The countdown is almost over… there are now just a few days to go before some of the world’s top motorcycle racers arrive at the Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire for their annual visit to the region and the latest round of the 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship this coming weekend (13-15 May).
Croft Circuit’s phones have been non stop with calls from public booking tickets in advance this past week – all eager to be a part of what is one of the biggest sporting events for the region this year. And it is still possible to pre-order and have tickets posted if booked by close of play today (Mon 9 May). For more information about full weekend or individual race-day ticket prices for adults visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk or call 01325 721815. However, admission for accompanied children aged 15 and under is FREE.
The BSB is Britain’s premier motorcycle race championship and indeed one of the finest anywhere in the world. Certainly the speeds being achieved by the BSB’s top names at Croft this weekend – in some places close to 180mph – will be the fastest recorded at the circuit this year. An open paddock policy will enable the public to rub shoulders with the stars of the show over the weekend and on Sunday morning meet them during a specially organised pit lane autograph session.
Currently on top following the most recent round at Oulton Park, Cheshire is former double title winner Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne on his HM Plant Honda. But the title race is wide open with the season’s first four races having produced four different winners – Byrne, his Japanese team-mate and reigning Champion Ryuichi Kiyonari, American John Hopkins on his Samsung Crescent Suzuki and Tommy Hill, riding for the Guisborough-based Swan Yamaha team.
Hill was unable to compete at Oulton after crashing and injuring a shoulder and he is currently undergoing an intense course of physiotherapy in a heroic bid to race in front of his team’s home crowd at Croft. Hill’s team-mate Michael Laverty is another of the front-runners, while Stuart Easton, from ‘just up the road’ in Hawick, is also very much in the title scrap – currently second to Byrne in the standings on his MSS Colchester Kawasaki and eager to impress in what is a home event for him. Indeed, in addition to Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki other makes on the BSB grid include Ducati, BMW and Aprilia – further adding to the variety for Croft’s trackside crowd.
Significantly, this coming weekend will mark the first time back at Croft for Guisborough’s Dennis Hobbs, competing in the BSB’s ‘Evo’ class since breaking his neck in a crash at the track in 2007. Also part of the headlining BSB grid will be Northumberland’s Graeme Gowland, Bishop Auckland’s Barry Burrell and Knaresborough’s Dan Linfoot.
“This is shaping up to be one of our most exciting and well attended race events in the 15 years since Croft opened,” commented Circuit Manager Tracey Morley. “The BSB attracts a massive following right throughout the UK as well as from fans around the world and it is currently enjoying one of its most exciting seasons on record… and its next stop of course is in the North East right here with us at Croft in just a few days time.
“The atmosphere is sure to be sensational and with free admission for kids we hope it’s an event that appeals to diehard and casual motor sport fans alike, especially families. Furthermore, our viewing areas are among the best of any circuit in the country and this will be the only time this year the BSB visits the region. It really is an event not to be missed.”
Also on the bill over the weekend will be the BSB’s regular, high-profile supporting categories: British 125GP, National Superstock 600, National Superstock 1000 and British Supersport categories. Contesting them will be a number of locals for the trackside crowds to cheer on, namely: brothers Matthew & Harry Hartley from Burnley, Richard Ferguson from Stockton-on-Tees, Josh Corner from South Shields and Gateshead’s Chrissy Rouse (all in British 125GP); Derek Gulbrandsen from Jarrow and Joe Burns from Newcastle-upon-Tyne (both in Superstock 1000); Josh Harland from York (Superstock 600) and Ben Padgett from Batley (British Supersport).
For more information about the BSB visit the official britishsuperbike.com website
To find out more about Croft, including a list of all its 2011 fixtures including BSB (13-15 May), Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (18-19 June) and its retro Nostalgia Weekend (6-7 August) plus details on ticket prices/how to book, visit croftcircuit.co.uk or call 01325 721815.
