2023 ACU British Trial GB British Championship RD 5
Jack Peace (Sherco) continues to pull clear at the top of the 2023 ACU British Trial GB British Championship with win number four from five rounds. Once again taking the extra point for the best single lap score, he holds a strong 24-point advantage with three rounds remaining.
This ACU championship uses the unique Trial GB marking system where competitors may stop, go sideways, or reverse without penalty, going backwards whilst footing incurs a five-mark penalty. An additional championship point is awarded to the best lap performance on observation. A one and a half minute allowance for sections is used and the split between laps one and two used previously is now removed allowing the riders to complete all three laps of twelve sections within the specified time allowance. In the Trial GB class the seven best from eight rounds will be classified to allow for any riders who may be contracted to FIM X-Trial duties.
The 2023 ACU Trial GB series travelled to the south of the country for round five, run by the Torridge & DMCC at Brousentor Farm, near Torridge. Once again, a very traditional venue welcomed the riders with its rocky rivers, wooded hill-climbs, and exposed headland offering a challenging course. The weather was excellent for the majority of the event but as they day progressed rain showers moved over the area which changed the nature of some of the sections. The entry was made up of 44 riders entered across the four classes Trial GB, Trial 2, Trial 125, and Expert with no Electric class at this round.
As with the rest of the country the hot, dry weather conditions left the sections easier to ride with very little rain in the area in the preceding month. Continuing there fight for supremacy from the FIM World Championship to the UK, Billy Green (Scorpa) and Jack Peace (Sherco) also had Harry Hemingway (Beta) to contend with. On the opening lap it was Green who led the way with just a 2 mark loss followed by Peace on 4. Harry Hemmingway had his score spoilt with a stop in section four, putting him on a total of 7. Also looking on course for a good opening lap was Jack Dance (GASGAS) but a stop in the last section halted this putting him on 9 marks lost.
On the second lap the rain showers came which turned the nature of the terrain. This is where Peace made his push for victory with the only single figure score of 9 marks lost which gave him the advantage as Hemingway lost 13 and Green 15. With the riders now having the measure of the riding conditions as the sun occasionally returned, on the last lap Peace once again showed his desire to win with the best single lap score of the event losing just 2 marks to secure the victory and the extra championship point. Green and Hemingway both lost four on the last lap but it was Billy who had done enough to take second position in the trial.
Jack Peace (Sherco): “I had to be at my very best today as I knew with the dry conditions at the event it would be low scoring which turned out to be the case. I was happy with my opening lap and when the rain showers came it allowed me to raise my game. On the final lap I stamped my authority on the win with the best single lap score. Having the best tyres in changing conditions always gives you the winning edge knowing that when wheel grip is need it will be there. Confidence in the Michelin tyres allows you to push the boundaries of your riding and in this event where the conditions changed, they helped to secure the victory.”
Results Round Five – Brousentor Farm – 25/06/2023
Trial GB Championship Class
1: Jack Peace (Sherco) 15; 2: Billy Green (Scorpa) 21; 3: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 24; 4: Jack Dance (GASGAS) 34; 5: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 49.
Trial GB Championship Positions after Five of Eight Rounds
1: Jack Peace (Sherco) 101; 2: Billy Green (Scorpa) 77; 3: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 76; 4: Jack Dance (GASGAS) 61; 5: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 43; 6: Toby Martyn (Montesa Honda UK) 37; 7: Dan Peace (Sherco) 9.
Full results from all classes and championship positions can be found here: www.acutrialgb.co.uk
The 2023 ACU British Trials Championship continues with round six on the 9th of July moving to the North of the country at Brimham Rocks near Harrogate.
