As ever at this time of the year, with this being the penultimate round of 2015 anyone who has half an eye on one of the coveted class championships, is in a tricky situation….do you risk all, and keep pushing for points…..or do you sit back and see what your challengers are doing.
Each rider will treat this round differently. The Anglesey Coastal Circuit is one that most riders love, but being hung out on the top of North Wales the weather can play a huge part in the weekend.
The Circuit.
This spectacular 1.55 mile Anglesey Coastal circuit overlooks the Irish Sea and the Snowdonia Mountains and offers competitors and spectators something very different to almost any other race venue. It is one of the few circuits to be designed and constructed with an entirely new concept. They have taken full advantage of the undulating landscape with two hairpin bends and banked corners….plus the extremely popular corkscrew. The track offers a host of overtaking opportunities for the competitors, so spectators are in for a real treat.
The Fastest.
Phil Crowe still holds the fastest NG lap here at 1min 08.47 seconds, which equates to 81.49mph, set way back in August 2010 when he was riding his sorted Superbike spec GSXR 1000 Suzuki.
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 astonishing 150-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 recently, but my pick for a challenge to Bevan could well be Darren Rumley who is new looking at home on his new ZX10 Kawasaki. The 600 supersport bikes are a good match for the Superbikes here though so keep an eye on Sean Montgomery, Max Symonds, Dale Thomas and Peter Carr.
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 who is pegging Hodson back in this years title chase. Another former champ Daniel Jackson is out there, but we also have proven winners Dave Hampton and Darrell Higgins looking for points and podiums.
The Ducati Desmo Due Series.
NG has taken over the popular Ducati series that is for the 600 and 620cc Ducati monster and Supersport twins. Andy Claridge, Matt Lawson and Dallas Hornblow will be out or class A glory whilst class B is all about Scott Wilson in 2015, so he will have a big target on his back this weekend.
Ones to watch.
Team SMW is out in force again this weekend with two teamsters looking to wrap up championships. Phil Bevan (Open and Powerbike) and Paul “Potchy” Williams (Newcomer and Streetstock), whist Alister Haynes is up holding team honour in the 600’s after James Harrison had a “big off” at Combe and will be out for the rest of the year. Team Boss Shaun Wynne (Mr SMW) will be hoping for an outing too, if there is not too much work to do getting everyone organised!
The pick of the championship contenders in the paddock include Aaron Silvester in the Mini-Twins, Sean Montgomery, Josh Day, Max Symonds and Mark Hughes in the 600’s, as well as Tim Bradley and Ben Harrison in the Formula 400 class. Whilst in the 500 Open Dave Hampton is sure to be in his element on the Tigcraft Enigma 450….this 1.55mile coastal track looks like it was built for this bike.
Mike Hobbs will head up the pre Injections, but after a great Thruxton meeting he will need to keep an eye on Paul Harlington, both ride R1 Yamaha’s.
12 year old Caleb Smith is on the brink of F125 championship glory but a big crash last time out mean that the team is fighting to get the bike and Caleb in tip top conditions……fingers crossed
With a full set of NG classes including the ever popular sidecars, a great weekend is in prospect……enjoy.