Whilst No.1 plate was firmly retained by Gary Birtwistle for the second year running, the 2024 season will see the return of Tim Neave British Super Bike star and former British Flat Track Champion and the charging Young Guns of Jack Bell and newcomer Charlie Kelly who exploded on to the Pro scene with a top 5 finish in his first season. Previous contenders include Rob Mear former Speedway Champion (2023 Runner Up), Alan Birtwistle 2 times Pro Flat Track Champion and Spaniard’s Bailo & Sastre all capable of competing for the top spot.

In pre run to 2024 season BSB Neave twins were at VR46 Ranch in Tavullia Italy to compete in the famous Flat Track 100km race of Champions, Jack Bell was in Spain’s Rocco’s Ranch for a winter training session, both displaying how fast Flat Track is moving in the UK and commitment from top Pro riders.

Commenting on the season ahead Track Racing Hub asked newcomer Charlie Kelly on his thoughts “2023 was my first year as Pro Rider so to move into 2024 ranked UK #5 provides confidence. With a new 2024 setup and Sponsorship through Colwyn Bay KTM and KTM STUFF.CO.UK we’re pushing hard to rock the leader board” Charlie went onto say “The level of competition in UK Flat Track is high including European entries and several of the UK boys running World Championships, so you’re competing against the best of the best. If I was betting man (actually I’m still too young to gamble) Birtwistle and Neave are going to go to war and it will be Kelly and Bell that rise through the smoke, let’s see, it’s going to be fast and furious that’s for sure”.

This years DTRA Championship will run over 5 rounds, covering Oval’s, TT track (rumoured to be the Greenfield Super TT layout), Mallory Bike Bonanza and the fast ½ mile in South Wales.

Round 1 – Northside Arena April 13-14th
Round 2 – Greenfield TT May 11th-12th
Round 3 – Mallory Bike Bonanza 6th-7th July
Round 4-5 – Amman Valley 1/2 mile August 10th-11th

Images by Braking Point Images

The post 2024 UK Pro Flat Track Championship Warming Up To Be Most Competitive Season Ever appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

Last year’s Bonanza hosted the DTRA for the first time on a brand-new dirt oval track, created to introduce the Mallory fans American-style flat track motorcycle racing but the entire event was plagued by inclement weather.

This year, with high hopes of the event being blessed by good weather, the DTRA competitors will have the opportunity to showcase their sport in style.

DTRA boss Anthony Brown said: “Dirt track racing is back on the agenda for the Bonanza this and we’re delighted. Both days will feature British championship racing and our Hooligan class features top class entries representing manufacturers like Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Royal Enfield and Triumph.

“There’s also a new Fantic team in DTRA racing this year, with the Italian brand promoting their 450 single. One of the team bikes will feature a world-class guest rider from Europe, selected by the DTRA.”

Anthony says we’ll have to ‘watch this space,’ for the announcement of the chosen rider but other top names to look out for in DTRA this year are: Defending UK Pro National class champion and Twins Champion, Gary Birtwistle; Jack Bell, the king of the Hooligan class; Sam Shook who won the Vintage Evo class as well as being the Intermediate class champion; Thunderbike class title holder John Bell; and Vintage champions Simon Bird (two-stroke class) and John Harrison (four-stroke class).
As well as the traditional, contemporary and classic dirt track bikes, the DTRA also has a strong line up for the emerging Electric bike class, with a full grid including three new entries on Spanish-built Stark Varg machines.

Mallory Park circuit owner Stuart Hicken commented: “It’s great to have the DTRA back at the Bonanza. Their chaps worked so hard last year to carve out a brand-new flat track oval facility on the Mallory site. But on the day the weather played havoc with their racing plans. Hopefully this year’s weather will be a bit kinder and we will all get a chance to see the cut and thrust of American-style dirt track racing right here in Leicestershire.”

The 2024 Mallory Bike Bonanza also includes: guest of honour Steve Baker, the 1977 World Formula 750 champion; a celebration to mark 50 years of the Yamaha TZ750; two days of EMRA club racing with eight sprint races each day, classic trials action, track sessions for owners of classic and vintage bikes, plus some 50 motorcycle owners’ clubs, featuring a huge array of classic and vintage bikes.

And, of course, the Mallory Bike Bonanza would not be complete without the Plop Enduro action – with upwards of 40 Honda C90 Cubs battling it out over almost hour-long sprint races. Throw in trade stands, an autojumble, and live music, and there really will be something for everyone, making the Mallory Bike Bonanza a motorcycling festival a form date for your diary.

🏍Parade entries: https://www.eastmidlandracing.co.uk/bike-bonanza

🎟’Early Bird’ tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/malloryparkcircuit

📧Enquiries for Club Stands and Trade Stands can be directed to bob@realmotorsport.co.uk

Words by Mallory Park Circuit – Images courtesy of Braking Point Images

The post Dirt Track Racing back at the Mallory Bike Bonanza! appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.