CYCLE SPEEDWAY: KYLE Barlow landed the Chris Allen Memorial Trophy at Hearsall Common on Sunday afternoon as the curtain fell on Coventry Cycle Speedway Club’s 2017 season.
Hosted in memory of former Coventry racer Chris Allen, who sadly passed away at the Coventry venue in 1973 when aged 18, the event has proved a traditional end to the Coventry club’s season in recent years.
And this year’s contest proved one of the most popular held with racing held at under 16s and senior level.
Barlow jetted to an impressive 20-point maximum with a fine display of gating and passing against his Coventry rivals.
The Coventry man did have a moment of good fortune in his opening ride though when Swindon racer Jim Bailey took Leicester’s Mike Baldock wide when attempting a forceful overtake.
The pair drifted wide, allowing Barlow to take full advantage and scoop the four points.
Another convincing pass on Under 16s champion Adam Turnbull during his fourth ride meant Barlow only had to win his last ride to secure the maximum.
And he did just that, earning a tapes to flag win from grid three to secure the title.
Leicester’s Mike Baldock finished second while Jimmy Wassall fought hard to earn third.
In the Under 16s event, Bury’s Adam Turnbull went head-to-head with Cameron Gill to settle the title after both went through their opening rides unbeaten.
Gill struggled to find a way past Wassall in his last ride though, gifting Turnbull the win.
Birmingham’s Jake Steel finished third.
Coventry Sabres return to racing in March following the most successsful season on track since the club was revived in 2011.
The club now has two British Champions – Myke Grimes at senior level and Ronnie Wassall at under 10s – and has welcomed a host of new talent to its weekly club night sessions on Wednesdays.
