It is good to see that the Covid-19 restrictions are certainly not deterring the long-established Westmorland Motor club.

They have already successfully organised two trials - under strict Government guidelines, of course - and last weekend they held their annual Nostalgia Scramble at the Kendal County Showground near Crooklands.

Race-starved competitors ensured there were full grids in all classes, and this produced some spectacular racing, but sadly due to coronavirus restrictions only a few spectators could be there to witness it.

Veteran Pete Mathia from Cheshire, now in his mid-60s, again proved that age is just a number in how he performed on the Showground.

Many older readers will recall Pete was always one of the front-runners at the now defunct Whinfield Farm track at Lindal.

The veteran finished runner-up in the pre-1978 Unlimited races.

Unfortunately Furness riders did not share his success.

Barrow’s Martin Reid had a lucky escape in the first 250cc Twin Shock event, when another rider ran into him.

This sent him careering into the safety fencing. After being checked out by the medical team he was thankfully cleared to race again.

Sadly, his usually reliable Yamaha went on to hit mechanical trouble, ending his day’s sport.

His travelling companion and racing rival, Mike Walker, whose road racing exploits are well-documented, fared no better.

After qualifying well on his 250cc DOT, and gaining a good position in his first race, he missed the second one when the noise from passing machines drowned out the PA system which was calling him up for his next event.

The fast layout of the track took its toll on Ireleth’s Paul Burney’s machine, meanwhile. This had the effect of relegating him to the position of a frustrated spectator.

Dalton’s Craig Preston fareD little better with his 125 Suzuki in the Air Cooled Twin Shock class.

Craig regularly competes in Classic/Nostalgia events in the Welsh Championships.

He too befell the same fate as Martin Reid, when he was hit by another competitor which brought him down.

Undaunted, he soon dusted himself down and raced again later in the day.

Elsewhere, it was also nice to see club stalwart Steve Dent, who does so much work for the club, get a result.

He won the Pre-1968 class.

*The "Morecambe Missile", 23-times TT winner John McGuinness made a welcome return to short circuit racing during the British Superbike meeting at Donington last weekend.

He didn't contest the Superbike events but eased himself back into the hectic world of short circuit racing in the Tri Options Cup series.

Pleased with his 5th and 7th placings on the Lund group Ducati after a 10 year lay off from short circuit racing he`s now looking forward to the next round at Snetterton on 21st to 23rd August after they have carried out a few adjustments to the Ducati.

Always up for a challenge he`s swapping two wheels for four next month when he competes in a Citroen C4 in a one off drive at a round of the British Rally Cross Championships on the Knockhill circuit in Scotland on Sept 26th and 27th

*With many rallies up and down the country being cancelled due to covid restrictions, Furness rally enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the Yorkshire branch of the Motorcycle Action Group have finally been given the green light to hold the Yorkshire Pudding Rally at Escrick Park near York on Aug 28th to 30th. They've been working tirelessly for weeks with all the local authorities to meet the requirements and have urged all rally goers to strictly abide with the restrictions laid down.

They are quick to point out that the event will be closely scrutinised for non compliance issues which could jeopardise other planned events. If you do intend going along get in touch now, as no pre booked tickets will be available on the gate. Pre booked entries close on Sunday 23rd Aug.

Contact the organisers on 0800 988 3199 or via www.magicactiononline.co.uk

*Great to see former TT star now TV personality Guy Martin back on a racing machine again. Guy made a low profile appearance at the Barry Sheene Memorial meeting on the Olivers Mount circuit at Scarborough last weekend with his own 750cc Triumph.

Despite a long lay off he`s lost none of his racing skills. He brought the Triumph home first, in both his races in the combined 500/750 Classic events. Despite this, he`s no plans to return to full time racing. ITV4 are screening the full meeting this Tuesday Aug 25th and Weds Aug 26th starting at 9-0pm both nights.

The meeting was marred by the sudden death of a classic racing pal of mine Jeff Ward from Sandbach. Having finished his race he collapsed in the paddock and despite the efforts of the paramedics he died following a suspected heart attack.