2020 – Harry Grant

Harry Grant of Smithfield, RI was inducted into the New England Trials Association Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 22, 2020, during a ceremony at his home.

Grant, 68, began competing in off-road Observed Trials motorcycle competition in the early 1970s, quickly rising to the Top Ten Riders and achieving Expert ranking. He went on to become one of the top riders in New England for several decades.

In addition to competing in New England events, Harry participated in many National competitions in the 1970s. In 1975, Harry was one of just a handful of US riders to compete in the first World Championship Observed Trials Competition held in the United States. The event was held in the Exeter/West Greenwich area of Rhode Island. 

“Harry is a one of a kind person and competitor”, said Bruce Adler, Harry’s long time friend and training partner. “He would practice well into the evening at lighted areas alongside the interstate highway. There are extremely few people with Harry’s degree of determination “ said Adler. Stu Preston, President of the New England Trials Association added “Harry is indeed a legend and his name will live on forever by way of this prestigious award”. 

During his many years of competition, Harry was a spectacular athlete and sportsman willing to assist and mentor new riders and competitors. As late as 2019 Harry was still competing in the Senior classes of Observed Trials in various New England locations.

Pictured during the award presentation are (L-R) NETA officer Bill Bonneau, Hub Brennan, Harry Grant and R.I. Trials Club President Carl “Coach” Swanson 

Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame recognizes members of The New England Trials Association who have made significant contributions to the sport of trials in New England.

2006
George Truesdale
2006
David Russell
2006
Bill Mathewson
2007
Robin Farmer
2007
Al DeCubellis
2008
Al (Tibby) Thibodeau
2008
Don Sweet
2009
Alan Gasbarro
2009
Leo O’Shea
2009
Bob Hogan
2010
Jack Heminway
2011
Dick Bouchard
2014
Gary Bourque
2015
Carl (Coach) Swanson
2016
David Allen
2017
Wayne Galvin
2018
Jeff Salois
2019
Joe Antonelli
2019
Dan Williams
2020
Harry Grant
2022
Darren Lane
2023
Bob Bertrand

2020 Membership Application

It’s time to signup for the upcoming NETA season. The 2020 NETA Membership Application has been updated to reflect recent rule changes:

  • Three classes have changed names and two classes have been eliminated. Click for details.
  • Starting in 2021, a rider’s number plate background must match the color of the line ridden (red for “A”, blue for “B” and green for “C”).
  • To assist bringing everyone’s plate in sync with the class changes for 2020 and the background color requirement for 2021, NETA is including with your membership a number plate decal with a colored background and improved legibility.

Please print, complete the application and mail it along with a check made out to NETA to the address at the bottom. Check the appropriate box and include the decal request if you want an updated decal for your number plate. Contact David Scarbro if you are unable to print the application and would like to have one mailed to you.

As in past years, the membership fee is $30.00 for individual renewals mailed before April 15th and $50.00 for those mailed after April 15th.

Rule Changes for 2020

The 2020 NETA Rule Book is under revision and will be published soon. The 2019 Rule Book is on the Documents page.

Rule change proposals and voting results from the annual NETA meeting are below.

Change Naming of Novice Sections to SportsmanPassed
Name Plate Letter  2″ Minimum (already in rule book)
Number plate background color to match gate color  (effective 2021)Passed
Reduce # of Riding ClassesPassed
NETA riders  #  to stay on plate  (minimum # size of 1 “)Passed
NETA to supply conforming vinyl decals to members for platePassed
Eliminate Double sectionsPassed
Limit to 3 gates per class per sectionWithdrawn
Eliminate Vintage “V” gates from eventsPassed
Issue Awards per Line ridden eliminate awards per Class riddenFail
Change Senior C line from 4 loops to 3 at eventsFail
Five mile loop requirementFail
Combine Senior Expert line with Advanced line Fail