Wright and Shaw add to silverware haul
Two more titles were claimed by Shropshire’s finest club racers as the racing season was brought to a triumphant close.
Shrewsbury’s Jon Wright added to his Pre Injection 700 title in the NG Road Racing by winning the Thundersport GB Golden Era Steelsport class in his first full season.
Telford’s Matt Shaw followed his twin brother’s lead to bring another East Midlands Racing Association (EMRA) title back to the family, winning the CB500 class.
Wright, 44, who has now claimed five championships in two years, said: “The Thundersport season ended on a massive high with four wins and the class lap record.
“We managed to win the Steelsport championship and finish second in the GP1C in our first year with the club.
“On the Steelsport Honda, we started 33 races with 24 wins, 31 podiums, one crash and set five new lap records.
“The Suzuki became a lower priority as the season progressed and after starting 27 races, we claimed 17 podiums finishes, one crash and one DNF, so there’s unfinished business there in the GP1 Classic class.
“Massive thanks to family and friends for helping out, not forgetting Michelin Motorsport, Michelin Motorcycle, Morris Lubricants, Salop Vans, Mechatronic Solutions, Vinny’s Motorcycles – and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital fracture clinic.
“It certainly wouldn’t have happened without all of their help.
“We’ve managed to win five championship in two years. It’s been a slog at times but I’d do it all again.”
Matt Shaw, 30, went into the last round of the EMRA series lying third in the championship but just 12 points behind the leader – with double points up for grabs.
After finishing second behind a Darren Bellworthy, who was not contesting points, by 0.1 seconds during race one, he got another perfect start for race two and again finished one place back on Bellworthy, which was enough to claim the title.
“I’m over the moon to get another title in my come back year, also adding to the Shaw’s silverware in what’s been an up and down season,” he said.
“Motivation is there now to take this on to next year in the hope for more success for us Shaw twins.
“Huge thanks to my brother and dad for their help all year and that goes to other friends and family who also help and support us.”
Will Shaw, who had already claimed back-to-back supersport and superstock class titles, entered the Buildbase class and finished eighth overall in the opening race.
His second was the prestigious Race of the Year, which included top teams and riders from the British Superbike paddock, in which he finished ninth, followed by a seventh in the second Buildbase race.
“I was so happy for my brother bringing another title back to the Shaw household, which was the icing on the cake for us,” he said. “It’s definitely the right time for me to progress on ad Shaw Twins Racing will be looking for any potential sponsors going forward for 2018.”
Email k5mrbump600@gmail.com to offer sponsorship support. Welshpool’s Alun Brooks, 44, came away with three firsts and a 12th during his final Thundersport GB meeting, which was enough to give him overall third place in the Pre-National Championship class.
“Pressure was on to get points this weekend to get second or third overall in the championship,” he said.
“I qualified second on Sunday for the two races but made the wrong choice of tyre in the first and finished 12th.
“Last race, I was a couple of points ahead of fourth so needed a good finish. I ended up first after a rider did a jump start, which secured me third overall.”
