NEWS
TRIAL NEWS ROUND-UP
TRRS XTRACK RR 2019
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It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Peter Gaunt. He was 82 years of age. Peter Gaunt was a renowned ‘specials builder’ as it was coined in the motorcycle press. However Peter, or ‘Top Gear’ as he was universally known in the trials community, was much more than that. He was responsible for creating his own trials machines out of motorcycles that were not even designed for the purpose and was capable of winning on his creations, a feat he achieved many times. Gaunt developed the James trials machine for the factory as well as creating the Gaunt Jawa, Gaunt Suzuki and Gaunt Ducati. The Otley-based Dalesman concern made use of his skills to further develop their Sachs engine trials model for the boss Pete Edmondson, and he converted Honda’s production XL250 Motorsport trail model into the ‘Allan Jefferies Honda’. Peter Gaunt also rode for Royal Enfield on their 250cc Crusader trials model. Gaunt suffered a stroke in December 2016 but had fought a brave battle against cancer to which he succumbed on Wednesday, 20th February. Our sincere condolences go to the Gaunt family at this difficult time. Thank you to John Moffat for these kind words.
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Based on the platform of the well-received Raga Racing, TRS launches at the end of March the new XtrackRR model which expands the concept of both trial and adventure with the best balance between performance, technical specifications and versatility. This 100% trial and adventure machine with a seat height of only 80cm is very easy to ride and with extra components to support its nature, it stands out for its improvements in the comfort of the seat and a new transparent tank. With an improved fuel tank capacity of 3.8 litres it has been designed in association with Acerbis to make sure it fits in with the style and nature of the new XtrackRR model. The new 2019 TRS X-Track RR will be available in four engine sizes: 125, 250, 280 and 300cc. Head along to the TRS advert on pages 24-25 in this magazine for all the contact details from the official UK importer Steve Saunders.
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Neil Crosswaite It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Neil Crosswaite. A legend in his own right, he had a brain haemorrhage that he was unfortunately unable to recover from and passed away on Friday the 1st February 2019 at 70 years of age. Born and bred in Bradford, he and his family resided at Bingley where he raised his two children, Tina and Martin, along with his loving wife Sue. As a motor trader and businessman Neil was very successful in life as well as being a very ‘handy’ trials rider in his day, competing in many Scottish Six Days and Scott Trials. He was also a very prominent member of the Yeadon & Guisley Motor Cycle Club. With a vision of motorcycle trials on the big stage he and the late Martin Lampkin formed Avondale Management to present the hugely successful Sheffield Indoor Trial 24 years ago.
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This event remains one of the most successful events, entertaining the public every January as the traditional opener to the trials season. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, his passion for trials riding would see him travel all over the world, where he would meet so many people who all had respect for his honest and open opinion. His son, Martin, followed his father into trials and achieved much success on the international scene, and Neil was immensely proud. He travelled along with his family on some very memorable and enjoyable trips; his world was his family. The funeral took place at Nab Wood Crematorium on Thursday 14 February where a packed house paid tribute to such a great man, one of life’s true characters. The traditional ‘wake’ was at the family owned Busfield Arms public house, where Neil was celebrated with so many stories of his life and times. Martin Crosswaite: “The Crosswaite family would like to thank everyone for all your messages of support; it really means the world to us as a family that my dad was held in such high regard by so many people.”
John Hulme, Trial Magazine: “Neil was such an inspiration when we started the magazine, with his enthusiasm for anything motorcycle trials. His constructive, honest criticism came from the heart and was always welcome, as were his new ideas. His handshake was his word, and I for one am going to miss his phone calls to find out was going on in the world of trials. All our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE