Last week in blazing sunshine, the BSSO put on a scooter only track day. Around 50 riders took part, ranging in ability from complete track novice to seasoned race pro. No matter what the ability – or the machine ridden, it’s fair to say there were plenty of smiles around the Blyton Park circuit.
Here’s a few of the highlights and we’ve got a gallery at the end which covers most of the bikes on track…
Words and photo: Iggy
Armchair critics might argue this lovely Lambretta cutdown wasn’t actually built for racing around a track but that didn’t stop the owner enjoying himself. It was actually pretty quick and looked great as well. Owner Tony Beeton removed all the “dangerous” pike nuts before scrutineering as he was worried it might fail the inspection…
After Blyton he told us he’d been straight on the case when the BSSO announced the event would be open to all riders and he’d not slept the night before it. His Lambretta has a Charlie Edmonds Mugello motor with quite a few tasty bits and pieces, it breathes through an old school Amal carb and DJ manifold. Tony had to fit a muffler to the Nordspeed exhaust to meet noise regs for the track, remove the kickstart and wire the drain plugs but other than that it’s pretty much as he rides it on the road.
Tony said “I don’t know why all the old boys who ride fast scooters and just go out for a Sunday ride for a sausage roll, or boast at the bar don’t get involved with stuff like this. They can ride as fast as they like without having to look over their shoulders and it’ll probably make them better riders on the road. I’d highly recommend it so get involved next time!”
The beautiful Vespa Sportique was in immaculate condition and the owner, Justin Ashworth was more than happy to spend a day thrashing it around the track. He was going well on it and thankfully it went home in one piece.
Spectators
There were plenty of stunners both on and off track, with a fair few spectators riding across to see some action and meet up with friends. It was free to spectate as well.
ScooterLab’s very own pizza delivery boy, Barrie Braithwaite rode a plethora of his own race scooters but borrowed Jon Gilbert’s Casa 135 Lui for a few laps and was amazed by the performance. He said it was able to keep up with 200cc road bikes on the track easily enough. It was the most I’ve seen him smile for ages!
Not long after this photo was taken, BSSO rider Harry Smith launched his PK into the air and landed heavily on track. He was battered but ok though, as was the scooter but he’ll be needing a new Arai before the next BSSO meeting.
Anthony Maxwell’s cheeky little smallframe runs a liquid-cooled DEA cylinder on Quattrini casings and looks very pretty. It was going well on track too.
Andy and Ann from ScooterNova were busy getting a few laps in on their roadgoing scooters, rumour has it they were doing a bit of secret training ready for next month’s Tside6 endurance race…
Blyton was Stefan’s first time on track. His stunning Vespa PX 244 was able to take advantage of the extra ground clearance on the anti-clockwise track. He was taken under the wing of Hornet Racing’s Dave Bristow and quickly moved up to the intermediate group. I don’t think it’s the last we’ll see of Mr Manoli on track.
Stuart Day 41 was trying out a prototype SRP GT 300cc, which uses a Bombardier cylinder. Water pump problems and gearing issues meant it wasn’t out for too long but it’ll no doubt be one to look out for in the BSSO open class.
Teammates Justin Price and Steve Wright were also ripping up the track on their Team DSC scooters and enjoying the friendly atmosphere without the pressure of a race meeting and championship to worry about.
The BSSO are planning to run another scooter only track day in 2022. As usual, SLUK will keep you informed when the date is released. The cost for Blyton Park was £150 per rider, with a £25 discount for LCGB/BSSO and BSEC riders.
