After the late start to the year as a result of the Beast from the East we are now fully into the swing of things after two successful meetings at Anglesey and Cadwell Park. Finally championships are starting to take shape and the form book can now hold some weight.
This is the first time that NG have been to Snetterton since 2010 when Phil Bevan was the man-to-beat. Back then his rivals for the superbike classes were Sean Hennessey, Michael Blank, Mark Compton and young charger James Kiff. Well Bevan may have moved onto the National Endurance series but the rest all still on the grids (....older, but none the wiser !!). 2010 was also the year that a 20 year old Josh Day was winning the British 600 superstock championship. Josh is now a firm fixture in the NG paddock and is THE man to beat when it comes to the Open and Powerbikes. Hennessey, Blank, Compton and Kiff are now chasing Day's tail. They will be joined by Chris Pope, Allister Haynes and a host of others trying to topple Day's dominance.
As ever though, it’s not all about the big bikes. Take a look though the respective and varied solo classes and the in form men and women are popping out as the season starts to take shape. Aaron Ridewood is showing why he was a pre-season pick for the 600 class, however he currently sits second in the series behind 2015 champ Sean Montgomery, who everyone is at pains to point out is still looking for his first win…could this be the weekend ? Kayla Barrington too is hitting a run of form after a stuttering start to the year, She is now a regular top 6 runner and a first podium is surely not too far away for the former National super moto front runner.
Tim Bradley had a tough year in 2017 on a 600 and has now returned to his beloved FZR in the F400 class. He has picked up exactly where he took off in 2016 with six wins on the bounce to start this season. Michael Rees and Nick Brown must be scratching their heads as to how to find an answer for Bradley’s pace.
William Holland is another in form rider as he heads up both the Mini Twins and Super Twins tales over Paul Wardell. Dave Hampton is another that heads two title chances as he in top dog in the Supermono and 500 Open. Phil Webber too has a double top leading both the Formula Prostocks and Pre injection, on two different bikes!!
See how all the championships pan out with two high speed days at the Snetterton 200 circuit……..
Snetterton Circuit
Snetterton was originally RAF airfield, used by the 96th United States Air Force Bomber Group in the 1940's. The circuit itself was created in 1951 from the network of remaining runways and its first race event was held in the same year by the Aston Martin Owner's Club.
Snetterton has undergone somewhat of a renaissance during the recent years following a multi-million pound redevelopment project at the start of 2011, which was met with rave reviews from both spectators and competitors alike. Its combination of long straights and a wide variety of turns challenges both power and handling..... as well as the rider.
NG's Fastest Rider at Snetterton
This is the first time since 2010 that NG have been to Snetterton, so that was on the old layout and Phil Bevan was the man to beat lapping at almost 103mph average. This Snetterton 200 circuit will be a new challenge for most but keep an eye on series lap record poacher Josh Day to set fastest NG figures.
Adding extra interest to the weekend
NG Road Racing is again running and promoting the British National series for 125cc and 250cc GP machinery now with backing from Dymag and Hartsmere Logistics. This is the only place in the UK that you will see these ex-GP machines racing for a full British Championship title backed by the ACU (The sports governing body in the UK). We also welcome the Ducati Desmo Due Series back for another year and the same goes for the ever growing band of Formula Prostock and Suzuki Bandit runners.
NG riders have their first taste of the Snetterton 200 circuit....
Meeting number four of 2018 means three more championship rounds for the regular NG classes after exciting season openers at Brands Hatch, Anglesey and Cadwell we now approach mid season (…what already !). Snetterton returns to the NG calendar after six years away, and in that six years Snett has changed a lot. This new 200 layout is going to test all competitors to learn and adapt quickly. Very few will have track knowledge, so that could give the local wild-cards an advantage…. Or alternatively it could spur on the championship regulars to raise their game….. time will tell.
On track there is the full range of NG classes which as ever includes classes for everything from 125GP to Powerbikes, plus a mouth watering selection of Sound of Thunder... Streetstock... Supermono and Super Twins. The Phoenix Open is the focus for many, but there is also the Dymag backed 125/250 GP ACU National championship, The Ducati Desmo Due's and The Formula Prostocks, and for fans of sidecars...well they are here too.
So whatever your racing tastes there is something for you.
For full conditions of admission and to take advantage of online bookings -
www.motorsportvision.co.uk Directions to the Circuit
Snetterton is situated in Norfolk, off the A11 Thetford to Norwich road.
Snetterton Circuit signs are evident from all directions -
Sat Nav: NR16 2JU What’s on track
Up to 20 NG Road Racing championship races each day split into qualifiers and finals for each of the classes. That means some 8 hours of on track action each day. I suggest you get in nice and early, take a wander around the paddock and soak up the atmosphere as the riders go though technical inspection and free practice, they then take to the track for the new for 2018 timed qualifying sessions. There are then three points scoring championship races over the weekend.
For all the info...
For full information regarding this event, including the meeting race preview check out the NG Road Racing Facebook page which can be found by searching in the usual way... then just click like… or log on to
| www.ngroadracing.org
For information specific to this round and the circuit take a look at
| www.motorsportvision.co.uk
Words : Russ Gardner | NG Road Racing Media Officer
Images : EDP Photo News |
www.edpphoto.co.uk