Joan Aris Memorial Trophy

Wednesday 1 July 2009

The Joan Aris memorial trophy eventually took place on a sunny Wednesday afternoon after being postponed due to the weather. And we are glad to report that it was not only the sun that played its part, 25 closely fought races warmed up the Ashmore park circuit.

Joan Aris was married to cycle speedway legend Mick Aris and mother to top referee and rider Wayne Aris, several times British Champion Lee Aris and Michelle Aris who has also taken to the track in her past and still very much involved in the sport by taking up referring and No1 supporter to her two children Courtney and Alex. Joan enjoyed the Cycle Speedway scene supporting the Wednesfield Aces with the need to do chores and vocally from the sideline.

The Joan Aris memorial trophy was an open invite to all the Wednesfield Aces Juniors and 24 of them turned out to compete for the top spot. Due to the high numbers and the different rider abilities on show a special formula was used to give every rider a good chance of taking the top spot and give the spectators 25 thrilling races The twist was having 5 riders per race and each rider had their own staring place on the circuit, with the most advanced riders starting behind the grid, the youngest new comers starting at the half way marker and array of riders starting in between.

After 20 awesome races every rider had completed 4 rides each and progressed into the finals dependant on their scores to set up another 5 exciting races and it was the last race of the evening that topped the bill. Young James Harriman starting just before the first bend, fast starter John Russell staring from grid 3 alongside Jordan Rich on grid 4 and two bike length behind was up and coming stars Liam Johnson and Mat Haddock. With nobody wanting to give an inch the final race was closely contested enabling you to throw a small blanket over all 5 of them throughout the race.

And it was John Russell who took his first cycle speedway title by making a fast start and choosing the decisive time to pass young James and hold of the challenging riders, At one time or another every rider was in the 2nd spot but this was eventually claimed by Mat haddock, 3rd place was Liam Johnson 4th Jordan Rich and after a super evening of racing 5th place went to James Harriman.

The Joan Aris family would like thank all the riders and track staff that helped made a memorable meeting and raise cash for the local charity Compton Hospice.