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| Queensland |
| [Darren Groves][Todd Groves][Christian Henry] [Clinton Leitch][Trent Leverington][Scott Smith][Sam Taylor] |
Darren Groves is a born and bred Gold
Coaster (Queensland) who started racing motorbikes at the tender age of 5. Using the local
'Mike Hatcher Park' Dirt track as his training ground and gaining a room full of trophies,
Darren progressed to the Speedway track when he turned 16 in '96. This tall Queenslander
has a terrific trait as a careful and calculated rider, however, when needed, can mix it
with the best without hesitation.
Darren is very keen to further his Speedway career and has riden most Tracks
between Gosford in NSW, to Ayr in far north Qld in pursuit of as many rides as possible.
He is also in the envious position of gaining a British passport due to his English
father, which has allowed him to ride in the UK without the need for work
permits. And that is exactly what the 20 year old has done. Kings Lynn snapped up
Darren and gave him a golden opportunity to show his wares. During the first half of the
1999 European season, 'Gudday' as he has been nicknamed, had raced in the Elite, Premier,
Conference and Youth Development Leagues, all with glowing reports on his capabilities.
And then slotted into a permanert spot for Workington in the Premier League.
Jason Crump plays a big part in Darren's Speedway racing career, helping with
technique and bike set-up. In fact the GM bike he rides was purchased from Jason mid way
through '98. Also Mike Hatcher Park Club President Bob Cowley has been an immense help
thoughout his racing days.
Since Darren has been on the new 'laydown'machine, a marked improvement has
resulted where he has riden twice in the Queensland State team, and rode to an equal 8th
place in his first Australian U/21 Championships.
This quiet unassuming 'young gun' will continue to improve at a steady and
deliberate rate, especially with the experience gained Overseas. Racing career has been
put on hold for a time while a neck injury heals. Should be back on the bike in
march/april of 2001.
Web site can be found at www.darrengroves.com
Sponsors
Phil and Jason Crump
Gold Coast M/C Wreckers.
Date Track Results Comments
08/08/98
Labrador Qld.
2,0,3,3,2=10
5th in Qld U/21 Champs.
19/09/98 Labrador Qld
0,1',2',0=3+2
Part of winning Qld team......V NSW
26/09/98 Rockhampton Qld.
1,0,1.0=2
4th in Cons. Final.
17/10/98 Labrador Qld.
2,2,3,2,3=12
dnf. mech. 'A' final
14/11/98 Labrador Qld.
0,0,2,0,dns=2
shocking night with bike problems.
05/12/98 Labrador Qld.
2,1,ex.t
,0=3
First ride a good 2nd to Jason Crump, race 2 in the lead for 2 laps then overtaken by Troy
Butler, then tape exclusion in 3rd ride.
28/12/98 Labrador
1,0,2,1=4
Track very rough. A good 2nd to Nigel Sadler in 3rd ride.
03/01/99 Labrador
0,1,1,1,2=6
Aust U/21 Champs. Got better as night went on.
05/01/99 Labrador
2,3,1,2,3,2=13 Gold Coast
Pairs Cup. 2 very good heat wins.
30/01/99 Northgate Qld.
2,2,1=5
Beat Dave Watt in run-off for final. 3rd in 'A' final
6/2/99 Labrador
2,3,3,3,2=13
2nd in Final to Jason Crump.
30/03/99 Kings Lynn UK
Was match reserve in Conference
League challenge. Fell while in front in first ride and 4th in second.
27/04/99 Kings Lynn UK
3,1,3,1,2'=10+1
First Conference League match for
KL 'Braves'. 29/04/99 K.L. UK
0,0,0,=0
First Elite League ride for Kings Lynn. Versus Eastbourne
10/05/99 K.L.
6 from 4 rides
Conference League KL 'Braves'
13/05/99 K.L.
0,1,0=1
Elite League KL V Poole
15/05/99 K.L.
0,0,0,0=0
Elite League K.L. V Oxford
16/05/99 Poole
0,0,1=1
Elite League Poole V K.L.
23/05/99 Berwick
3+1 from 4 rides First Premier League ride for
Berwick.
