A strong field of 22 riders turned out to compete in the last of this season’s long 25 mile TTs on Wednesday, in perfect warm, dry and still conditions. This event was for the Russell Memorial Bowl, held entirely on sections of the B4100 between Banbury and Gaydon, taking in the climb of Warmington hill.
Simon Bull takes the start
Jon Simpkins, a regular visitor in past seasons, made his first appearance at a club Wednesday night TT this year, yet clearly showed he’s lost none of his speed with a dominant win. His winning time was 56.22, just 46 seconds outside the course record he set in 2016. Behind him the field was very close, with Simon Smith, Malcolm Rose and Simon Smart, all within less than a minute of one another.
Naomi de Pennington and Jon Simpkins in action
However, in fifth place, with a time of 60.04 was the ever improving Simon Bull, who as the first Star club member home claims the Russell Memorial Bowl. This is turning out to be a great season for Simon as he also won the 30 mile Edmunds Cup TT two weeks previously.
Another club rider who has shown great improvement this season is Naomi de Pennington who finished seventh overall and set a new women’s course record – the second course record she has achieved this year.
Top 10 Results: 1.Jon Simpkins 56.22, 2.Simon Smith 57.56, 3.Malcolm Rose 58.15, 4.Simon Smart 58.49, 5.Simon Bull 60.04, 6.Ben Heaney 60.19, 7.Naomi de Pennington 62.56, 8.Roger Foster 63.22, 9.Stuart Quick 64.15, 10.Graham Martin 65.08