FOR UK’S MOST SPECTACULAR STREET EVENT - GEORGE SQUARE BECOMES MOTORSPORT RACETRACK
Wednesday 1 July 5.30 – 8.00pm
More than 20,000 spectators are set to flock to Glasgow ’s George Square on Wednesday (1 July) when the city’s streets are transformed into a high-octane race track, courtesy of Swan, Motorpoint, Glasgow City Council, and Knockhill.
Some of the fastest racers from around the world, the very elite of British and world motorcycle racing along with their phenomenally powerful machines, will wow crowds with demo laps from 5.30pm to 8pm as a preview to the ViSK British Superbikes event at Knockhill Racing Circuit on 4th / 5th July.
Scheduled to start with live action from 6pm, the landmark Square in Glasgow will see the race teams arriving from lunchtime in preparation for one of the most amazing street events to happen anywhere in the world. With ample time to meet the riders, get autographs and giveaways, the top riders warm to the interaction with the 1000’s of fans, away from the pressures of the race weekend.
There’ll be no shortage of Scottish talent with the likes of Hydrex Honda rider Stuart Easton from Hawick, currently running a highly respectable third in the championship, along with fellow Scottish star on four wheels British Touring Car Championship rookie-star Jonathon Adam of the Airwaves BMW team. Taylor Mackenzie (aged 15), son of three-times British Superbike Champ Niall Mackenzie, will be giving demonstrations on his 125cc machine along with fellow competitor Sammi Tasker (female – aged 14)) roaring around the square on her pink bike.
Fans will even get the chance to meet the riders and drivers who’ll be signing autographs and showcasing their race prepared machines in the ‘pit and paddock’ area.
Fresh from a UK tour with German superstar Cascada, Scottish girl-band Atlanta will perform tracks including their latest single ‘5 Star Lover’, and the UK’s top pro-sports dance team the Scottish Rockettes will entertain too.
The free event heralds the build up to Scotland ’s two biggest and most exhilarating motor-racing weekends of 2009. The Scottish rounds 12 and 13 of the prestigious ViSK British Superbike Championship (4 & 5 July) and round seven of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (15 & 16 August) will be fought out Knockhill racing circuit in Fife .
Only days ahead of the Superbike event many of the fastest bikers in the world will bring the glamour and excitement of their sport to the heart of Glasgow at the city centre for ‘Superbikes in the Square’.
Jillian Shedden, managing director of Knockhill racing circuit said:
“Bringing the Superbikes to Glasgow gives us the opportunity to showcase a world class championship in a world class city. The people of Glasgow always welcome their Superbike heroes so warmly and working with Glasgow City Council is a pleasure, showing how dynamic and versatile the city can be. We thank everyone involved in making it happen”.
Bailie James McNally, Executive Member for Land and Environment, said:
“This is the third year Glasgow has hosted Superbikes in the Square. It is a great event and I am sure everyone coming to the Square will find the races extremely exciting and enjoyable.”
Stuart Easton said:
“I can’t wait to race at my home track and to meet the fans in Glasgow too. I have had five podium places so far this season but my first win has so far eluded me so to win in Scotland would be simply a dream come true. This street event is unique in the BSB calendar and I know all the riders love to perform for their fans in such a unique setting”
Tickets for rounds 12 and 13 of the ViSK British Superbike Championship is on 4 & 5 July are priced from £5 - £32. Tickets for round seven of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship on 15 & 16 August are also priced from £5 - £32. All tickets available from knockhill.com.
Superbikes in the Square is presented by Swan in association with Motorpoint, Glasgow City Council, and Knockhill. It is one on the biggest bike sport street events in the UK . The event is free but race-weekend tickets can be purchased in advance at George Square making savings on on-the-day admission prices.
Event Timetable:
5.30 TRACK CHECK AND OPENING BY SAFETY CAR
5.45 – 6.05 1st BIKE ACTION
6.05 – 6.10 Track Crossing
6.05 – 6.20 Activity one - Knockhill Driving Experience Demo
6.20 – 6.25 Track Crossing
6.25 – 6.45 2nd BIKE ACTION
6.45 – 6.50 Track Crossing
6.50 – 7.00 Activity two - Provisional BTCC Demo
7.00 – 7.05 Track Crossing
7.05 – 7.20 3rd BIKE ACTION
7.20 – 7.30 Track Crossing
7.30 – 7.35 Activity three - Knockhill Driving Experience Demo
7.35 – 7.40 Track Crossing
7.40 – 8.00 BIKE ACTION FINALE
8.15 TRACK CLOSED BY SAFETY CAR
8.30 Square re-opens to traffic
