LAST year, Dalton rider Greg Fisher won the Clubmans Class of the prestigious Bridgestone Masters National Moto-cross Championships which were held on most of the major Moto X tracks in the UK.

Despite a couple of years' lay-off from the sport, he proved to his rivals he had lost non of his old skills.

Last weekend, on the Culham track just south of Oxford, contesting the first round of the six round 2019 series, Greg and his trusty Kawasaki showed the rest of the field they had firmly set their sights on retaining the title this year too.

With some hard riding, he gained well-earned rostrum finishes in every race he contested against some of the country`s top riders, grabbing two second and two first places. The resulting tally of points now give him a six point lead going to the next round which is being held in the Oxfordshire area too on the Wroxton track near Banbury next month.

Great stuff, Greg – keep those results coming in!

Barrow's DeeJay Walker contested the MX2 event on his new Yamaha. Unfortunately, the deep-rutted track did not really suite the Barrow racer's riding style and although he finished in all his races he did not achieve the results he is capable of.

Furness Schoolboy riders Jamie Keith and Finley Pickering kept the area's flag flying in the Junior 65cc races. Jamie grabbed a top-10 placing, finishing a creditable ninth from a field of 40 riders, with Finley just out the of the top half in 21st place – still a good result from an event of that calibre.

Further north, Askam's Gavin Southward was putting his machine to good use at the Newton-le-Willows meeting on the Haverigg track. Having gained second and third places in all his three races, he came away with third place overall in the Vets class

Entries are now available for the first round of the Cumbria MX clubs 2019 Championships on the Haverigg track on Friday April 19 and Saturday April 20. The club have again done a superb job grading and preparing the track in readiness for this first round.

All the usual classes are catered for. Contact Lianne on 07522 964 565 to secure your place.

Further afield, entries are being taken for the Acerbis Series, recognised as one of the major British championships. Registered riders can now submit their entries for round two on May 5 and 6 at the Hawkstone Park track in Shropshire by contacting Darren Hudson and his team on 07887407590 after 6pm.

Information for non-registered riders will be announced nearer the time.

* MOTORCYCLE racing on the 1.5-mile Aintree circuit, which is situated inside the Grand National course, has been placed under threat.

The motorcycle circuit has been in use for over 60 years with many famous names having raced there.

Following a serious incident at the last meeting in September, the authorities have insisted that even more stringent safety measures are put into place.

The prohibitive cost to the club of these measures have left the club with a huge financial dilemma as they do not actually own the circuit.

They issued a statement earlier this week that the planned test day on May 1 and the meetings planned for May 11 and June 15 have been cancelled. A statement regarding the remaining three events planned will be made in due course.

I do hope a solution can be found and racing can continue there.

* TT icon John Mc Guinness is bringing his chat show to Lancaster next Wednesday.

John and racer-turned-commentator Jamie Whitham have been touring the UK with the show since the end of last year, getting rave reviews wherever they've been.

Jamie certainly has a way of coaxing out those never-been-heard-before stories from anyone he interviews. John doesn't pull any punches and gives fans a true insight into all the behind the scenes dramas.

Admisson is £30, which includes a photo of you with John, or £25 to just attend the show £25. Doors open at 6.15pm and the show starts 7.30pm.

For details, call 01524 64695.

* LOOKING to have to ride out to now Summer is nearly here?

This Sunday, the West Cumbria Branch of MAG hold their annual Easter Egg Run, starting from the Hot Tram Roll motorcycle park in Keswick at Noon (book in 11.30am). Take along some Easter eggs which will be donated to AGE UK, Dr Barnados, Footsteps and Underprivileged Kids.

The route takes in Cockermouth, Maryport, and Tesco Workington, finishing at Age UK in Whitehaven around 2.30pm. Full details from Anne on 07766 165597.

The Furness Branch of MAG are holding their monthly meeting at Dalton United Football Club next Tuesday, April 16, at 7.30pm. New members are always welcome.

This Monday is the start of the Preston Patrick Bike nights near Crooklands, just off junction 36 of the M6, from 5pm .

* I'VE had some interesting statistics sent to me from the Great North Air Ambulance group, a charity which is close to my heart.

They had 1,173 call outs last year including 197 to car accidents and only 86 to motorcycles. Certainly food for thought.