Friday Night Summer Series 2011

Started by local clubs and called the inter-club series, the name changed to the Friday Night Summer Series (FNSS) to make people realise that anyone could enter. The simple format of different clubs organising a round each at venue still holds to this date and 2011 will see 15 rounds taking place at many varied venues around the East Midlands from country parks to airfields and motor racing circuits. The series has always had at least 6 rounds - even through the Foot and Mouth year and has kept to its roots of a multi-lap 1 hour race on a Friday evening, making it accessible for both new and experienced riders. 

Dominated in the early years by Cyclo-cross riders Carl Buckle and Dean Barnett, who like many started competing in mountain bike races in the summertime with the arrival of MTB's from the United States. 20 years of racing history has seen riders dip their toe in the water as youngsters from the beginning and progress onto onto Elite and Expert status. In recent years, the battle for the series trophy has been between Ryan Henry and Matt Barrett and 150+ riders now regularly make their weekly pilgrimage up and down the M1 to start their weekends with some after hours racing.

 

Entry on the day is always available for those who aren't organised enough to pre-enter online. More details on the series can be found here.

Carl Buckle and Dean Barnett leading the race in the 'good old days'.

David Baker at the inaugural prize presentation in 1992, held at British Cycling's former HQ in Kettering!

 

Teflon paintjob, lycra helmet covers, drop bars and Cy (Cotic) Turner mixing it up in a junior race back in the 90's.