MORE than one thousand spectators headed to Rockingham last weekend (October 17/18) to watch the first motorcycle race meeting to be held at the Northamptonshire Circuit for six years.
Spectators were treated to a top weekend of two-wheel racing action as Rockingham hosted the final meeting of the Thundersport GB 2009 championship, the UK’s second largest bike racing series.
This was the championship’s first visit to the Northamptonshire track and Rockingham’s 1.7 mile National Circuit provided a few problems for some of the competitors with the infamous left-hander of Pif Paf, claiming a number of victims over the weekend.
In its second year, Thundersport GB offers riders and fans alike the chance to watch a variety of awesome two-wheel machines however all eyes were on the championship’s youngest competitors in the Aprilia Dunlop Superteen 125cc Challenge.
The Superteen championship, which is famous for creating stars of the future such as James Toseland, Casey Stoner and Bradley Smith, headed to Rockingham with five riders still in the hunt for the title. There could only be one winner and after four close fought races, Wayne Ryan was crowned champion.
Once the young guns have outgrown the Aprilia 125cc production motorcycle they move up to the 125GP machines in the Thundersport GP3 class. Last year’s Superteen champion, 13-year-old Fraser Rogers, made the transition look easy by winning the GP3 title at the first attempt.
Jonathan Harrison edged out John Butcher to clinch the Bridgestone Thundersport 500 title, while Tim Jones on his Suzuki 650 won the Minitwin race series and Craig Morley took the silverware in the Streetfighter B championship.
There was also action from the Formula 600, Streetfighter A & C class, Supertwins, Junior Powerbike, Moto 450, Thundersport GP1, Supertock 600 and Nitro Aprilia Newcomers.
Rockingham Chairman Len O’Hagan, said: “This was our first motorcycle race meeting in six years and the first time we have welcomed Thundersport GB championship to the circuit. It was nice to get a new audience to Rockingham.
“Over the past few years Rockingham has built up a reputation for being one of the UK’s top motor racing circuit for cars, and following the success of this weekend we hope to gain the same recognition for bike race meetings.”
The next race meeting at Rockingham is in three weeks time when the circuit hosts the BARC Winter Series on Saturday, November 7, which includes eight action-packed races from the Renault Clio, Ginetta Junior, Formula Renault and Caterham Academy championships.
Tickets are only available on the gate and cost just £12. As usual children aged 15 and under who are accompanied by an adult get in for free. Fans will have the opportunity to get close to the action as general admission includes access to an open paddock and a grandstand seat.
