AS TWO-WHEEL FANS LOOK AHEAD TO SUPERBIKES
Croft Circuit’s opening motor sport event of 2011 has been hailed “a resounding success” after an increased trackside crowd watched a near-record entry of riders tackle the opening rounds of the North East Motorcycle Racing Club’s championships last weekend (9-10 April).
Some 180 competitors contested a non-stop bill of 29 races that kept spectators at the Darlington circuit thrilled during the two-day event. Scotsman Dave Paton emerged the big winner as he lifted two coveted titles – the Ken Redfern and Laird of Croft trophies on his Yamaha.
Circuit Manager Tracey Morley commented: “Sunday’s gate was a match for any previous NEMCRC event here at Croft but the pleasant surprise for us was Saturday’s attendance which was clearly significantly larger than before. There was some terrific action across all the categories on the track and we were even blessed with the warm weather – the event has been a resounding success.”
Change of date for British Superbike fixture
More two-wheel action is already on the horizon at Croft with the circuit’s annual round of the high-profile MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship – but fans should take note that this year’s fixture takes place on the earlier than usual weekend of Friday-Sunday 13-15 May.
The eagerly anticipated event, one of the biggest for the North East’s premier motor sport venue, will mark the third round of this year’s BSB – among the world’s most revered national motorcycle race series. The BSB’s star riders will be in race action twice on the Sunday (15 May), supported by four further races for the highly-entertaining National Superstock 600, National Superstock 1000, British Supersport and British 125GP categories.
Race day tickets are currently on sale at the discounted price of just £24 per adult via the www.croftcircuit.co.uk website or by calling 01325 721815. Admission for children aged 15 and under is FREE. All admission includes access to the BSB and support race paddocks as well as the morning ‘Pit Walk’ for public. For more information about the BSB visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Darlington motor club next up at Croft
In the meantime, next up at Croft is the first of the circuit’s four-wheeled race meetings in 2011 with early season action from the Darlington & District Motor Club’s popular championships in just ten days time (Sat-Sun 23-24 April).
The event includes eight races – two of them for the DDMC’s hotly-contested Northern Saloon & Sports Car Championship which is set for a capacity 30-plus grid of cars. The Porsche Club and Porsche GT3 championships are also in action as are two four-hour endurance races for the VW Fun Cup – each featuring strategic driver-change pit stops to add to the unpredictability and excitement for spectators. Paddock access is open and adult tickets are priced just £12. Again, as with all race events at Croft in 2011, admission for children aged 15 and under is FREE.
More information about Darlington & District Motor Club, which now boasts some 300-plus members, can be found at www.darlington-motor-club.org.uk
Croft Circuit 2011 Race Calendar (*all events free for children 15 & under)
Event Date Race Day Adult Ticket Cars Sat-Sun 23-24 April £12 MCE Insurance British Superbikes Fri-Sun 13-15 May £24 Cars Sat-Sun 28-29 May £12 Dunlop British Touring Cars Sat-Sun 18-19 June £24 Cars Sat-Sun 23-24 July £12 Croft Nostalgia Weekend Sat-Sun 6-7 August £10 Sat / £12 Sun Cars Sat-Sun 10-11 Sept £12 Cars Sat-Sun 24-25 Sept £12 Motorcycles Sat-Sun 15-16 Oct £12 Christmas Stages Rally Tues 27 Dec £10
For all pricing options, including Saturday access, weekend tickets and grandstand seating are also
