The NGR and Eastern Centre motocross championships annual awards presentation, were held on the 18th January at Diss Golf Club. The event was very well attended by nearly 100 people. There was a very good mix of riders, officials and helpers of all ages.
Paul Hubbard, who is the current Eastern Centre MX Chairman and organiser of the NGR started the evening off by thanking all the clubs, marshals, officials and helpers. They ensure our meetings are run smoothly and efficiently which makes our sport so popular with our riders and spectators.
We were very lucky and honoured to have former British champion from 1980, Geoff Mayes, to present the awards. He also won the Eastern Centre championship in 1979, 1984 and 1985, but his biggest win was the NGR championship on his little Kawaski 125cc in 1990. Geoff then gave a short speech on his times as an MX racer which was well received.
Awards
- Best Eastern Club – Woodbridge – Received by Debbie and John Blyth
- Eastern Centre Junior / MX2 and Vets Champion – Tim Warnes
- Eastern Centre Rookie Champion – Shane Lock
- Eastern Centre Expert MX2 Champion – Jake Rackham
- Eastern Centre Expert Champion – Sam Nunn
The Chairman then thanked all of the sponsors for the Eastern Centre Motorcross.
Sponsors
- Stebbings Car Superstore
- Norton Way Honda Motorcycles
- Lings Motorcycles
He then thanked all of the riders who have supported our centre. The buying of race numbers once again raised substantial donations for the following three charities: East Anglian Air Ambulance, Essex Air Ambulance and ACU benevolent fund. To date, over £36,000 has been raised.
He then helped Geoff to present the NGR trophies. There were quite a few!! But the main winners were as follows:
- Over 30’s – Tyrone Tugwell
- Over 40’s – Aaron Hopkins
- Over 50’s – Mark Goodson
- Overall Winner - Aaron Hopkins
Winner of the very special Hedgehog Trophy was John Hinz.
Winner of the Chick Garrod Cup was as follows:
- 1st place – John Hinz
- 2nd place - Aaron Hopkins
- 3rd place – Tyrone Tugwell
We then entertained by the vocalist Gemma B and enjoyed a delicious buffet provided by Diss Golf Club. Our two overall champions, Sam Nunn and Aaron Hopkins, cut their respective cakes.
The Chairman then held a very short raffle for the NGR riders, with generous prizes provided by the series sponsor, Danny from Southside Motorcross.
The evening ended with Gemma B’s final set. A good time was had by all, with the old boys from the NGR showing their dance moves and singing their hearts out.
Onwards and upwards to the 2025 season. Racing starts again in March.
Hope to see you all there!
Photos from the night - click on an image to enlarge
(further photos of NGR riders on the NGR website)
