Fab Racing returns to action at Lydd

It was all smiles throughout the paddock as the FAB-Racing Minibike British Championships returned for 2022, with a fantastic weekend of racing setting up what looks to be another exciting year.

The weather seemed to be horrid in the days leading up to the event, with some unable to make the journey to the south-east, but the arrivals were treated to beautiful (although cold and windy) conditions at the Lydd Kart Circuit for the weekend, but not before some snow on Friday morning. A few special guests were also in tow, Honda British Talent Cup riders returning to FAB for the opening round to get some track time while also catching up with old friends and having some fun.

Reigning LS2 Helmets MiniGP70 British Champion Ethan Sparks initially found himself struggling with his bike not handling as well as usual, coming off in the fast back section of the circuit at the end of qualifying. Re-mounting he still managed to grab pole position and, with both rider and bike OK, set off to pick up where he left off last season, but disaster struck when he again fell off at the same corner late into the first race.

He was able to continue, but the damage was done, as Ronnie Harris swept in to take the victory, his first in the 70s after multiple podiums in 2021. Sparks was able to get things under control and win race 2, but it wasn’t easy, as the top 8 came across the line covered by less than 2 seconds, nose to tail for the last few laps in a very tense race.

There was sublime racecraft on display by all involved in the battle, the young riders showing intelligence well beyond their years as they tussled through every corner, with Harris and Luke Fitchett rounding out the podium.

In the MiniGP50s, Fitchett was the rider on form,