The 2014 NG Road Racing season is set to rev up a gear at Pembrey next weekend (13/14 September), as the two-wheeled warriors prepare to duke it out around the popular Carmarthenshire circuit.
Pembrey is the longest continuously-used venue on the NG calendar, and this year stages the penultimate outing of what has been an enthralling campaign. The 1.456-mile South Wales track never fails to throw up a series of demanding challenges for the riders through its blend of technical sections and fast sweeping curves, and with no fewer than 40 races over the course of the weekend – constituting some eight hours of high-octane action each day – fans are sure to be kept entertained from the first lights-out to the final chequered flag.
Average speeds around Pembrey habitually top an eye-watering 90mph, with the current lap record held by local hero Phil Bevan, who set the benchmark time five years ago on his 1000cc R1 Yamaha and runs a track day school at the circuit. Now riding a ZX10 Kawasaki, the Welshman heads the pursuit of the flagship Phoenix Open class crown in 2014 and will likely be the man to beat this weekend as he and his rivals chase one of the biggest prize funds in the country. Bevan similarly leads the Powerbike standings.
The 250 GP ACU National Championship – the UK's premier Grand Prix-based series – brings together a flame-spitting grid of erstwhile 250cc world championship-spec machinery. Defending champion Chris Martin has amassed a Marc Marquez-esque nine victories on the bounce to set the pace ahead of fellow former title-winner Ant Hodson and South African-born Phil Atkinson.
Fast young Welshman Mark Clayton will be a sure-fire contender in the 125GP category, whilst the 600cc title fight is approaching fever pitch with Max Symonds and Corey Lewis separated by only ten points at the top of the table. Other fan favourites amongst the plethora of support classes include the new Pre-‘92 series, Pre-Injections, Streetstocks, Mini Twins and sidecars, meaning there will be more than enough excitement and spice to keep everybody on the edge of their seats.
With up to 50 points available in each class over the meeting, any mistakes will be amplified and the cream will inevitably rise to the top – prompting Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies to forecast a thrilling weekend in-store.
