Although everyone is talking about the Castle Combe Circuit's forthcoming Superbike meeting at the end of September, there's the opportunity to have a taste of things to come with the Fowlers Motorcycles Pro-Bike National meeting on Saturday 21 August.
As is the tradition at the circuit's annual motorcycle event, there are more races than you can shake a stick at and a huge number of local riders featured throughout the programme. The entry comprises almost every kind of bike, from new riders on relatively standard road going machines to sidecars and the ever popular Classic Race Bike Parade.
Unlike car race meetings, many riders will be featuring in several races. Castle Combe's Nigel Manning-Moreton for example is out in both the New Era Superclub 'Sound of Thunder' six lappers and the two Pro-Bike Opens on his Dataline Express Honda. Bristol's Chris Mitchard is also competing in both those with his Louigi Moto Ducati, fellow Bristolian, Drew Lovell, on a similar machine in the 'Thunder' race.
Cirencester's Alan Moreton, Radstock's Robert Jones on his 1000cc Honda, Bath's Ian Treasure and Melksham's Stephen Lake on 1000cc Yamahas will be running in the Pro-Bike races.
The 125 and 250 Grand Prix races feature Melksham riders Darrell Higgins and Russell Hynes, both on Yamaha 250s. Bristolians' Tom Luton and Mike Peglar will be on Hondas.
The Formula 600 races have Bristol's Dave Crawford on his Honda 600, Morten Hanasand (Suzuki) and Drew Dorling (Yamaha), whilst Bath sends Sean Ridley (Suzuki) and Chippenham, Matthew Rostron (Suzuki).
The two Formula 400 races have Marlborough's James Parry on a Honda, whilst the 12 lap ACU/FSRA Super F2 Sidecar championship has Andy King and Colin Borland from Melksham on their 600 Kawasaki.
Completing the packed programme is a 13 lap race for the Super Mono UK Championship.
Olly Bridewell from Devizes, arguably the West's most successful current rider, lying 3rd in the Yamaha R6 Cup, hopes to be able to borrow a machine for this event, prior to an outing at the 'Superbike' meeting in September.
The now traditional Classic Race Bike Parade has a plethora of classic Italian and British race bikes from the '50's, '60's, and '70's.
The event commences with practice from 8-30 am, racing getting under way at 11-00 am. Admission prices are £10 for adults, £5 OAPs, £2-50 paddock transfer with accompanied children free.
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