flying into London for the show can take a 37-minute train journey from Liverpool Street (near the Bike Shed Event) to the Rye House station two minutes walk from the racetrack. G

Rye House this Sunday

The curtain comes down on the UK's Flattrack Championship of 2012 on the 16th September,at Rye House Speedway Track, Hoddeson, Herts EN11 0EH. Ade Collins already claimed the championship at the last round but for sure he will be trying to dominate by taking another win. The battle for runner up spots is still tight with Tom Woolley on the Pidcock's Honda, Honda mounted Richard Mason and Team Suzuki rider Peter Boast all still in the running . Guest riders who will also be in the mix are England International Speedway rider Eddy Kennett, from the world of road racing TT winner Steve Plater and on his Flattrack debut Tyco Suzuki rider Conner Cummings, so there will be some fantastic racing.
Support claasses include Thunderbikes, Novices, Mini Bikes and Juniors.
Practice starts 10.30am, Racing at 11.30am Admission prices Adults £10, Cons £8, Kids free.
Short Track UK

The Poncho Returns

Ben practicing for another Dirt Quake? Perhaps, if the frame rails last that long.
This shot was taken at Anthony Co-Built's Rye House birthday bash by Doug Cain. Thanks Doug. G

Rye House Short Track Club Race

This Sunday 3rd June, Rye House Speedway Stadium, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN110EH - only 45 minutes from central London. Bring a mudguard and your Dad just in case. Spectators welcome from 12 noon.

Inappropriate Leathers Class

Some pics of an inappropriate road bike getting some track time in before Dirt Quake! Driver Chris was out on his Royal Enfield at Rye House speedway practice today and was looking good. Some more pics on my blog Jamie #29

GI's Rye House report

Jamie was still ironing some of the bugs out of his new Bastard at Rye. Simon Whitworth left a comment on the post a few days ago asking for details on this bike - Jamie says this:
Maybe this info will help someone else thinking of racing an XR or Dominator:

Front End:
43mm ZZR1100 forks cost £30 on ebay (any 43mm superbike forks will fit the
XR yokes);
19" CB750 Comstar £35 on ebay, any 19" 2.15 or smaller will do;
Co-Built bespoke front spindle £60;

Bodywork:
1978 DT175 tank, £10 was pretty rusted and dented
Knight style fibreglass flat track tail unit (trimmed at the front to fit) £15
Modified seat pan, homemade £10

Airbox:
K&N air filter £30
I kept the airbox but removed the top and the sides and fitted mesh
panels. HRC recommended gauze #30 which is woven gauze 0.15mm~0.3mm wire
with 0.85mm spacing.

Rear Suspension:
I sent the original unit to MCT, who shortened it by 35mm, with a shorter and stiffer WP spring, they also revalved the unit so the compression and rebound adjustment is improved. (£220)
The budget option is a Talon lowering link (£30) and standard shock, but I found this was way too baggy and caused inconsistent grip.

Engine:
JE Pistons 102.5mm piston (654cc 10.5:1) and 103mm sleeve £350
Bored and honed by Hartlen Engineering £100
No head work yet, (I ran out of money), but Co-Built Anthony recommends an XRB cam from Kent Cams which has a longer duration profile and should make a huge difference after the big bore.
My bike is a 1987 twin carb 600R, and the rings were shagged, but if the donor is a later 650 you should be fine without any engine work if it's in decent condition

Rear Wheel Chain & Sprockets:
19" 2.15 SM Pro laced to the original XR hub by Central Wheel Components £220 (I would have preferred to use a later XR650 disk brake hub but was on a tight budget so still have a rear drum brake)
DID super heavy duty 520 chain £60 (113 links with the current gearing)
14/52 Talon sprockets (the rear will go up or down depending on the track)
Don't fit a 13 tooth front sproket as it causes the chain to chew up the sprocket retainer!
Budget option for standard rear - 17" Goldspeed supermoto wet or 18" dunlop K180 (depending on rim size)

Bars and Controls:
Venhill quick throtte (single cable) £60
Renthal MX bars £30
Pro Taper triple compound grips £6
Standard speedway cut-out £4

Tyres:
Maxxis DTR 7.0 CD3 (front) £120
Maxxis DTR 7.0 CD5 (rear) £120

Exhaust:
Projection Components oversized XR low-slung flat track 304 stainless tig welded headers (kinked out for maximum front tyre clearance to my spec). Now they have a jig and are offering them for sale at £350.
Budget ebay end can £50

Last year I raced with only the front end mods and a Talon lowering link with some part worn tyres, so only spent around £180 to get on the grid, but I'd definitely recommend sorting out the suspension if you're thinking about racing one of these, the original shock is way too baggy and caused me a few highsides!

The build is on my blog at Full Lock or Death

One of three Aprilias racing this year. I think this is Tom Neave's (twin brother of SB10 cover star Tim).
Adam Allott's Aprilia with Co-Built pipe. Sounds great.
Co-Built's stable looked smart.
My old faithful Corsair.
Steve's Mutant Bros has mutated even further. Feature coming in the future.
Yes, this is how he runs it, with no traditional tank. This set up is inspired by grasstrack outfits.
Scottie's new ex-US military hauler. 'We're living the dream,' he beamed when he rolled up.
Another photos of last year's champion novice, Stuart L and his DT400
Ready to rumble. Novice group (including junior Flynn Scott #77).
Tim from Spirit of the Seventies turned up on the SR500 he's going to race in Dirt Quake's street tracker class for some sneaky practice. He had a blast too. If you've shown an interest in racing at Dirt Quake, entry forms are coming soon.
Les's Suzuki-powered CCM has developed over the winter. We're pretty equal in the riding stakes, me and Les, so I hope he hasn't improved it too much.

DON'T FORGET - first race on the season is at Leicester, this Sunday, April 1. Racing from 11am till 9.30pm with a break from 5-7pm. I'm trying to find out if spectators get in free. I'll post on the blog when I find out.