HEAVY rain proved the winner at the Midlands Centre Grasstrack Championships.

The event, held at Offerton Farm, Hindlip near Worcester and organised by Worcestershire Grasstrack Club, finally fell victim to the elements after 29 of the 37 scheduled races.

Results in each of the six categories were declared at that stage, but there was still plenty of exciting action for spectators to enjoy despite the conditions.

Riders came from all over the country to compete, and local riders to shine included 15-year-old Tim Nobes of Aston Magna, near Evesham, who won the 350cc class on his Jawa in spectacular fashion.

Dave Higgins and Russell Smith from Stoulton, near Worcester, were second in the 500cc sidecar category on their RTS Godden, followed by Malvern duo Tony Starke and Darren Wood on their Phoenix Jawa.

Worcester-based speedway ace Brent Werner had a rare grasstrack outing and took second and third places in two races in the 500cc section.

Although the weather spoiled the last meeting, the club, only formed last year, has been delighted with the success of its three events.

WGC press officer Terry Layland said: "It is a very good venue and all three meetings have passed off very well."

Results

250cc: 1 Colin How, Kaw; 2 Sam Flowers, Nu-Trak; 3 Matt Klassen, RTS.

350cc: 1 Tim Nobes, Jawa; 2 Baz Powell, RTS; 3 Tom Crewe, RTS.

500cc: 1 Richard Hall, G.M; 2 Chris Harris, Jawa; 3 Martyn Williams, ANTIG.

Pre-1975: 1 Dave Norris, RMS; 2 Eddie Rouse, Antig; 3 Ian Gutteridge, JHR.

500cc Sidecar: 1 Barrie Bennett/Steve Tong, DUSE; 2 Dave Higgins/Russell Smith, RTS Godden; 3 Tony Starke/Darren Wood, Phoenix Jawa.

1000cc Sidecar: 1 Colin Blackbourne/Martin Bailey, WASP; 2 Gary Jackson/Carl Pugh, Yamaha; 3 Ivor Matthews/T Miles, Yamaha.