29/05/99 Belle Vue
2,2,3=7
'Youth Development League' for KL 'Jousters'
30/05/99 Workington
2,1',2',0=5+2
Has signed to the 'Comets'. Excellent debut.
31/05/99 Newport
ef,0,3,0=3
Guest for Berwick
05/06/99 Workington
2 points
Versus Newcastle.
09/06/99 Wolverhampton.
3,2,2'=7+2
'Y.D.L' for Kings Lynn 'Jousters'
13/06/99 Workington
0 from 3 rides.
Versus Exeter
04/07/99 Workington
1,3,1',3,0=9+1
Versus Sheffield.
05/07/99 Buxton
1',2,3,3,3,3,3=18+1 Conf. League for Kings Lynn
'Braves'
09/07/99 Sheffield
1',1,0,0,0=2+1
For Workington.
11/07/99 Workington
2 from 3 rides
Versus Newport.
lost records until..........
03/08/99 Workington
1',1,1,1',T,2=6+2
Versus Berwick
08/08/99 Arena-Essex
0,0,1,3=4
For Workington.
29/08/99 Stoke
1',0,1',1=3+2
For Workington.
02/09/99 Workington
0,1,2',2'=5+2
versus Glasgow
05/09/99 Newport
0,1,0,1=2
For Workington.
06/09/99 Workington
R,0,1'=1+1
versus Arena-Essex. Blew engine at start line.
07/09/99 Reading
2',0,0=2+1
For Workington.
12/09/99 Newcastle
7+1 (7 rides) for Workington
Oct/99 Sheffield
2 points (3 rides) For Workington.
Oct/99 Workington
2 (5 rides) Cumberland Open Championship.
Oct/99 Workington
2 (4 rides) For 'Rest of the world
select'
Oct/99 Workington
8+2 (5 rides) Versus Sheffield.
17/12/99 Labrador Qld.
0,1,1,0=2. Tough start back in Oz. New bike needs sorting out.
15/01/00 Redcliffe Qld.
6th,7th
Late call to ride last two races in
Ivan Mauger Intern. Longtrack.
29/01/00 Labrador
3,2,2,3=10 Made the semi-final of
the Qld Champs. Very unlucky with 3rd placing then 3rd in Consol.
19/03/00 Workington UK
3,0,1,0=4
challenge versus Newcastle
20/03/00 Belle Vue UK
0,2,1',3,1=7+1
challenge for Workington
26/03/00 Workington
6points from 4 rides. challenge versus Belle Vue
27/03/00 Newcastle
fell,0,0,1'=1+1 Derwent /Tyne Trophy, for
Workington.
02/04/00 Workington
3,1,0,1,1,1=7 versus
Glasgow
03/04/00 Glasgow
2',1',1',0=4+3
for Workington
07/04/00 Sheffield
injured. Out for possibly the season
Todd Groves
desperately wants to race in Europe. He wants time on the bike and views Europe as his
answer.
Todd Groves appears to have been born to ride Speedway. Starting at the ripe old
age of four, Todd competed in Dirt Track races, mainly at his home track at Mike Hatcher
Park Labrador. With some very creditable placings in State and National Dirt Track titles
in various classes ranging from 50cc to 80cc then 125cc, Todd couldn't be happier
the day he turned 16 and nominated to ride in his first Senior 500cc Solo Speedway race at
'Mike Hatcher Park' Labrador.
Since Todd has entered the Senior ranks, his Father Terry has taken him up and down
the Queensland coast in persuit of any Speedway track running the Bikes, and is gaining
plenty of valuable experience on his new Laydown GM. As well as time on the bike, he is
also taking tips from Troy and Clinton Butler on riding technique.
However, a couple of years on into his Senior ranking, Todd's racing time is now
severely restricted as Tracks in his area are operating infrequently, frustrating his
chances of gaining vital experience. He firmly believes the answers are overseas. If
enthusiasm counts for anything, he must be given that chance.
Date Track Results Comments.
14/11/98
Labrador Qld. 2,0,0,1,2=5
Managed a good second to Troy Butler.
5/12/98 Labrador
1,0,0,0=1
Good rides early in races then bike problems. 28/12/98
Labrador
3,2,1,0=6
3rd in Consol. final of 'New Years Cup'
5/1/99
Labrador Qld. 0,0,2,0,1=3
Gold Coast Best Pairs.
