2016 Awards ‘Do’

The NGR Motocross annual awards presentation took place on Sunday 4th December 2016. This is the riders chance to gather together at the end of an amazing and hard-fought year of racing, and friendship, to celebrate all competitors achievements throughout the season. It was nice to see so many make the trip to Walsham le Willows, members and their families came from far and wide to enjoy an afternoon of fun, food and frolics, as everyone revelled in the aftermath of another year’s epic racing.

The first and very sad part of the gathering was for all members of the series to take a moment in memory of Austin Darton. Austin had joined the series this year, making a return to motocross racing, but tragically a serious heart attack struck him after a race at Mildenhall in July. Austin died a few days later in hospital, a heartbreaking and awful loss to his family, friends and loved ones – he will be greatly missed by us all.

Again we were honoured with the presence of Charlie Ralph, commentator for motocross in the centre to make the award presentations. The 2016 series overall winner was Tim Clark. As with the previous year, Tim had to fight hard all the way for his title, as series contenders Liam Walker and Paul ‘Wally’ Hubbard pressed him right into the final race. Liam eventually finished 2nd overall and Wally 3rd. Tim also therefore was the over 40s champion, beating Wally who was second and Lee Keyton 3rd. The over 30s champion for 2016 was Liam Walker, despite the close attention of Aaron Hopkins who finished 2nd and Andrew Cattermole 3rd. Steve Bottoms ended an excellent year back to full racing by becoming the 2016 over 50s champion, closely followed by Steve Gilbey who was 2nd and ever present John Smith was 3rd.

After all the presentations everyone sat down to some fabulous food expertly prepared and then series winner Tim Clark, cut the NGR cake. As the racing year is always so fast and furious, this was the perfect opportunity for everyone to catch up over a beer or two and remember all the seasons great battles (and the odd bit of bar banging!...), whilst also thanking those that make it all happen. Yes, someone does have to do all the boring stuff, but without them it just simply doesn’t happen, so a big thanks to Lyn, Charlie, Paul Sewter and the NGR crew for another great year.

Everyone now is really looking forward to another year of great racing and friendship, with the 2017 season kicking off on 2nd April, at Blaxhall. All the dates for the 2017 series can be found on the NGR website. Remember, this is an inclusive series and all your thoughts, comments and suggestions are greatly received, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with the organisers. Also, new members to the NGR family as always welcome, so if you’re 30 or over and want to be part of best motocross series an older guy or girl could wish for, then please get in touch. Contact information for all the series representatives can be found on the NGR website homepage.

So, everyone please have a safe but amazing Christmas and New Year, and we’ll see you at the gate in 2017!

Paul 'Wally' Hubbard

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