As we hit mid season, it means that this meeting gains added importance. Any rider who wants one of the coveted NG titles come the end on the year must take good points. Phil Bevan the R1 riding defending champion in both Open and Powerbike series will be hoping to keep his momentum going, although he is going to face some tough opposition against Roo Cotton, Tom Garness and the back to fitness Chris Pope. Duncan Gibson on past Mallory performance is sure to be in the mix. The 600 class will, as ever give us some of the closest racing with Chris Hawkes hoping to stave off the challenge from Paul Jeffery, Dave Manley and the fast improving ex-125GP rider Andrew Fisher, who has now fully come to terms with the R6 Yamaha. The Circuit The Mallory Park circuit is 1.35 miles long and packs a lot into that distance, from the fast entry to Gerrards to the demanding uphill sweep through to the low speed Shaw’s Hairpin. The track has undergone major changes over the last few years, but many of the ingredients of the Classic circuit are still there, plus there is almost unrivalled viewing for spectators. A good start in the races is vital, as this is a track where a small gap is very hard to pull back. That allied to the fast that is half way in the season long series…… this really is a vital time to get points on the board.
The Fastest
John Ingram set the fastest NG Road racing lap here at Mallory in June 2011 on his SMT S1000RR BMW. He hustled the big “BM” round in just 52.68 seconds....that’s an average speed of almost 95mph. That will be a tough target to beat, but as they say records are there to be beaten!
The 250GP ACU National Championship
NG Road Racing are once more hosting the prestigious 250GP ACU National Championship, we along with the series sponsors, Dunlop and The ACU are providing an outlet for these Grand Prix derived pure-bred real racing machines. This is the only place that you will see these machines competing in a full National championship anywhere in the UK, action is always guaranteed. There is also the 250GP NG Cup for the up and coming non-national licence holders, who are always out to impress. Reigning and therefore defending champion Dan Jackson leads the current standings by just a dozen points over Chris Martin, who was absent at the last round…. But this meeting he is back, and keen to get that series lead back.
The Phoenix Motorcycles Open
This is the big one for the NG riders. It’s open to all riders on all bikes, so it really is the best rider on the best bike that comes out on top. There is dedicated timed qualifying….longer races…and more laps on offer than any other class as well as three points scoring races over a weekend. That’s why it’s the premier club class with big end of season money from Phoenix Motorcycles of Trowbridge, all the top riders want to win. Josh Day leads the title chase on his WH Bond ZX10 Kawasaki with defending champion Phil Bevan hunting him down after a steady start to the year…..but gaining momentum and buoyed by a win last time out, despite carrying a wrist injury from a practice crash on the morning of race day.
Keep an eye on…… Duncan Gibson – 1199 Panigale – Open and Powerbike
Last time NG was here at Mallory Duncan Gibson was one of the stars of the meeting. His 1199 John Hackett/G and G Racing Panigale Ducati, which with the Hackett touch to the motor, will be topping out at 200bhp. That power allied to the Ducati’s exquisite handling and Duncan’s liking for Mallory may well prove the package to beat….
Wayside Garages Performance of the Meeting
As with every meeting there is the Performance of the Meeting Award. Open to everyone, this rewards one rider per meeting for his or her efforts. It is not all about winning races (….. although that really helps !!!!), the judges take all classes and all riders into consideration. Last time out at Castle Combe it went to Justin Garrett for a dominating performance in the Mini Twins
Bardahl Top-Oils Newcomers Performance Award (www.top-oils.co.uk)
This is a new award for 2013 from Bardahl Top-Oils and rewards a newcomer for his or her efforts on track. This can either be for a good weekend result, or a one off performance against more experienced opposition. Last time out at Castle Combe it went to Andrew Gooding from the Streetstocks class.
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