Found track difficult. Showed some good riding. Is benefiting from the experience.
30/01/99 Northgate Qld.
0,0,1,excl.
Tried hard
each race
06/02/99 Labrador
2,3,2,3,3=13
3rd
in Final
20/02/99 Northgate Qld.
22/05/99 Northgate Qld
03/07/99 Labrador Qld.
1,0,2,2,1=6
3rd in Cons. Final.
17/07/99 Northgate Qld
f,0,1,2=3
2nd in Final.
07/08/99 Labrador Qld.
0,0,1,2=3
Very good second placing in
heats. Could springboard from here.
05/09/99 Northgate Qld.
2,f,1,0,1=4
Fell
in Consolation Final
11/09/99 Labrador
1,0,0,1,0,1=3
Teams
match. Rode with more confidence.
16/10/99 Labrador.
2,3,1,2,3=11
30/10/99
Gatton Qld.
3,3,f=6 Rode superbly to reach 'A'
Final. Ran 4th.
13/11/99 Labrador
1,2,2,2=7
2nd in 'A' Final
20/11/99 Maryborough
0,0,0,1=1
Great experience gained in this Ivan Mauger Golden Helmet
meeting.
27/11/99 Gatton
6 points 3rd in 'B' final.
12/12/99 Northgate
Machinery problems
22/01/00 Gatton
29/01/00 Labrador
2,0,1,0=3 First ride in a the Qld Solo
Championship.
19/02/00 Tamworth NSW
0,0,1,dsn,1=2 Aust. U/21 Champs.
11/03/00 Labrador
3,2,2,2=9 4th in 'A'
Final
12/03/00 Northgate Qld.
3,1,2,0,0,2=8
01/04/00 Labrador
0,1,1,2,ef=4
15/04/00 Gatton
2,2,2=6
3rd in 'A' Final
29/04/00 Labrador
2,1,0,1,1=5
3rd in 'A' Final
28/05/00 Northgate
1,1,2,1,=4
03/06/00 Labrador
2,2,1,1=6
4th in 'A' Final
17/06/00 Yandina
2,3,1,2,2=10 3rd in 'A'
Final
16/07/00 Northgate
2,3,3,2=10
3rd in 'A' Final
05/08/00 Labrador
3,3,1,2=9
3rd in 'A' Final
02/09/00 Labrador
1,3,2,1=7
4th in 'A' Final
30/09/00 Gatton
3,3,3=9
3rd in 'A' Final
07/10/00 Labrador
2,2,2,3=9
2nd in 'A' final
21/10/00
Maryborough 0,0,1,0=1
round 1 of Golden Helmet series
28/10/00 Rockhampton
0,0,1,0=1
round 2 of Golden Helmet series
04/11/00 Labrador
-,0,1,0=1
round 3 of Golden Helmet series
11/11/00
Grafton
0,1,0,0=1
round 4 of Golden Helmet series
12/11/00
Northgate
3 points
3rd in Final
18/11/00
Gatton
5 points
2nd in 'B' Final
02/12/00
Labrador
1,1,3,1,2=8
9th in Qld Solo champs
16/12/00
Labrador
0,0,0,0=0
round 6 of Golden Helmet series.
03/02/01 Labrador
0,1,0,0,0,0=1
Kangaroos
versus Young Lions.
17/02/01 Gillman
SA
2,0,0,0,1=3 points
Australian U/21 championship.
24/02/01 Gosford
NSW
0,0,1,0=1
Interstate Challenge
24/03/01
Rockhampton
2,3,3,3,3=14
Teams match.
07/04/01
Gold Coast
3,2,2,3,2=12
2nd
to Alan Rivett in Final
Christian Henry is fullfilling his dream
of competing overseas where he is a full time member of the Edinburgh 'Monarch's Premier
League team. This 19 year old 'Young Gun' from Queensland's Gold Coast has so much
potential, as the UK speedway supporters are now realising.
