A slick, dry, dusty and fairly tricky track awaited the Older Generation for this, the third round of the 2026 EV GP series. It must be said the turnout was unexpectedly poor, following a trend established over the last two years or so. It's especially sad to see the low Over 40 turnouts, and moreso since our failed attempt at dropping the age limit to 35 for a few seasons. The growth area seems to be the Over 60 category, as I comically suggested some time ago, and of course if anyone wants to see out their days still racing, that's not really a surprise.
Regardless of my slightly downbeat view of things the day was a great success on track. Plenty of keen racing as always, even a bit of controversy thrown in, and some brilliant displays of bike control defying the lack of grip in places and that "interesting" ridge that developed at the crown of the 3rd/4th bends!
The Over 40s were down to three entries but that didn't affect the action throughout the match, just a bit sad there weren't a few more to at least make a four-man final. Richard Williamson showed plenty of speed and only dropped three points in the main programme showing plenty of skill attacking the first bend.
Unluckiest rider of the day (my choice, obviously) had to be Mark Whitehead, who cracked in four wins and was looking pretty good until heat 20, which on any other day could have been the A final. However there was always the ever-present threat from his Leicester teammate, the immaculate Dave Hemsley who dId go through the card and went on to win the Over 50s.
I know my memory's not great but I'm pretty sure "Mr Overtaker" on the day had to be home Hethersettee, the returning Glyn Morgan. EX-Champ Glyn got faster lap after lap in every ride and his energy seemed limitless after a good long while away from the Sport. Steve Paver continued his winning run in the Over 60s this year.
Just a word of thanks to Lola Martin and Harvey Yard who shared the empty spaces in the 16 man format, and their head-to-head during the finals was pretty entertaining.
Thank you to all the Hethersett backroom kids who grafted all day, not just for us, the last event of their anniversary celebration, and of course our young Referee.
Apologies for the shakey video folks, I just can't keep my hands steady these days.
Here's the Over 40s Final - https://youtu.be/VcYCet39JPs
Here's the Over 50s A FInal - https://youtu.be/RSRhhPwMsUw
Here's the Over 60s A Final - https://youtu.be/UWvZCK_pEmQ
And the crunch Heat 20 deciding the Over 50s grid slots - https://youtu.be/tcE3-sFkra0