Herne Hill Spring Track 2008

By Ronnie King

Whitten Timber on board for the new Herne Hill Track League

Whitten Timber has sponsored a number of events over the past few years at Herne Hill, including the very successful Whitten Timber ‘20’, the distance race every Wednesday, which carries a £50 first prize. This season, the Peckham based timber suppliers, are extending their support, by not only sponsoring the entire Monday and Wednesday Track League, but also the South East Regional Track Championships, which take place on Sunday 20th July. Put the date in your diary.

The League will follow the usual format, with Mondays for the shorter events and Youth races, whilst Wednesdays are more for the distance rider, finishing with the Whitten Timber 20km Scratch. ‘Go Race’ races are usually part of the Wednesday meetings and are open to 4th category licence holders, BC Members without licences, non members and Youth A & B without any licence points. Riders opting for the ‘Go Races’ will not be allowed to ride the main events, as has been the case in the past. Entry fee for ‘Go Races’ is £5. But the highlight of the Wednesday meetings is without doubt, the Whitten Timber ‘20’. It’s amazing what the lure of £50 cash can do !

Youth riders get to do their thing on Monday evenings starting at 18.45. The earlier than normal start is to ensure that the younger riders can finish and get away, without having to hang around all evening. As an inducement, the Youth riders are awarded 2 league points just for signing on and prizes are given for riders achieving Standard times throughout the year, over one lap and 200m. The Senior racing is the usual programme of Sprints, 500m Handicap, Points, Devils and other oddities, thought up on the night! Start time will be after the Youth racing at about 19.15.

A feature of both evenings, is the chance for riders to get in some free track training before the racing starts. The track is open from 18.00 and available to all riders, whether they are racing or not. The aim is to encourage riders to see the benefits of track racing and hopefully join the League.

The Whitten Timber Track League kicks off on Wednesday 7th May at 19.00 and runs through, every Monday and Wednesday ( Bank Holidays excepted) until 20th August.

Ronnie King
Herne Hill Promoters Association.