2025 INTERNATIONAL WIMBORNE WHOPPA GRASSTRACK

After many years away from the famous Uddens track, the Wimborne Club returned with a bang, running a superb International Whoppa. Star of the 500cc Solo's had to be Chris "Bomber" Harris. The International superstar who recently finished 3rd in the World Longtrack Championship, looked unbelievably fast in practice, had main rival Andrew Appleton to beat, along with Paul Cooper and James Shanes to take his first Whoppa title. It would be dangerous to rule out Darryl Ritchings after beating James Shanes already this season, and look out for 17 year old Charlie Wood, now looking more the finished article and improving week by week.
In the 500cc Sidecars, European 2nd placed crew Mitch Godden/Paul Smith had old rivals and new British Champions Josh & Scott Goodwin to beat, along with surprise new crew Richard Webb/Ant Goodwin who have improved in leaps and bounds this season, and surely will be heading for Europe in 2026.
The 1000cc RH Sidecars looked to be wide open with Mark Cossar not yet back to his very best since his injury at last years British Masters, with stand in passenger Andi Wilson. Terry Saunters/Liam Brown probably just edged favouritism going into the meeting, but whichever crew were going to take the Whoppa crown, they would have a real battle on their hands with so many crews absolutely flying this season. Will Offen/Ricky Pay have been a sensation since changing to the new John Hand designed outfit, and could Paul Whitelam/Richard Webb come back from their mechanical problems at the Frittenden Flyer the previous week. Crew of the season Robbie Simmons/Frankie Courtney have got a big win just around the corner, could this be their day? Former Left Hand British Champion Will Penfold with Freddie Wood in the chair have also looked very quick, so could they make the podium? The racing was fast and furious, but only one crew could win, who would it be?
The Wimborne club also gave the youngsters a chance to shine by incorporating the Junior Whoppa into the meeting. Albi South in the Cadet class looks to have a very bright future with the support of his Granddad Ian Clark behind him, and Archie Whitelam and LJ McAlinney in the Junior class also look to have a bright future ahead of them, but the star of the Youth had to go to 13 year old Archie Roplh in the Intermediate class. Riding a 250cc machine Archie was lapping only 1 second slower than Chris Harris on his 500cc machine. Looking like he never shut off at any point, young Archie looks set to be a superstar in the coming years, both on grass, and on Speedway.
An absolutely fantastic way for the Wimborne club to return the Whoppa to Uddens, with a super track, and super racing. Let's hope this is the first of many to come.

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