13/04/2026
Grimshaw On Top At Wakes!
On Sunday April 12th, the Halstead DMCC hosted round One of the 2026 ACU Eastern
Centre MX championship at Wakes Colne. This season marks the 100th year anniversary of
the Halstead club which is a testament to the hard work of all officials and helpers involved.
With support from long term sponsors Stebbings Car Superstore and new sponsors
Rackhams Auto Body Centre, the season kicked into life in Essex under warm and sunny
conditions.
A stacked expert line up consisting of former champions, fast wildcards and some exciting
young British talent would provide great entertainment, as well as the junior championship
class and two support classes giving spectators a mouth watering 12 race schedule to start
the season off.
In the first Expert race, reigning champion Sam Nunn grabbed the holeshot ahead of Tom
Grimshaw (Apico Honda) and Travis Steels (Talk access Yamaha). By the end of the first lap
Grimshaw had made his way into first place with a nice pass on Nunn and by lap 5 Steels
also made his way past and into second. Luke Benstead would take a heavy fall and
unfortunately not take part in any more racing for the day. Grimshaw however was dominant
and cruised across the line ahead of Nunn in second and Josh Spinks in third. Steels would
drop down to fourth due to a yellow flag penalty and Bayliss Utting in fifth.
Race two of the Expert class would see Travis Steels quick out of the gate but couldn't stop
the inevitable pass which Grimshaw soon put on him to take the lead. Spinks also made his
way past Steels and into second as Shaun Southgate was battling hard in the top five
alongside fellow Honda rider Max Broadbelt. Grimshaw controlled the race and would take
the victory ahead of Spinks in second and Broadbelt in third. Steels finished in fourth and
Utting was again across the line in fifth.
In the final Expert race it was Max Broadbelt that was the next rider to try and take it to
Grimshaw from the start and looked to be showing good early pace. Grimshaw was
positioned just behind the race leader with Utting, Southgate and Spinks all close by early
on. After a close battle Grimshaw powered his way past Broadbelt to lead the race and
storm to a perfect clean sweep in the Expert class in fine style. Broadbelt was left to settle
for second place ahead of Bayliss Utting in third and Josh Spinks in fourth. Jake Rackham
finished in his best result of the day in fifth.
Grimshaw would take the Expert overall honours with 75 points, in second was Josh Spinks
with 60 points and in third was Bayliss Utting with 52 points.
In the junior championship it was Craig Down who impressively won all three moto victories
and would take the overall with 75 points, ahead of Jacob Roper in second with 62 points. In
third was Tyrone Tugwell with 56 points.
In the Support B class it was Edward Pegram on the top step with a 1-1-2 ahead of Kevin
Palmer in second with a 7-2-1 finish. In third was Zak Beards with a 5-6-4.
In the Support C class it was Shaun Tacey who took the honours with a 3-2-2 ahead of
Finlay Whitlam in second with a 6-4-1. In third was Alfie Hunt with a 4-6-3.
Full results available on speedhive.
Race report by Stefan Hicks
Images courtesy of Narna Medi
