Solo Open Meeting Shustoke 6th June

Shustoke is always a popular event on the Solo Midland circuit but this year entries were higher than ever at 38. Entrants came from as far afield as Ross-on-Wye and Kent. It was not the promise of good weather as rain and thunder storms were forecast.

The wind settled down to shifty North Westerly after the first race was postponed on the water. The lead was taken by Jon Clarke with Stuart Hydon and Neil Wilkinson battling for second and third. A big wind shift on one of the beats momentarily changed the order. This lead to Clarke’s lead being cut and Wilkinson and Hydon dropping back several places. Clarke took the gun followed by Hydon narrowly taking Wilkinson on the last beat after both regained their lost places.

Race two was again a bit of a procession at the front but this time the roles were reversed with Hydon first, Clarke second and David Liddington third.

Entering into the final race the battle was between Clarke and Hydon for the title. After some failed starts Neil Wilkinson took the lead with Clarke second and Hydon third. Hydon took Clarke and was chasing on Wilkinson’s heels. Hydon managed to take Wilkinson by going the opposite way on a run. Wilkinson’s lead was cut and Clarke managed to steal second place on the final beat. David Liddington and Gareth Wilkinson were forth and fifth.

The final positions were

Stuart Hydon 1st (Shustoke);

Jon Clarke 2nd (Draycote);

Neil Wilkinson 3rd (Shustoke);

David Liddington 4th (Rugby & Daventry);

Gareth Wilkinson 5th (Chelmarsh):

Dave Lynch 1st Youth in 7th place (Shustoke)