Christian started racing motorbikes competitively on an 80cc machine when 12 years
old at the local 'Mike Hatcher Park' dirt track and worked his way through the ranks,
until the Club hosted the Australian Junior Dirt Track titles in 1996. In the 125cc class
by then, Christian rode in his very first National Championship, charging to an
unbelievable third placing. With the nearby Speedway track having recently been
refurbished, the then 16 y/o decided to give the 500cc 'Sliders' a go. He purchased an ex
Jason Crump Laydown Jawa/Antig and immediately began to impress. Just seven races into his
Speedway career, Christian found himself figuring in an 'A' Grade Final at Lismore
Speedway in NSW finishing third. He since, has travelled up and down the Queensland coast
contesting as many meetings as possible and is looking more and more comfortable on the
Machine. An 8th placing in the '98 Qld. U/21 Championships after just one year's
experience is testament to his ability.
With an invitation to ride Ivan Mauger's International Longtrack Series, Christian
found he enjoyed the experience with some good performances in the '98 Series as well as
contesting some rounds on a Harley Davidson Flat tracker in the 'H/D Tri-Nation Challenge'
Class winning the Tamworth and Dubbo Rounds.
Christian at his favoured track,
Labrador
However it's on a Speedway Bike that is Christian's obsession, and he's currently
thoroughly enjoying the European experience. The prognosis is simple.......this young gun
has Potential with a capital 'P'.
Thanks to......
Ivan Mauger for advice on skills
and preparation, Jason Crump with riding technique,
Father Steve for support and
maintainence.
Date
Track
Results
Comments
08/08/98
Labrador Qld. 0,2,0,3,3=8
8th place Qld U/21 Championships.
05/12/98
Labrador
0,2,0,3=5 8th Gold Coast
Xmas cup.
06/03/99
Labrador
2,2,2......=6
Meeting shortened..time curfew.
03/07/99
Labrador
2,3,3,fell=8
2nd
in 6 lap 'A' Grade final.
07/08/99
Labrador
3,ex,2,2=7
Won semi final then fell in 'A' Grade Final
05/09/99
Northgate
0,f,2,f=2
Engine problems early.
11/09/99
Labrador
2,3,3,2,1,3=14 Very good. Teamed with Dave Watt to
win Event.
16/10/99
Labrador
3,2,2,1,0=8
Gold Coast Indy Cup. very good heat win.
30/10/99
Gatton Qld
3,3,3=9
Brilliant heat rides, then 2nd in 'A' Final.
13/11/99
Labrador
3,2,1,f=6
engine failure while leading Semi Final.
20/11/99
Maryborough 0,1,0,0=1
Great experience in this Ivan Mauger Golden Helmet
meeting.
27/11/99
Gosford.
1 point round 2 Golden Helmet.
12/12/99
Northgate
Hard fought Second placing in the 'A' Final to Dave Watt.
17/12/99
Labrador
1,0,2,1=4 Best result to date for Golden Helmet (round 6) Two
excellent rides in heats.
08/01/00
Tamworth
8th,4th,5th,6th Ivan Mauger International Longtrack.
15/01/00
Redcliffe Qld. 4th,5th,4th,6th Ivan
Mauger Inter Longtrack. Made final, running 4th-5th then flat tyre.
22/01/00
Gatton
3,3,3,3=12 2nd in 'A' Final.
19/02/00 Tamworth
NSW 2,3,2,3,fell=10 Aust. U/21 Champs.
25/03/00
Edinburgh UK fell in first
race. took no further part
27/03/00
Glasgow UK
3,ef,0,1,fell=4 challenge for Edinburgh.
31/03/00
Sheffield
0 from 5 rides. for Edinburgh. Machinery problems.
01/04/00
Edinburgh
0,1,1,0=2 versus Sheffield
15/04/00
Edinburgh
1',0,2,0=3+1 versus Czech Rep.
16/04/00
Berwick
1 from 3 rides. for Edinburgh. Machin problems.
22/04/00
Edinburgh
fex,0,1,0,1,1'=3+1 versus
Workington
29/04/00
Edinburgh
3,3,1',0,ef=7+1 versus Berwick
01/05/00
Glasgow
3,1,ef,2,ef,1,0=7+1 for Edinburgh
02/05/00
Workington
1,1,0,0=2
for Edinburgh
06/05/00
Edinburgh
ef,ef,0,1,1=2 versus
Glasgow
08/05/00
Newcastle
2,0,0,0,2=4
for
Edinburgh
13/05/00
Edinburgh
3,0,1,2,0=6
versus Newcastle.
