Iconic corner names for an iconic circuit and a first for NG with this two-day meeting at Thruxton.
We are now through the mid-point of the season and it is getting serious for all those after the 2015 silverware. It will be a big weekend for so many riders, and what a track to host this round, the fastest on the UK mainland, and as we all know racing is about going fast, whether it be on a 125…a Superbike or a sidecar.
So special is this meeting that every solo class championship leader is on the grid for their respective classes.
The Circuit.
Thruxton is without doubt quick, and I mean quick. Speed and power, and lots of it are vital. But a fast bike is not enough, the 2.356mile Thruxton circuit takes skill to ride fast, and bravery to master. With Superbikes able to lap at near 110mph and topping out over 170mph the 40 strong grid is not a place for the feint-hearted. Expect the big bikes to push the pace, but do not be surprised if some of the 250 GP’s and 600’s start mixing it, as slipstreaming can keep the lighter bikes in touch.
The Fastest.
BSB Supersport rider Luke Jones set the fastest NG Road Racing lap here at last years meeting on his BSB spec 675 Triumph Daytona. He took the Supersport triple round in 1min 17.86 seconds.... That’s an astonishing average speed of 109.11mph… Believe me when I say… “…That will take some beating!”
The Phoenix Open.
This is the NG Road Racing premier class and for the seventh successive year Welshman Phil Bevan sits at the top of the table. Being brutally honest, and not showing any disrespect to his rivals, it is difficult to see who will stop him taking the 2015 title. He has an 89-point lead in the championship, so is in the driving seat. For his rivals it is all about who can nick a race win. Roo Cotton has been in good form, so too Nick Williamson, David Irons will be up there too along with Leigh Corfield, and you can never discount a good 600 here so Max Symonds could pop up on the podium. But as a surprise package keep an eye on 2015’s top newcomer, Paul “Potchy” Williams, anything can happen when the exuberant Welshman is on the grid, and he has had a few tips from a certain Phil Bevan !!
The 250 GP ACU National Championship.
These former 250cc world championship spec machines are pure race bikes and are designed with one thing in mind, to race, and this is the best place to see them. Former champ Ant Hodson heads the grid, along with Phil Atkinson and another former champ Daniel Jackson, but we also have proven 250 winners Dave Hampton and Darrell Higgins on the grid and looking for points and podiums.
Ones to watch.
Liam Delves is the man on the 125’s this year, but this meeting sees BSB Moto 3 leader Taz Taylor on the grid, along with the full RS Racing team of Jake Archer and Gorgina Polden, so points will be hard fought. Tim Bradley, Simon Gates, Ben Harrison and Steven Palmer will be gunning for glory in the F400 class, whilst in the 600’s Mark Hughes will be fending off Sean Montgomery, Max Symonds, Mark Piper and Peter Carr. Carr also leads the way in the Sound of Thunder class on his 675 Triumph, but can Dave Irons use his exquisite 1198 Ducati power and handling to take his first win of the year.
The closely matched road going Streetstock bikes will again see wheel to wheel action with Paul Williams and Martin Lowe, with Thomas Williams and local man Chris Whitehouse in close attendance.
Aaron Silvester will be out to add more wins in his Mini Twin campaign, but local man Tom Blackwell, plus Paul Wardell and Richard Goode will again be out to spoil the teenager’s weekend.
With GP45’s…500’s…pre injections and Sidecars also on the weekends program it will be a cracker.
My tip for the weekend for someone that will shine is Taz Taylor on his Moto3 KTM, this kid is something very special. Settle-back on the vast spectator banking and enjoy!!!…..tell them I sent you!!
Words: Russ Gardner
Images: EDP Photo News