NEWSLETTER
Hi everyone,
If anyone has an AMB transponder either the TRAN X260 or TR2 versions not direct powered ones & preferably non subscription that they would like to sell to the Club then please let me know asap as we are on the look out for an additional one to add to our current stock as they are being booked up all the time now.
That's it for now folks,
Regards,
Regards,
Cass Beardmore
SecretaryEarlystocks Racing Club.
Knockinaam Wood Cottage,Portpatrick,Stranraer,Dumfries & Galloway,DG9 9AG.
Tel 01776 820827 or 07710998216
RACE REPORTS
Earlystocks at Anglesey
A Weekend of Racing on the Welsh Coast
The Earlystocks Racing Club headed across to North Wales for the latest round of the 2026 championship, joining the British Historic Racing Club meeting at Anglesey on 15th and 16th August. With four races over the weekend, riders faced one of the most spectacular and challenging circuits on the calendar, with its combination of fast sweeping sections, technical corners and spectacular views across the Irish Sea.
The weekend belonged to Allan Hoyland, who produced a remarkable clean sweep, taking victory in all four races. Riding his Suzuki GSXR, Allan was in outstanding form throughout, combining impressive pace with remarkable consistency. He also set the fastest lap in every race, underlining just how strong his weekend had been.
Behind Allan, Martyn Cooper enjoyed another excellent weekend on his Honda VFR, regularly running at the sharp end of the field. Paul Snell was also amongst the front runners on his Honda VFR750, producing a strong and consistent performance throughout the four races.
The racing behind the leaders was every bit as competitive. Paul Johnson enjoyed a particularly strong weekend on the Suzuki Katana, while Ashley Wilkinson, Gary Porter, Marco Tamburelli, Drew Pearson, John Adamson, Ivan Childs, Mike Hands and John Nicklin were all involved in some very close battles.
It was particularly good to see Ivan and Mike back out on their Gixxers, adding plenty of entertainment to the racing. Mark Daniels, unfortunately, suffered more bad luck when his GSXR developed an oil leak, bringing his weekend's racing to an early and frustrating end.
It was also brilliant to welcome Team Bert back to the grid on their Kawasaki Zephyrs. Gavin Bird and Dean Clegg provided plenty of entertainment as usual, with both riders enjoying the close racing that has become such a feature of the Earlystocks field.
Glen Gray once again looked at home on his FZ600. 
For the Earlystocks GPZ500 contingent, Anglesey proved to be another tough but rewarding weekend.
Andrew Burscough was the class act of the GPZ500 field, making four Class 1 victories look remarkably easy. Andrew's pace and consistency around Anglesey were impressive, and he once again demonstrated just how competitive the GPZ500 can be when everything comes together.
Behind Andrew, Mark Bostock, Denver Beer and Nicholas Burgar were all battling hard throughout the four races, with positions changing as the weekend progressed. Mark Turner was also riding strongly .
Prof Cotgrove had a challenging weekend, running short of electrolytes and finding the physical demands of Anglesey particularly tough. Nevertheless, his lap times improved steadily over the weekend, showing good progress despite the difficulties.
New racer Sam Cotgrove, competing on his GPZ500-engined KLE500, also continued to make progress. Sam chipped away at his lap times throughout the weekend and, importantly, completed all four races.
One of the notable features of the weekend was the sheer consistency of the front runners.
Allan Hoyland's four overall victories were backed up by four fastest laps, while Class 1 front runner Andrew Burscough remained virtually untouchable, taking maximum GPZ500 points from all four races.
With Anglesey now completed, attention turns towards the final stages of what has already been a highly competitive Earlystocks season. The championship heads next to Cadwell Park on 12th and 13th September, where the famous Lincolnshire circuit will provide another very different challenge for these classic and post-classic machines.
With championships still to be decided and the racing as close as ever throughout the field, Cadwell promises to be another fantastic weekend for Earlystocks.
Bring it on! 
Earlystocks Motocycle Racing Club. Darley Moor round up.. July 2026.
Darley Moor Delivers Another Excellent Weekend of Racing
The British Historic Racing Club returned to Darley Moor for another superb weekend of close, competitive racing. As always, the paddock was full of friendly faces, plenty of hard work behind the scenes and some excellent racing across the field.
At the front, Martyn Cooper was simply untouchable on his Honda VFR, taking victory in all four races and setting the fastest lap in every outing. Behind him, there was plenty of action as Allan Hoyland, Kevin Cooper and Steve Hampton fought over the podium positions, with all three producing consistently fast lap times throughout the meeting.
