SIDECAR GRASSTRACK: Big weekend for Cossar brothers

1,000cc sidecar grasstrack

Rugby’s Mark Cossar is set to gamble at this Sunday’s British Masters as he attempts to win the prestigious title for the fifth time.

Determined to make good starts at the small circuit near Chippenham in Wiltshire, Cossar is going to experiment with a new style of gearbox.

“Having to do almost everything from the back cost me the title last year,” he said. “And in the Masters it’s dog eat dog. Nobody is going to budge without a big fight first.”

One rider least likely to give the Rugby ace any room is the uncompromising twice Masters champion, Rod Winterburn. Both he and Cossar are unbeaten this year but yet to face each other, so the stage is set perfectly for a mouth-watering showdown.

No doubt reigning champion Colin Blackbourn will also be going all out to defend his title. And if one Winterburn wasn’t enough competition for Cossar, Gareth Winterburn (Rod’s son), who narrowly defeated him on the speedway shale at Brandon in June, will also be a very tough man to beat.

Tom Cossar (Mark’s younger brother) makes his Masters debut as a rider, and Rugby’s Gareth Williams is passenger to Birmingham’s Matt Fumarola.

First race on Sunday at the Hangar Farm circuit (SN14 6HG) is at 1pm.