BEN Dale clinched two titles as the Darley Moor Motor Cycle Road Race Club’s 12-round season concluded.
The 37-year-old rider took the honours in the Darley Cup and the Golden SuperSport 600 series.
It is a little bit of history made for Dale, who raced a Honda 2004 CBR 600RR which is owned and repaired by his partner Ferne Martin’s stepfather Brian Crank at his Tyrewise business in Rudheath, Northwich.
“This is my first year as a double champion at Darley Moor,” said the bricklayer.
“In my first year, we won the pre-electronic 600 in 2021. Then became Formula 600 champions of 2022.
“I only completed two rounds in 2023 before we were involved in an accident. I decided to take a break and didn't return again until 2025.
“This year, we raced a Honda 2004 CBR 600RR. A new bike that qualifies for both the Darley Cup, a mixed category grid with 600cc bikes built before 2004 and supertwin machinery, as well as the new Golden Era SuperSport class.
“Darley Moor is a family-run race circuit with a warm atmosphere and one of the most cost-effective racing clubs that I've encountered.
“One of the smaller clubs in the UK, but with consistently good racing and a friendly attitude.”
He is grateful for his opportunities to race through the team effort.
“Brian owns and maintains the bikes on which I compete,” said Dale, who lives in Warrington.
“Neil Percival of Percys Autos in Northwich additionally helps with the maintenance.
“They also attended each race meeting in order to assist and support me and are my primary sponsors.”
Dale is now looking forward to what the next 12 months may bring.
“Plans for 2026 include continuing at Darley Moor with Brian/Tyrewise, and exploring additional circuits, and potential road racing,” he said.
Going into Saturday’s first Darley Cup race on the final weekend, Dale and Worksop’s Josh Froggatt were split by just six points in the championship.
Dale was quickest off the mark, with Froggatt just 0.2secs behind as they crossed the line for the first time, but by posting quicker times throughout Dale was able to stretch out a two-second lead over Froggatt at the flag.
The second race played out in a similar way, other than Dale having a one-second lead after the opening lap, but Froggatt continued to challenge him, not allowing the advantage to get too big.
Eventually Dale was 2.7secs ahead at the flag, leaving a 12-point gap at the head of the table ahead of Sunday’s clash.
But before that, there was more Saturday racing to come for Dale in the Golden SuperSport 600 class in which he had a 37-point lead over Hyde’s Liam Ashton with Wisbech’s Jonathan Trezins only a further three points adrift.
Dale won both races to seal the championship and leave him buoyed for his final two outings the next day.
Ultimately, the Darley Cup was decided with a battle at the head of the field and what a battle it was.
With Dale 12 points ahead, Froggatt needed to win and the opening lap of the first race saw the Great Sankey rider ahead of his rival by 0.4secs.
That was then down to 0.2secs after laps two and three, back to 0.4secs after lap four.
The penultimate lap saw it again down to 0.2secs and then on the final circuit it was 0.2secs, but with Froggatt out in front, and just pipping Dale to reduce the championship gap to nine points.
Froggatt recorded a start-to-finish victory in the second race, with an 8-seconds advantage over second place. Unfortunately for Froggatt, that second place was Dale’s and the points between the two positions were not enough to overturn the table.
2025 Championship Standings (after Round 12):
Darley Cup: 1 Ben Dale, 153pts; 2 Josh Froggatt, 147pts; 3 Jonathan Trezins, 94pts
Golden SuperSport 600: 1 Ben Dale, 175pts; 2 Jonathan Trezins, 123pts; 3 Liam Ashton, 114pts
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