The battle behind the leading quartet was equally entertaining. Barry Doherty, Paul Snell, Dave Williams, Gary Porter, Marco Tamburelli and Alexander Pearson were all involved in close racing, often separated by only a few seconds after race distance. Every position had to be earned, with nobody giving an inch.
The GPZ500 contingent once again provided some of the closest racing of the weekend. Mark Bostock continued his strong form to lead the Kawasaki runners whenever reliability allowed, while Nicholas Burgar, Denver Beer and Keith Cotgrove enjoyed some close battles throughout the four races. Every lap was fiercely contested, proving once again just how competitive the GPZ500 class has become.
Gavin Bird kept the ever-popular Yamaha RD350 YPVS flying the two-stroke flag, while John Adamson continued to entertain spectators on his beautifully ridden RD350LC YPVS until mechanical gremlins appeared. Rick Parker offered his GPZ500 to John and it as good to see him race a Geep.
Glen Gray once again showed great determination on the Yamaha FZ600, bringing the bike home in every race.
There was disappointment for first time on track Sam Cotgrove, whose Kawasaki KLE500 suffered mechanical problems in the opening races, resulting in retirements. However, the Winchester team worked tirelessly between races to solve the issues, and their efforts were rewarded with Sam returning to finish Race 26, gaining valuable experience and showing plenty of determination. Novice Paul Burgar made a steady start on his GPZ500.
The final race also brought its share of drama, with several retirements among the leading runners, proving that Darley Moor remains a demanding circuit where reliability is every bit as important as outright speed.
A huge thank you goes to Steve and Cass and also the marshals, officials, medics and all the volunteers whose hard work makes these meetings possible. Thanks also to the families, friends and supporters who keep the paddock spirit alive.
Congratulations to everyone who raced, whether chasing podiums or simply aiming to finish. We now look forward to the next round, where no doubt the battles throughout the field will continue.
See you all at Anglesey!
Pembrey Serves Up Sunshine and Superb Racing
Pembrey is often known for throwing every type of weather at competitors, but for this BHR and Earlystocks meeting, Wales was on its best behavior. Riders, teams and spectators were treated to warm sunshine and blue skies throughout the weekend, creating perfect conditions for four excellent races around one of Britain's most enjoyable circuits.
The paddock was busy from the outset, with a healthy entry across the classes and a fantastic atmosphere that remained throughout the weekend. As always, Earlystocks delivered exactly what it is renowned for: close, competitive racing combined with a friendly and welcoming environment both on and off the track.
At the front of the field, Martyn Cooper enjoyed an outstanding weekend aboard his Honda VFR, producing a faultless performance to take four victories from four starts. Ashley Wilkinson, Paul Johnson and John Adamson also enjoyed strong weekends, providing some excellent battles and maintaining an impressive pace throughout. Gavin Bird as usual, looked impressive on his RD350.
Across the grid, there was plenty of action for spectators to enjoy, with battles developing in every race and riders often separated by only hundreths of a second after several laps around the fast and flowing Welsh circuit.
The GPZ500 Funderbike Championship riders were once again part of the action, continuing to demonstrate how affordable and accessible racing can still be. The class is steadily growing and provides an excellent entry point for both new and returning racers. Local racer Andrew Burscough excelled on his GPZ500 with three out of four wins in class 1 and impressive lap times of sub 1.11 with Mark Bostock close behind. New racer Dean Clegg on his GPZ550 impressed, mixing it with the faster GPZ500’s.
Sunday's final race was unfortunately brought to an early conclusion following a tumble from Ivan Childs on his GSXR750, with the result declared after seven laps. Ivan was checked out at hospital and thankfully ok. Despite the interruption, the meeting concluded successfully and brought another excellent weekend of racing to a close.
Away from the racing itself, the paddock once again highlighted what makes BHR and Earlystocks such a special place to race. There was no shortage of helping hands, shared tools, borrowed parts and friendly advice throughout the weekend, with competitors always willing to support one another.
A huge thank you, as always, goes to BHR, the marshals, medics, officials and volunteers whose hard work allows these events to take place safely and successfully.Pembrey has once again delivered a memorable weekend, and with the season continuing to gather momentum, everyone will already be looking forward to the next round.
Four races, fantastic weather and another excellent advert for Earlystocks racing.
CADWELL PARK
Cadwell Park served up a proper Earlystocks classic across the weekend, with close battles, fast Hondas, hard-charging Kawasaki’s and a few riders steadily finding form as the meeting unfolded. The sharp end of the field became a four-rider scrap between Martyn Cooper, Allan Hoyland, Ashley Wilkinson and Paul Snell, with honors shared across the four races.
Race 2 opened the weekend with Martyn Cooper taking victory aboard the Honda VFR after a race-long fight with Ashley Wilkinson, the pair split by just 0.63 seconds at the flag. Allan Hoyland completed the podium, while Paul Snell set the fastest lap of the race with a blistering 1:44.80.
By Race 10 the battle tightened even further. Allan Hoyland edged Martyn Cooper by only six tenths of a second after seven frantic laps, while Wilkinson and Snell remained firmly in the hunt. Robert Chambers again impressed on the Kawasaki Z750, comfortably leading the Class B runners and mixing it with the quicker Class D machinery.
Sunday morning’s Race 18 produced another superb contest, with Hoyland once more coming out on top ahead of Paul Snell and Ashley Wilkinson. Cooper was only just behind in
fourth after another fast and consistent ride. Chambers continued his strong weekend with fifth overall and fastest Class B lap honours.
The final encounter, Race 26, finally swung back in Martyn Cooper’s favour. Cooper inherited the lead after Ashley Wilkinson retired from a commanding position and went on to take victory from Hoyland and Steve Hampton. Wilkinson’s pace before retiring showed just how competitive the front-running VFR pack had been all weekend.
Further down the field there were strong performances from John Adamson and Ivan Childs in Class C, unfortunately Mark Daniels GSXR750 had major engine failure in lap 1 of race 1. Gavin Bird on his RD350 led the GPZ500 contingent and all enjoyed some close racing of their own. Keith Cotgrove, Nicholas Burgar and Mark Bostock all traded places and improved lap times as the meeting progressed. Burgar in particular steadily chipped away at his times across the weekend, eventually dropping into the low 2:00s by the final race.
Cadwell once again delivered its usual cocktail of bravery, rhythm and organized chaos, with the Earlystocks paddock producing close racing throughout and setting the scene nicely for the next round.
If any BHR riders out there are looking for a cheap extra class then why not consider getting a GPZ500 for a few hundred quid and join in the fun..
LYDDEN HILL
Lydden Hill Launches 2026 in Style Round 1 at Lydden Hill delivered a full weekend of close racing, big battles and plenty of drama across all classes.
Saturday kicked things off with John “Nig” Nicklin leading early in Race One, before the VFR riders fought their way to the front. James Jackson joined the battle on the big GSX, while Steve Hampton held strong under pressure from Ash, Martin and Jackson to take the win.
Race Two followed a similar pattern, with the VFR machines and Jackson at the front. This time Jackson made it stick, taking victory after a hard-fought race. In the GPZ500 class, Dougie took the win, followed by Prof. Cotgrove, with Nick Burgar impressing on debut to take third on his 20th birthday.
Sunday turned up the intensity, with constant position changes making both races difficult to call. The VFR riders again led the way, joined at the front by a striking Moto Guzzi, while Jonathan Power stayed close on his FZ750. Behind them, Adamson, Cooper and Bird battled hard in a two-stroke scrap.
Race Three brought late drama in the GPZ class. Dougie led early, but Bashar Bostock’s charge ended in the kitty litter at the final corner. Prof. Cotgrove inherited the lead, only for Burgar to pass him after a missed gear and take a remarkable debut win. Race Four saw Bostock bounce back to take a Class 1 win, underlining a determined weekend. Despite some mechanical issues across the field, Round 1 proved one thing… the 2026 season is well and truly underway.
About Us - Production Based Classic & Post Classic Machines
About our Club
Earlystocks Racing Club. ( Classic, Post Classic and Modern Classic Racing Motorcycles).
This is a club for those of who remember when bikes were bikes and not all covered in plastic.
Catering basically for road based production machines manufactured pre 1987. Air cooled engines with carburettors, twin rear shocks. Old school technology where spanners count for more than computers.
Monoshock machines also now catered for.
We allow some modifications to make it easier to get better tyres than the old canvas things they used back then.
Tuning the supension and engines to give more power and handle better than they were built to back in the day.
Being one of the cheapest forms of racing it is becoming more popular, especially when compared to the cost of racing a supersports or superbike, where the price of a weekends tyres for a superbike would cover about a 3rd of a seaons racing on and Earlystocker.
The racing on track is just as good but back in the paddock it is more social and everybody will help you if you have a problem.
If you've ever said to yourself "I'd love to have a go at racing" come on and give it a go or come along to some of the tracks and talk to us.
You'll be glad you did.
Like Classic Bikes ?
Want to race on a lower budget without having to purchase a full Race Frame & Tyre Warmers etc, then look no further.
Earlystocks is a Club run by Racers for Racers.
Championship Classes
Four Championship Classes for 2025
500cc Twin shock
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
