25 years and 3 generations since the gate first dropped at the Deanery Hill track, racers from all over the South of England joined together to celebrate the birthday of the Braintree Bullets BMX Club. The new track was prepped to perfection and with a party vibe the damp start couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the race fans.
The day was formally opened by Jason Fergus, Head of 2012 Legacy and Strategic Sport from Essex County Council, joined by Chairman of the County Council, Councillor Graham Butland. Also in attendance to enjoy the day and the future security of the site were Councillors David Mann and Tony Everard along with many others councillors, representatives from Braintree District Council, and Braintree Bullets committee members from through the years, including the man who started it all Keith Rayner.
Before racing started, the atmosphere was bolstered by a local all girl dance crew from the Grosvenor School of Dance, showing their moves in a specially choreographed dance routine called Shape.
Racing started with the Novice classes for the new and inexperienced riders. The 7 and unders class was won by Jamie Porter from Dagenham who was followed home by local rider Jacob Thomas. In the 8-12s Lewis Sonnex took home the first place trophy in his first ever race meeting and Chris White was second. The 13 and overs was won by Braintree's Lana Redgewell.
From the Novices the racing moved onto the cruiser classes for bikes with 24 inch wheels. Local riders Olly Cutmore and Ryan East took first and second in the 13-15 year old group. The 16-29 year old group was won by James Knight for Braintree, but he was made to work for it by South African rider James Cawood from Peckham, third place went to Jon Smith also from Braintree. Two riders fought for supremacy in the 30-39 year olds and the honours went to Lee Firmin from Braintree, closely followed by Gary Porter from Dagenham. The elder statesman of the sport went to battle in the 40+ age group and the victor was Phil Beer riding for East Kent, Danny Ancell from Royston was second and Lee Allen from Dagenham was third.
The Old Skool class for vintage bikes was a family affair. The three competing riders were a Father, Son and Daughter from Dagenham. The race was won by 7 year old Nicholas, second went to 9 year old Chloe and Dad, Matt Oaten chased the kids down for third.
During the interval there were King of Dirt and Squirt of Dirt competitions. The competing riders are scored on their best trick over a jump. The Squirt of Dirt for under 11s was won by Shane Redgewell from Braintree and the King of Dirt for a day was Richard Whiting also from Braintree.
The racing continued with the Expert classes where the 7 and unders was a hotly contested affair. Sydney Allen from Braintree changed position several times throughout the race but had to settle for fifth, club mate Tom Stokes was pipped on the line by Dagenham's Nick Oaten for third, second went to Joe Read-Millard and the winner was the stylish Josh Peters from Codham Park.
The 8 and under girls were next and again it was a family affair. The first and second places went to twin sisters both from Braintree, Chloe and Kayliegh Harknett. Local all girls team The Pink Peddlers were well represented in the 9-12 girls category with team mates Bethany Shriever and Kelsey Dixon getting second and third respectively. The top step of the podium was taken by Lauren Richardson from East Kent. The 13+ girls class was as competitive as ever. Caroline Porter from Dagenham was fourth, new rider Dee Williams from Braintree was third, Natalie Miller also from the Pink Peddlers was second and the top honours went to Abi Hill from Norwich.
Next up were the 8-10 year old boys. With 13 riders in the class, these boys had to work hard for their positions. Shane Pavitt from Braintree put the work in for third, Joshua Wallis took the second step of the podium and Aaron Dalleywater from Royston Rockets romped home for the top spot.
The 11-13 year olds was another local affair for Braintree riders. "Jumpin" Jedd Hurst styled his way to third, Sam Britton missed the carnage to take second and George Moret showed his class in first place.
Just 2 riders duked it out in the 14-16s. Chris Potter from Braintree showed the home track advantage for first place closely followed by Brody Auger.
The 17-29 year old class heralded the return of former Braintree riders Ryan and Wayne Everitt, whose dad Richard was the second generation club chairman. Wayne followed younger brother Ryan to the line to finish fourth with Ryan in third, Peckham's Richard Cawood took home the second place trophy and last year's 19+ British Champion Robbie Goodman from Ipswich smoothed his way around the track for the win.
The 30+ class was another Braintree duel, Mark Read-Millard held on tight for the win, closely followed by Steve Hurst.
The biggest field and most hotly contested race of the day was the 15+ no-clips payback class. The rules for this class include only the use of regular style pedals. The action in this category was driven by the overwhelming urge to take the money, as the riders do not receive trophies, but they're entry fees are split among the finalists. The all action final saw some serious elbow banging down the first straight with Norwich's Alan Hill leading into the first corner closely followed by Braintree's Matty Kirk. Kirk chased Hill all the way around the 330 metre track but couldn't find a space, and that's the way they finished, with Sam Richardson from East Kent in third, and Braintree's track designer Julian Allen taking home a pay cheque in fourth place.
The racing was followed by a trophy presentation, before local DJs Andrew "Wally" Wallbank and Miguel Pavitt started the party to lead up to the highlight of the day, local band Kettle of Fish who played live, while the crowds boogied the night away.
A huge thank you from the club goes to all of the event sponsors, volunteers and helpers on the day.
Our summer series takes place every Wednesday through the summer from 6pm, for further information or contact details please visit www.braintreebmx.co.uk.