15/05/00
Sheffield
3,1',3,3=10+1
Conference League for 'Lightning'.
18/05/00
Hull
2,1',1,0=4+1
for
Edinburgh
19/05/00
Sheffield
1,0,0=1
for Edinburgh
20/05/00
Edinburgh
2,0,1,0,1'=4+1
versus Sheffield
22/05/00
Glasgow
0,3,3=6 Conf. League
for 'Lightning'.
23/05/00
St. Austell
2,3,2=7 Conf. League for
'Lightning'
03/06/00
Edinburgh
1,1,2,0=4
versus Reading
05/06/00
Glasgow
0,0,0=0
for Edinburgh
10/06/00
Arena-Essex 1,1',1',0=3+2
for Edinburgh
11/06/00
Edinburgh
2',1,1',0=4+2 versus
Arena-Essex
16/06/00
Edinburgh
2',ef,1'=3+2
versus Workington
18/06/00
Berwick
3,0,0=3
for Edinburgh
25/06/00
Workington
fell,1,R=1 injured for Edinburgh
26/06/00
Newcastle
1,0,1,0=2
for Edinburgh
30/06/00
Edinburgh
2',1',1'=4+3
versus Newcastle
03/07/00
Newport
0,fex,1=1
for Edinburgh
08/07/00
Edinburgh
2',1',0,1=4+2 versus
Sheffield
14/07/00
Edinburgh
2',1',2',1'=6+4
versus
Workington
16/07/00
Workington
2',1',0=3+2
for Edinburgh
18/07/00
Glasgow
3,2,3,3,3,3=17
CL for Ashfield 'Giants'.
29/07/00
Edinburgh
3,1,1,1=6
versus Glasgow
01/08/00
Exeter
0,0,1=1
for Edinburgh
02/08/00
Isle of Wight 1',0,1=2+1
for Edinburgh
03/08/00
Glasgow
2,3,2,2,3,1,2=15 CL for Ashfield 'Giants'
04/08/00
Swindon
0,0,0=0
for Edinburgh
05/08/00
Edinburgh
2',0,1,0=3+1
versus Hull.
12/08/00
Edinburgh
3 from 3
V Hull
19/08/00
Edinburgh
3,1,0,1=5
V Isle of Wight
22/08/00
Ashfield
3,2,3,3,3=14
CL
for 'Giants'
26/08/00
Edinburgh
0,0,f=0
V Swindon
29/08/00
Stoke
2,2,2',0=6+1
for Edinburgh
09/09/00
Edinburgh
2,1',1',1,2=7+2
V Berwick
11/09/00am
Glasgow
3,3,3,2,2=13
for Ashfield 'Giants'
11/09/00pm
Glasgow
2,2,2=6
for Ashfield 'Giants'
16/09/00
Edinburgh
0,1',2,fex=3+1
V Stoke
23/09/00
Edinburgh
3,2',1,f=6+1
V Exeter
25/09/00
Glasgow
2,2=4
for Edinburgh ... rain shortened match
29/09/00
Sheffield
2,1,2,2'=7+1
for Edinburgh
30/09/00
Edinburgh
ef,0,1'=1+1
V Glasgow
02/10/00
Glasgow
2',f,0,0=2+1
for Edinburgh
06/10/00
Swindon
2+2 from 3 rides
for Edinburgh
07/10/00
Edinburgh
2,0,0,0,1'=3+1
V Swindon
18/11/00
Gatton
8 points
2nd in 'A' Final
2/12/00
Labrador
2,3,2,3,3=13
3rd in Qld Solo champs.
9/12/00
Archerfield
1,1,0,0=2
round 5 of Golden Helmet series.
16/12/00
Labrador
1,3,0,2=6
2nd in semi's and 3rd in Final round 6 of Golden Helmet series
03/02/01
Murray Bridge SA f,0,0,1,0=1
Debut Australian Solo Championships.
17/02/01
Gillman SA
3,3,1,2,1=10 points
5th in Australian U/21 championship.
