Three Brits labelled 'too old and too slow'.

On June 21, Britain's Auto Cycle Union's (ACU) Road Racing Committee announced details of the wild-card riders selected for the upcoming British Grand Prix at Donington Park.

"The riders were asked to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Team Profile, which include details on lap times for Donington Park and other circuits plus technical details of their machines," explained an ACU statement announcing their decision. "This information was requested to allow informed decisions on the combined competitiveness of both the rider and the machine.

"Whilst the ACU and we feel everybody else with an interest in British road racing wishes to see British riders competing at Grand Prix level, this is not always a realistic aspiration.

"The Road Racing Committee received applications from 3 riders in there 30s for the 250cc class. After careful consideration and lengthy deliberation it was decided that none of the 3 applicants would be of a high enough competitive standard for a wild-card entry.

"This decision also took into consideration information submitted in connection with the 2003 and 2004 Grands Prix and the results of these races.

"Seven applications were received for the 125GP class from riders aged between 17 and 24-years of age. The Road Race Committee has granted 3 of the ACU wild card entries and is currently seeking dispensation from DORNA and the FIM for special permission for the remaining (125) competitors to be admitted to the Grand Prix," the statement concluded.

However, the decision to turn away the three 250cc riders due to their age and predicted lack of competitiveness has provoked anger from both the championship that they race and the wider British motorcycle racing community.

The three riders - Ian Gardner, Dan Tarrat and Andy Meacham - are currently 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively in the MRO GP250 championship, regarded as the highest level of 250cc competition under ACU jurisdiction, and have been lapping faster than Lee Dickenson - who qualified for the British GP as a 250cc wild-card last year.

Among those seeking a late decision reversal, to allow the three to ride at their home GP, is former 250GP race winner Jeremy McWilliams and Dave Stewart, CEO of MRO, who sent the following letter to the Road Race Committee outlining why they should be granted an entry:

"I would ask that you reconsider the Road Race Committee decision not to endorse the 3 250cc 'wild-card' applications on the following basis: It may not have been presented to the committee in the correct light," Stewart stated.

"All 3 riders have up to date machinery, well capable of making a satisfactory qualifying time. Dan Tarratt has a 2003 Honda with the latest ignition kit and a spare 2002 machine. Andy Meacham has a 2003 Honda TSR with the latest TSR package. Ian Gardner has a brand new 2005 Yamaha TZM with multi adjustable ignition system.

"All 3 riders have set faster lap times than Lee Dickinson (accepted and qualified at last years British GP) at the first 3 rounds of this years MRO Championship. Like it or not, the MRO Championship is the highest level of 250GP competition held under ACU jurisdiction.

"All 3 riders know that the weekend will cost them in excess of ?5000 and are prepared for that outlay. They would not be prepared for that level of commitment if they did not believe they could qualify for the race.

"The comment that last year, 2 of the riders failure to qualify was embarrassing to the ACU and counter-productive to GP racing in Great Britain is incorrect. The riders missed out by a fraction of a second through inexperience, not lack of pace.

"Both riders were within the qualifying time until less than 2 minutes from the end of the final session. Pole position was reduced by 8 tenths of a second on the last flying lap thus reducing the qualification maxima with too little time left for the riders in pit lane to put in another flying lap.

"The fact that both riders accepted this with good grace and thanked all concerned (including the ACU) for the opportunity to take part was a positive thing for 250 GP racing in Great Britain. You cannot be unaware of the increase in interest in the class since last season. The 3 wild cards have been excellent ambassadors for the class and it has helped to revive this once ailing class.

"Refusal to allow these 3 committed young men to compete could undo all the good work and good will generated over the past 12 months. It might help to note that whilst we are talking about people with 'no chance' of winning, the US Masters has just been won by a player deemed incapable of making the cut even from the qualifying competition!

"I am confident that all 3 riders will acquit themselves well, all they need is a little good will from their own federation to allow them that chance. Please look at this in a favourable and sporting light.

"No one knows the result until after the competition, otherwise there would be no point in running the event," concluded Stewart.

Chaz Davies is the only British rider currently competing in the 250cc World Championship. Day one of the British Grand Prix at Donington Park takes place next Friday.