A spectacular 2023 British Masters Grasstrack Final run by the 500cc Sidecar Association at the Writtle venue near Chelmsford, and after the heavens opened on Saturday, they did so well to run the meeting. Having to tow all the competitors into and around the pits area, practice had to be put back 30 minutes. The track itself looked to be in fantastic shape as practice got underway, and all was set for a super days racing to decide who would be crowned 2023 British Masters Champions in the 500cc Solo's, and the 1000cc RH Sidecars. Defending Solo champion Chris "Bomber" Harris was back to see if he could pull off an amazing 3 titles in a row, as was defending champion in the RH Sidecars, Mark Cossar with old passenger Carl Blyth.
Paul Hurry, Zach Wajtknecht, Charley Powell, and Chad Wirtzfeld looked to be the main opposition for Harris, and Hurry certainly looked the quickest in practice, and when interviewed he stated that this would be his last British Masters, so he would give it everything.
In the RH Sidecars Mark Cossar had shown this season that he is not unbeatable, so there was certainly some hope for the other crews of stopping him from taking yet another British Masters. Colin Blackbourn/Carl Pugh are one of the top crews that do not fear the reigning champion, as they have beating him before, and Colin is also one of the crews to beat at any meeting. Former 4x champion Rob Bradley can never be discounted, and is a dark horse to take the title. Multi champion Steve Smith first won the crown 50 years ago and is back for another try on another super looking machine. Tom Cossar already has one victory over his brother Mark this season, could he make it another today? Or maybe it will be a Cossar 1-2 on the podium, but in which order. Tom and his passenger Wayne Rickards have been absolutely flying this season, so add in Neal Owen/Jason Farwell on their beautiful sounding Godden, in conditions that are bound to be ideal, and Terry Saunters/Liam Brown who have also been in tremendous form this year, Trevor & Sam Heath, Michael Austin/Vinny Branch, Matt Fumarola/Andi Wilson, Paul Whitelam/Richard Webb, and Dale & Jordan Fish, the list just goes on. You've got yourself one hell of an line-up, so it really could be anyone's. With Cornish crew Kieran Hicks/Frankie Courtney, and Kent crew of Will Offen/Ricky Pay, it's one of the most competitive line-ups for the RH Sidecar British Masters for many a year.
With 2 support classes of Youth Intermediates, and 500cc Sidecars, it looked like being a fantastic day.
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