19/03/01
Glasgow UK
2,F,0,1=3
For Edinburgh (Premier)
24/03/01
Edinburgh
1,0,3,0,0,0=4
versus Glasgow
01/04/01
Edinburgh
2',2',0,2',2'=8+4
versus Stoke
02/04/01
Stoke
3,1,2,0,0,2'=8+1
for Edinburgh
07/04/01
Edinburgh
1',1,1,2=5+1
versus Workington
08/04/01
Berwick
1,0,0,3,0=4
for
Edinburgh
Trent Leverington is a
relative newcomer to Motorcycle riding having first ridden at 14. The two wheeled
pass-time of riding the trails around Queensland's Gold Coast led to a 2 year stint racing
Motorcross. However a chance 'try-out' on a Speedway Bike around the time he turned 18,
produced an instant appreciation of the sport. Trent was hooked! He followed up that
'Solo Sample' with a bike of his own, a Godden 'upright', which he now has replaced with a
Jawa 'Laydown'.
Watching Trent progress from those early 'wobbler' days, it became apparent that
this Motorcycle Mechanic and Plant Operator has great potential, and has transformed into
a very stylish rider. He himself admits to feeling more and more comfortable on the bike
and as each meeting passes, the confidence is overflowing.
While race meetings in South East Queensland have been few and far apart, the
keeness of this young gun takes him to every available meeting, AND any practice
sessions in between.
Without a doubt, the signs are there. Trent Leverington has found a sport he
relishes, and it's beginning to show. His results will be fascinating to track.
Sponsors.....
Neil's Garden Care Bob Leverington Excavations
Gold Coast Yamaha
Date
Track
Results
Comments
11/03/00
Labrador
2,1,f,2,1=6
A turn-around meeting. Looked very good on the bike.
12/03/00 Northgate
2,0,1,2,1=6
25/03/00 Gatton
01/04/00 Labrador
2,0,1,f,1=4
15/04/00 Gatton
2,3,3=8
Won 'A' Final Very good win over Clinton Butler.
29/04/00 Labrador
dnr,fex,1,fell,2=3
2nd in 'A' Final
28/05/00 Northgate
2,3,1,2=8
02/06/00 Labrador
3,1,3,3=10
3rd in 'A' Final
17/06/00 Yandina
2,fell,-,-=2
retired from meeting after fall.
16/07/00 Northgate
3,3,1,3=10
2nd in 'A' Final
05/08/00 Labrador
1,3,3,2=9
02/09/00 Labrador
2,1,3,2=8
3rd in 'A' Final....Overall winner of 4 round 'Winter Series'
30/09/00 Gatton
2,2,2=6
2nd in 'A' Final
07/10/00 Labrador
ex,3,3,3=9
Won 'A' Final
21/10/00 Maryborough
1,0,1,3=5
round 1 of Golden Helmet series
28/10/00
Rockhampton 4 points from 4 rides
round
2 of Golden Helmet series
04/11/00
Labrador
0,1,2,0=3
4th in semi and 3rd in Consol. final of round
3 of Golden Helmet series
11/11/00
Grafton NSW
0,0,2,0=2
round 4 of Golden Helmet series
12/11/00
Northgate
6 points
4th in Final with ef.
18/11/00
Gatton
6 points
1st 'B' Final
2/12/00
Labrador
3,1,0,2,3=9
eq 7th in Qld Solo champs.
16/12/00
Labrador
2,2,0,0=4
round 6 of Golden Helmet series.
06/01/01
Tamworth NSW 5th,dnf,5th
Australian Longtrack Grand Prix
13/01/01
Bankstown NSW
Australian Longtrack Masters 1
20/01/01
Redcliffe Qld
5th,5th
Australian Longtrack Masters 2
03/02/01
Labrador
2,0,1,0,1,1,0,2=7
Kangaroos versus Young Lions.
17/02/01
Gillman SA
1,ef,1,1,0=3 points
Australian U/21 championships.
24/02/01
Gosford NSW
1,0,1,0=2
4th in Final of Interstate challenge
07/04/01
Gillman SA
1,1,0,0,2=4
Interstate
Solo Chhallenge.
Profile soon.